Shouldn't I be seeing some signs?

[oneofsevendwarfs]

Hello all, I'm concerned that I'm not seeing any improvement in my treatment. Yesterday was the start of week 5 on my latest machine (bipap autoSV). The only progression I've noticed is that I'm keeping the mask on throughout the night, which was not the case with the previous 2 machines as well as for the first couple weeks on the bipap. I am, however, still waking up 2 to 3 times a night, I'm not sure why. Could it be that the higher pressures are waking me up? and do you think it's just a matter of my body getting used to it? It's just that I thought I'd feel more rested having the mask at least on all night??? I should also mention that I've been experiencing high levels of anxiety at times because of my lack of progression in treatment and extremely poor productivity at work.

Please tell me there's hope

[Goofproof]

You should see what's going on in your software readouts. the answers will be there. AHI, Leak rates ECT. Jim

[oneofsevendwarfs]

I'm going to see my equipment supplier tomorrow morning to get a reading from my machine. Can anyone offer some suggestions as far as what to ask?

[Snoredog]

throw up a daily report and let's see what is up.

You have to set things a bit differently on that machine compared to others, but you start off with EPAP in controlling obstructive apnea with IPAP +1 maintaining a delta. Once apnea are gone you use IPAP and increase it up to eliminate residual Hypopnea. If Centrals persist you set Backup rate to spontaneous rate -2 and set Start I time to 1.2.

[oneofsevendwarfs]

how do I go about "throwing up" a daily report?

as for those other suggestions...its a bit over my head. Can you dumb it down for me?

[Goofproof]

I'm guessing the software you are showing in your profile isn't software, it's only the smart card. With the software you get numbers and graphs that can be posted to photobucket and linked to the forum. Just having the card isn't enough, you are at the mercy of your DME provider, and that's not a good place to be. Jim

[kteague]

The adjustment period and time till feeling better is soooooo individualized. Five weeks seems like a long time to be going through these adjustments, but in my experience, it was many months, closer to a year, just because I went thru pressure changes, mask switches, taking mask off during sleep, insomnia, and limb movement problems. I really don't think it's fair to ourselves to expect much change until we've gone through the adjustment phase, however long that may be. It leads to disappointment and frustration. How about counting your time from the point where things have stabilized - it's a more realistic expectation.

Sorry I can't be of much help on the technical stuff. Just want to encourage you that this adjustment phase won't last forever. Sounds like you're already making good progress, and hopefully will soon be seeing some results of your diligence.

[Snoredog]

here ya go, don't touch the edges:

this one is rooster:

this sign really sucks:

[Guest]

I see what you did there

[oneofsevendwarfs]

Yes, you are correct...I only have the smart card and not the software. I guess I misunderstood the purpose of that in the profile.

I did however get a copy of the report from my DME. Here are some of the numbers, if that is any indication to you...

Avg Peak IPAP Pressure: 8.4 cm H2O
Avg % of Night in Periodic Breathing: 1%
Avg Time in Large Leak Per Day: 10.5 minutes
Avg Breath Rate: 16.9 BPM
Avg Tidal Volume: 540.6 ml
Avg AHI: 2.3
Avg Peak Flow: 32.1 lpm
Current Backup Rate Setting: 8.0

I used the machine every night for the past 23 days...which I believe is how these avg's were calculated.

Does that help at all?

[oneofsevendwarfs]

ok, so I ordered the reader and the software...but for now can anyone tell me anything from my previous post?

thanks so much for everyone's help! and patience!

[Goofproof]

I'm not a bi-pap kind of guy, but the large leak rate skews the data and treatment, when you get the software you will probably see different numbers. First thing shut down the large leaks. get the normal leak rate as low as possiable. Jim