Spoke Too Soon

[dynamite]

Yesterday I reported early success -- my second night on CPAP therapy and I was feeling like a new woman! Spoke too soon, however. Last night was a disaster! I kept the mask on all night but woke up tired and my aching legs are back. No dreaming either. I am now really aware of how my sleep (or lack thereof) effects my physical well-being. I can't read any data on my sleep because the doc ordered my APAP set on CPAP with fixed pressure of 11. From all the info on the forum, I am assuming that my mask (Swift LT nasal pillows) must be leaking. Should I first start adjusting straps? Try different size pillows? Or is it advisable to attach the hose to connector on top strap of headgear? Just not sure where to begin. Thanks in advance to any with ideas about the order in which to try adjustments.

[Goofproof]

If you don't take steps to stop mouth breathing you can't be sure you aren't. The software and reader give you a clue if you get them. Using a properly fitting FF mask by-passes the problem of mouthbreathing as does taping. Chin straps usually are a waste of time, money, and pain. Jim

[deerhound]

dynamite, your machine is a data capable machine. It doesn't have to be running in auto to provide data. You should order the EncoreViewer software and card reader from http://www.directhomemedical.com/access ... bipap.html, for 139.99 Or call cpap.com and they will probably price match them. You will be able to get very valuable information from your cpap machine with the card reader and software. Some of the real experts here will then be able to help you figure out what to do to improve things.

Dale

[OldLincoln]

Reminds me of playing golf. I'd have a really great shot followed by 87 bad ones. Seems I was too focused on repeating the great one instead of letting each shot stand alone. Ya gotta relax and enjoy each time for itself.

[Robadob]

I don't know about your machine, but with mine I can get limited data off the LCD screen. I found the way into my menu through the boards. Each morning I can check my leak rate, my AI, HI and AHI. It's not as good as the software, but it's something.

For me a chinstrap has worked wonders.

Keep tweaking until you get it. You will.

[nightjar]

Dynamite, I think we all have bad nights every so often. That you had a good night says something's going right.

Goofproof is right about mouth-breathing: any significant amount of that and your therapy's going right out the window. Some folks learn to keep their mouth shut while sleeping, but many more simply opt for a full-face mask.

Deerhound is right, too, I think. Even if your machine is set to a single pressure, you can get data from it--you should be able to see your obstructive apneas, hypopneas, your AHI, and your leak rate. That leak rate will tell you if you need to make adjustments.

Just remember that there are all sorts of things that affect our sleep. The machine and mask have a role in that, but there may be other factors at play.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum!

nath

[GaryGarland]

you may still be able to pull diagnostics out of your machine even if set to cpap - i know i can with my resmed (i just don't get efficacy data, i do get the ahi, etc.)
1) make sure your swift lt is assembled correctly, with the pillows angling "outward" from the center - there is a bump on the (i think) right side, and it should match the series of bumps on the pillow to show you have it the right way.
2) make sure the pillows are "locked" into the top and bottom tabs
3) make sure the elbow is securly fastened to the centerpiece
4) use the largest pillows that will comfortably fit your schnoz.
5) make sure the straps are like goldilocks, not too tight and not too loose (i actually have learned to err on the side of loose - too tight hurt and caused a lot of leaks)
6) CONSIDER using ayr gel or similar - some folks have reported success - although me (and others) have also reported it causes more leaks (makes pillows too slippery)
7) this is a big one for me - use the highest humidity setting you can that avoids rainout (with my tube cover it's 2, without it's 1.5) - once i get rain out things seem to get slick in a hurry, air leaks all over, and the night is pretty much ruined
here's another - some folks have reported success with lamesine (check spelling) - supposed to work better than ayr gel - haven't tried it
9) finally, position the tube comortably so it doesn't yank all over the place - i do use the thing on the top of my head and generally have the tube straight up - i experience a lot of leaks if i go on my side (but have to for my poor back after a few hours). i have a velcro loop above my bed so it keeps the tubing from hitting me in the head (for the most part) and the tube sleeve helps keep it a bit softer and a little less rainout...
hope this helped!

[dynamite]

Thank you for the pointers. They give me some good ideas about improving my sleep with CPAP. I think maybe the problem was the humidifier, since I dialed it up a notch, from 2 to 3, to see if this helped me stay asleep longer. I don't have a hose cover yet but know this is the next purchase I will make. I love this forum!

[Goofproof]

I don't know about your machine, but with mine I can get limited data off the LCD screen. I found the way into my menu through the boards. Each morning I can check my leak rate, my AI, HI and AHI. It's not as good as the software, but it's something.

For me a chinstrap has worked wonders.

Keep tweaking until you get it. You will.

Data off the screen can be unreliable, and lead to false conclusions. It doesn't show trends and what happened and when. It's better than nothing but not the best way to tune in your treatment. If you have decent equiptment it's nice to be able to use it's features. Or go cheap, and guess your way to success. Jim

[nate fry]

I had a problem when I first got my machine. I had to get a chin strap to keep my mouth closed till I learned how to do it myself. It takes time and even if you do it right your body has to get used to it. So stick with it and you will see improvements. You also have to learn how to roll around and to sleep in a comfortable position. I just had the surgeries after being on my machine for 6 years. I am still healing but I think people should consider this option. There is a reason why you need the machine and it could be repaired. I think most insurances do a good job of covering this when it is inpatient. good luck.

[Hawthorne]

You can get data on the LCD screen even though your machine is set in cpap. You should get leak rate, AHI and hours of usage as well as 7 and 30 day averages. You won't get the averages of 7 and 30 days for a few more days. Push the right arrow button. Push it once you will get some info, push it again you'll get more info. Keep pushing it until you have scrolled through everything. After you've checked data, just leave the machine for a bit ( afew minutes) and it will again show the opening screen with the Respironics symbol in it.

You will see your leak rate and you can compare it with the graph in your users guide that came with your mask- at pressure 11 cm, your leak rate should be 32 or 33. If the number on the LCD screen is way over that, you have mask leak problems and may be mouth breathing. If it's at 32-33 or a bit lower you are fine as far as leaks go and are not mouth breathing at the moment. This could happen later in therapy so needs to be watched. Your AHI should be 5 or less for it to be considered adequate treatment. You should be able to see that too. The AHI is the sum of the Apneas and Hypoapneas you may have during the night. Without software this data is not totally reliable but is something to go on.

With your mask, I would adjust the barrel part a bit and make sure the headgear is not too tight. You may have the wrong size pillow for you. I tired the large first - it really hurt and leaked. Then I tried the medium and it didn't leak but still hurt my nostrils. I now use the small - no leaks, no sore nostrils. I have to adjust the pillows a bit sometimes when I first put it on but no leaks all night.

You will just get the total AHI without software and a reader and it will not be as reliable but it is something to go on. Get the software soon if you can.

Check that out and see if you get some data.

PM me if I can help you more. I have that machine and that mask.

If you PM me I can send you the Clinician's setup guide for that machine which will give your more information. You may not want to make any changes right away but as you get experience and ask questions on this forum you may want to do that.

There are lots of people here able and willing to help you.

Good luck!