Need some input please :)

[tdm5032c]

I think I understand most of the data from my machine, but would like some people with a bit more experience to look at it and see if I should make changes or not. I still don't understand the Vibratory Snore and how it relates to my total AHI. Any input on my data would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Thanks in advance!!!

Tracy

http://www.box.net/shared/s72a7ry9od

[Hawthorne]

What was your titrated pressure from your sleep study?

The Vibratory Snore is not counted in your AHI (only you OA -Apneas and H- Hypoapneas).

Your AHI is very good!

Why are there such short sessions on so many days? Are you not using the machine all night some nights or are those naps or both?

Depeneding upon your titrated pressure you may want to raise your minimum pressure gradually. A minimum of 5 is pretty low but I don't know your titrated pressure.

[tdm5032c]

My titrated pressure was 9. I leave it lower because I have pretty significant gas(aerophagia) from CPAP which is also why there are quite a few short time on there using. Some of them were naps too . Gotta love them!!!

Will continued use of the machine lower my Vibratory Snore, or does that have any significance?

Thanks for your input Hawthorne!! Much appreciated

Tracy

[mbridget]

Some of them were naps too . Gotta love them!!!



Tracy

Ahhh...I miss naps...
I am on a strict sleep hygiene regimen and I am not allowed to take them anymore...

[Hawthorne]

I love my naps as well. Because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, which has a fatigue factor of its own, they are sometimes necessary for me. I take my smartcard out for naps. I only want the full night data. That may also be something you could try. It would give a clearer picture of your sleep data.

Your VS might settle down as you become more accustomed to your machine and mask.

I was wondering about your titrated pressure though and, with a titrated pressure of 9, 5 may be too low for a minimum. I see you were at 11 cm at least once in the data you provided.

With titrated pressure of 9 and a minimum pressure of 5, you have to go a long way to get the therapy pressure you may need. That's my concern. Usually, it is suggested that the minimum pressure be at the titrated pressure or, maybe, 1 cm or, at most, 2 cm below with an auto. I don't know if you could handle that with your gas problems.

When I was using a machine that was straight cpap, I had terrible gas problems at a set pressure of 10 cm. When I changed to an auto, with settings 10.5 cm - 13 cm, My gas problems have diappeared. I am almost always at a pressure of 11 and 12 all night with a 90% of 12 cm. - no gas problems. You may have to try something (a prescribed or OTC med) to deal with the gas problems and still ge the most from your therapy.

I don't know if you used straight cpap before and had gas problems with that or you have had them with your auto and set it low to avoid them. If you were on cpap when you were having them, it may not be the case on auto. That was my experience but everyone is different!

I can only share my experience but I think VS might improve if your minimum was moved up VERY gradually as well. If you move the minimum very gradually (.5cm to 1 cm at a time - and when you make a small change, leave it for a week before you change again), gas MAY not be a problem.

All in all, you are doing quite well. Your leak rate is excellent with the Swift LT. I have that mask and like it as well.

Edit - I just went back and looked again and your 90% pressure, for what appear to be full night's, is at 7, 8 and 9. This means you are spending 90% of your night at or below those 90% pressures. May be another indication of a need for increasing the minimum pressure a bit at a time.

[Goofproof]

Looks like you are doing fine, except for that last night, we all have one of those creep in every now and again. If it were me I'd limit the top to 10 cm, you don't need it any higher than it normally goes. You can also set the time of day you want Encore Pro to start the sleep period in preferences, just info. Very Good! Jim

[tdm5032c]

Thanks all for the input. I had moved the upper pressure up because it had actually went up to 11 on auto once and thought I should have it a little higher just in case I needed it. My minuimum pressure is now set on 6.5 and have found that my gas indigestion the next day is too bad if it is any higher than that. I don't think the CPAP is the cause of it, because I have always had it to some extent. My CPAP just makes it a lot worse if the pressure is left too high.

Tracy

[Hawthorne]

Setting the minimum at 6.5 is a good move I think. You know when you begin to have the gas problems. Your data is quite good and this should make it even better since your minimum is closer to your titrated pressure.

If I were you, I would leave it there for a week. It takes a while to see improvements with changes. The body has to have time to adjust.

If you begin to have gas problems you may have to lower it again even before a week's time if it is bad. Maybe you could try lowering it .5 cm at a time. You may still be able to keep it above 5 and at least somewhat closer to your titrated pressure.

If the gas continues to be a problem you may need to talk to your doctor about the problem. You can aslo search the forum to see what others have done about it.

Good luck!