Help interpret APAP data?

[jayman13]

Ok,I am a big guy, 310 lbs. I've been using a CPAP for 12 years. My initial setting was 15 and from the start, I began having great sleep, feeling better, etc. Along the way, I lost 100 lbs. As my weight went down, I reduced the pressure, eventually putting the CPAP in the closet as I felt it wasn't needed at all.

3-4 yrs later the weight started coming back and out came the machine. I am back where I started although my weight is probably more fat now that muscel as it was long ago. At one point, i got a new machine because the old was making noises and couldn't be fixed. Current machine is a ResMed A-7 and I have the pressure at 17.

Still, I would wake up with headaches and/or a feeling of chest soreness. Laying on back or side didn't make a difference. I wanted a home oximeter test, but doc said to use an APAP for a month. Initial setting of 5-20 made me feel like i was suffocating. They changed it to 12-20 with only marginal improvement. This was in the first few days and I finally changed it to 15-20.

I have been sleeping better but sill have occaional morning headaches. My chest isn't as sore with the APAP.

Yesterday, I took it to the store and they downloaded the report to sent to doc. I got a copy too.

I'd post pertinent data here but hoping there is someone who can help me interpret it if i send it to him/her.

Please let me know if you can do it for me. I'd like a separate opinion from the doc as from their initial recommendations on the APAP setting, I am not feeling comfortable with their advice.

There was also suggestion from the doc to have another sleep test and possibly putting me on a BIPAP. Given my horrendous insurance deductible, I'd rather not do that. Hopefully, I'll hang in there with the CPAP (or I may actually shed some weight). If nothing else, one year from now, I turn 65 and perhaps the cost will be borne by Medicare.

Any comments gratefully accepted.

[Wulfman]

What kind (make/model) of mask are you using?
If it's a nasal mask, have you ruled out mouth-leaking? That can adversely affect your therapy.

Den

[jayman13]

I am using a mirage Ultra II. After trying many masks, this seemed to be the best. It still leaks but less than others. I don't think there is a perfect mask for my fat face..

Of note the one thing I can determine from the data is the leak median is 3.6. there are some bigger jumps but probably when i reached under the mask to scratch my nose.

I still would like someone to look at the report. and give me some feedback.