AHI index rising

[papc]

Hi everyone. I have been on CPAP for about 3 months or so. At the sleep study my AI is 17. My Respironics RemStar Pro M series machine and my RESMED Mirage Activa LT mask (silicone cushion) with a 6 foot hose is my equipment. My pressure setting is 6, according to my doctor. At the beginning of use, my AHI was about 7.5. Then, after some use, it got down to under 4 and I was feeling quite good. Great mental outlook in the morning, etc. Now it is back at 7. It has been rising for the last 3 weeks, approximately. And I am having trouble with the mask, leaks. So I tighten it quite a bit to lessen leaks. It is a nasal mask. I have also, nasal pillow masks, but I don't like those as much. I drink about 2 cups of coffee a day in the morning. And eat normally throughout the day and have dinner at about 6:30 to 7pm. I am at bed at about 9:30pm and wake at 6am. In the restroom no more than once per night, sometimes none (before treatment 3-5 times a night). I am wondering why my AHI is rising? Is it due to diet, caffeine, not enough exercise, mask issues? How do I lower it? Anyone having any advice for me would be great. Thanks everyone! Happy Holidays!

[ozij]

After three months your mask seal may have finished its active life.

My masks (pillows) seal much better - and last longer - since I've been washing them daily with Dr. Bonner's liquid soap -- I also wash my nose with that soap every night.

Mask seals can sometimes be salvaged if you soak them for 10 minutes in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 9 parts water. It does soften the silicon slightly - (more so when the solution cotnains more vinegar) -- but if nothing else works, it's worth a try.

Happy holidays,
O.

[KatieW]

If your insurance doesn't cover a new nasal cushion, you can buy on-line for $26:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... -mask.html

I recently got an Active LT mask and headgear on cpapauction for $40, so I have the cushion and other spare parts.

[Julie]

Any way to confirm that you might be mouth breathing once asleep, and losing all the Cpap air? It happens a lot due to pressure (though yours is very low to say the least) and you could either try taping for a couple of nights to see if it helps, or go straight to trying on different full face masks and see if that helps (plus I personally would bump my pressure up anyway).

[papc]

Well, I do have new cushions that I have been using. Sent to me by the people who sold me the machine. Insurance covers it. Thanks God for insurance! Last night, the seal was a little better. I have been reading about lowering the C-Flex and wonder if that might be contributing to the issue? Mine is set at 2. As far as losing pressure through my mouth? Wouldn't I feel that if it happened?

[Gerryk]

You said you are having a problem with your mask leaking. That is causing your cpap therapy to not be optimal, which is cuasing your events to go up. It sounds like your leaking enough that your therapy isn't doing anything for you since your the same as before treatment.

Try cleaning the cushion more to help it last longer, but it does need to be replaced now that it's leaking.

Gerry

[KatieW]

I don't have a Respironics, but isn't your model data capable? Can you either get the software, or get your DME to download the data for you? It would be very useful to see detailed graphs of leaks, apneas and hypopneas. You might need an adjustment of pressure, but it's difficult to know, without detailed information.

[papc]

Yes, my model has the data sent to the doctor and respiratory therapist (they sold me the machine). The data is sent via modem. So I am thinking I won't have access to it via software, if I had the software. Does exercise help bring down the AHI?

[KatieW]

Yes, my model has the data sent to the doctor and respiratory therapist (they sold me the machine). The data is sent via modem. So I am thinking I won't have access to it via software, if I had the software. Does exercise help bring down the AHI?

I don't know how modems work. I would want access to my data though. Can you request a copy of your results? Or, do you have a followup appointment scheduled soon?

Re exercise, this is from Sleep Interrupted by Steven Park, MD--It's been shown that regular exercise increases time spent in deep sleep.....

http://www.sleepinterrupted.com

[papc]

Well, I have had a few followup appointments and go back in about 11 months. I was doing so well on CPAP that my doctor told me to come back in a year. I think I will request a copy of my data.

[Julie]

No, if you're asleep and you begin mouth breathing you won't feel it - how could you?

[Irene P.]

I'm finding that things are a bit more stressful during the holiday season, and my treatment isn't going as well, either. I've decided to just do my best until after the company is gone, grandkids are back in school, and things settle down again and see if things don't get better because I'm won't have the stress. Any chance it's holiday stress with you?

[secret agent girl]

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[DoriC]

With pressure set at 6cms you probably don't need cflex. You could trying turning if off and see what happens.

[papc]

My unit is controlled by the Doctor via modem. So I don't think I can C Flex off. But I can turn it down to its lowest level. What will that do for me I wonder? Last night I slept better and my AHI went down to 6.9. I feel better and rested when I wake up, but then about an hour later I feel tiredness setting in. I think I might be stressed out. I exercised last night and it knocked me out so I think thats why I slept better. Thanks everyone for all your help. I greatly appreciate it.