AHI of 7 ..with auto-BiFlex ???

[53now]

It's been a while since I've posted ....But I am having all sorts of problems .......I have severe OSA .... I needed a new machine ..so , in order to satisfy the Insurance co ...I was re-tested ..... ...NOW I am using the System One Auto BIPAP ( Bi-flex)
My pressures ramp up soooo high , my mask cannot handle it .... WE started with the Quatro Full-Face mask .... I honestly thought my brains were going to push out my ears !!! SO TIGHT ! it broke twice ..... AHI of 5.9
So, we went to the deluxe Chin strap with the RESmed Activa ......... Now, my AHI hit 7.1 last night !!!
Talking to my Doctor is like talking to the late shift guy in the Home Depot plumbing department. Not a clue ..... All he said was " Tighten your mask "
The chin strap has caused pain in my jaw ! Good grief ! I am a certified mouth breather ...so .....NOW what !!

any suggestions ? On Mask ? on whatever ???

Rich HELP Laura !!!

[Wulfman]

Hello Rich.

I would suggest you get the software for your new machine (if you don't already have it). Encore Viewer 2.0 is what you need (one selection comes with a SD card reader and the other without). That should help you figure out what's going on with your numbers.

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-software/cpap ... ftware.php

What pressures did they prescribe for your new machine? I looked back through some of your old posts and saw you posted that you were using 16/11 back in 2007. You said that the Activa worked best for you at those pressures, but I gather that you're somewhat higher than that now.

The ResMed Ultra Mirage Full Face (UMFF) should be able to handle most pressure settings. You can readily find them at substantially lower prices on http://www.cpapauction.com
(CPAPAuction.com is a subsidiary of CPAP.COM)

PS. You might want to fill in your profile with all of your current information.

Best wishes,

Den

[Mary Z]

Was your AI ok? That would be some comfort.

I find that the Macks silicone earplugs rolled into a string about the size of a pencil and put around the edge of the mask helps me with leaks. In the morning I just remove it , roll it into a ball and put it into an airtight container until the next night. I find I have to use the mirror to get the mask centered on my face the first time I put it on. It sounds like a big hassle , but it's really not- just takes a few minutes. Some people say sillly putty works as well, but I haven't tried that. I find I can use the Macks longer if I take it off and roll it up rather than just leaving it on the mask. When you wash the mask ( and I would suggest plain, mild soap and water to clean your mask), the wipes seem to leave a film that the silicone does not like to stick to.
I am at 22/18 and even at that pressure I find it hard to prevent the sides from blowing out, and getting the nose adjustment right. I empthasize with the tighness of the straps, they can be uncomfortable and keep sleep away just from the pressure on one place or another.
I know there are folks on the forum with IPAP of 25, I don't know what mask they use and how they keep down leaks. It has been a real problem for me.
I even tried a bead of aquarium silicone sealant around the edge of the mask, but that was a disaster, luckily it peeled off easily. LOL
Good Luck