Newb with some ?

[-SWS]

It seems like hypopneas are my main issue now. Not sure if they are being caused by my allergies or just more noticeable now that most of the apneas are gone.

Based on your flow graph below, Flow Limitations with snores MIGHT be problematic to your sleep. Allergies can supposedly cause or contribute to those. Instead of nice, rounded, sinusoidal tops, your flow curves look a bit flattened or lopped off. Those are called Flow Limitations. Flow limitations can be problematic for some sleepers. Other people seem to sleep quite well regardless of Flow Limitations.

Those squiggles superimposed on top of your Flow Limitations are probably snores. Those too can sometimes deteriorate sleep. Flow Limitations and snores are typically addressed with higher pressures. But if you are central-apnea prone, CPAP can be a balancing act between the lesser of two evils: potentially sleep-disruptive Flow Limitations along with snoring at lower pressures--- but central apneas at higher pressures.



The third graph line in the link below shows Flow Limitations with some humdinger snores superimposed:
http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/conte ... .large.jpg
That first graph line in the same reference shows "normal" flow-patterned breathing...

[natethegreat]

Thanks for the reply!

I thought those lines looked suspicious but wasn't quite sure what they meant. Your explanation does make perfect sense though...

Guess I'm just going to keep an eye on them to see if they get better after my nose dries up.

-NTG

[-SWS]

A neti pot or other nasal irrigation method can help with allergies/congestion:
search.php?keywords=neti+pot

You can view more Flow Limitation examples at the very bottom of this graph (Class 2 though Class 7)



Any of those Flow Limitation wave types might additionally have snore "squiggles" superimposed... Yours above are mainly Class 7 with presumable snore squiggles.

[natethegreat]

_______SLEEP_______
_______WARS_______
The Apnea Strikes Back



I found this nights sleep interesting because I believe my allergies are mostly under control now. I thought last night was going to be some amazing sleep - not so! Starting to think that more pressure might be in order?

[Pugsy]

I found this nights sleep interesting because I believe my allergies are mostly under control now. I thought last night was going to be some amazing sleep - not so! Starting to think that more pressure might be in order?

We can have bad nights for any number of reasons. Some may be allergy related and some may just be out of the blue.

I don't remember if you ever mentioned if your OSA was worse in REM sleep or even worse while sleeping on your back.
Look at your sleep study report (if you have it, if not get it) and see if there is anything that stands out as possible contributor to increased events. If last nights pattern continues, then yes maybe another small increase but make sure last night wasn't a fluke and see if position or REM factors in. Positional changes can maybe be addressed with staying off back (common for people to have more events on back) but REM related increased events can't be stopped except by pressure increase if it seems to point in that direction.

[natethegreat]

1st week @ 5 cmH2O AHI: 12.8

2nd Week @ 7 cmH2O AHI: 1.5

Equipment seems to be part of the bedtime routine already. I thought it would take much longer to get used to all of this but it just doesn't bother me anymore. Back sleeping does seem to mess me up though, it seems like every time I wake up during the night I am on my back. I havn't decided what I am going to do about that yet - if anything. I am still scanning the boards for info and still learning a lot. Thanks to all for the helpful replies! I would probably hate my equipment by now without you

-Nate

[DoriC]

Hi Nate, there's lots of discussions here about using tennis balls and other setups.

[Pugsy]

Regarding events being worse while on your back.. If there is a huge problem with supine and number of events, then yes altering sleep position might be a better alternative than increasing the pressure. That is going to depend on your preferences. Also here's another monkey wrench potential.. Suppose a person's OSA is worse in REM AND in the supine position.. this is why knowing sleep study results can be helpful. Even if I was worse on my back I still have the worse in REM issue to deal with.

Take your time and watch how things seem to develop and consider your options. Keep educating yourself. You have really come a long way in 2 weeks.

[natethegreat]

I'm still here, just Don't have much to add lately

Over the last 2 weeks:

Average AhI : 0.8
95% Leak : 4.8
Daily Usage : 8.27 Hours/Day

I still havn't noticed much change in my overall sleep quality, but there are a few little things I am noticing.

1. Nose has been pretty clear lately

• I am not waking up as often during sleep

• Sometimes fall asleep while driving instead of usually

I guess the most noticeable improvement would have to be being able to drive my 45 mile commute without relying on rumble strips most nights

Still pretty positive about the whole process but getting a little impatient for more significant results...

-Nate