AHI gradually getting worse...again

[FeelingBetter]

I have been on CPAP since August. AHI 39 with 17 central apneas during titration, an O2 sat in the low 70s. I started therapy at 8 cm, nasal mask. Initially my AHI's ran 3-5 most nights but then after a few weeks they started creeping up into the high teens. We then went to Autopap (8-14) & my insurance company bought me a Devilbiss. Still my AHIs were running in the range of 10, so I though maybe it was the Devilbiss machine. I switched back to the Resmed and over time, now I'm running in the mid-teens and my average pressure runs at about 10-11, some nights higher. My O2 sats now are in the 80s. I've tried full face, nasal and nasal pillows and nothing changes. Now I notice I am awaking with the morning headache again & excessive fatigue plus not sleeping as well and dreaming (I haven't dreamt since August until the last couple of weeks). The sleep MD thinks it may be central apnea and I might need to go on BiPap but since my insurance bought me a CPAP, I don't know if they will now cover a BiPap. Anyone with similar experiences? I see the doc and have a night oximetery in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks.

[jamiswolf]

Hi FB,
Just keep using your machine...so you can prove that you've given it a good effort. As I understand it, insurance companies have no problem upgrading to the next machine if they have good documentation that you've "failed" with the machine you are currently using.

If the Devilbliss you're using has data...be sure to bring that with you to your appointment. Or for me, I bring it to the DME a few days before the appointment and they print out the card data and fax it to the Doc.

Unfortunately you have to play the game. If you do have excessive central apneas, these days the machine that's most often used is an ASV but you may have to go through Bilevel use first. Sometimes people with complex apnea have way fewer centrals with a bilevel. Anyway...good luck,
J

[Julie]

Have you put on any weight lately - even a little can make quite a difference..

[FeelingBetter]

I am heavy now (from a hysterectomy 4 years ago) but no weight gain, not even small since starting my cpap.

[Mary Z]

Any corresponding changes in your medications?

For some reason I have seen a number of posts lately with people with the same problem- creeping up AHIs without obvious reason.

[Emilia]

You only mention AHI readings..... without any reference to the data showing leaks or if your mask is giving you issues. Would love to see an overnight data report to view your situation.