Do I still need cpap?

[countman88]

I had a sinus infection for a few weeks and was unable to use my machine.
Have had no real feeling of tiredness while not using it and my wife said she only noticed me snoring a little one night, and that I seem to be sleeping peacefully, without moving around and twitching like i did pre cpap.
I was able to use it (intellipap apap)last night and set the pressure at low 3.5 and high 13.0.
My readings this morning were : 95th. =4.5, 90th = 4.5,AHI =2, EPI =14.
With my machine set at 7.5/13.0, my readings are usually around =8.0 = 8.0 =2 = 1.
Pre apap, my cpap therapy started with a prescribed pressure of 12, reducing to about 9 over 10 yrs.
I know one night is not a true test, and will monitor over the next few weeks. Not sure what the significance of the EP1 reading of 14 is.
I am 65, recently retired and my weight and fitness have stayed much the same over many years. ie. relatively fit and about 2kg over ideal weight.
My job for the entire time I used cpap required a starting time of 4.30am 5 days a week. I used to go to bed at around 9.30 and get up at 3.30 = 6 hrs. Now usually 10.30 to 7.30 = 9 hrs. Could all these factors make the difference between needing and not needing cpap. I will see how it goes over a period, and perhaps arrange a sleep study to confirm.

[Julie]

I think you answered your question in the last sentence - get a new PSG, because no one would responsibly guess at the answer either based on one night, or having no real idea about your medical state without a doctor's exam... this is just a forum, not a clinic, but for you sake, I'm sure it would be nice to not need Cpap again, so good luck.

[greatunclebill]

sleep apnea is a physical condition, not a disease that is treated and cured. of course get a new study if there is a question, but don't go out and sell the cpap machine just yet.

[crookneez]

It's strange but after 13 years of CPAP use I have great difficulty sleeping without it now.
Even if there was a miraculous cure for apnea, I think I'd still use it.

[Lizistired]

I don't even know what EPI is.
But it really is up to you. Just like there are no cpap police to keep you from tracking your data or adjusting your pressure, there aren't any to make you sleep with a mask for the rest of your life.
You monitor your data and make the decision. It sounds like a good idea to run with your current settings and monitor the data.
Then you decide, if you want another PSG, or want to experiment with not using it.
I don't use an xpap because my Dr said to. I use an xpap because I know that without it my O2 drops and I feel like crap.

[countman88]

thanks for your replies. yes, I realise it is too early to make a call on whether I may not need cpap and that a sleep study will be necessary, but just wondering if what I have outlined sounds a possibility.
EPI by the way stands for Exhale Puff Index which doesn't seem to be included in terms listed on this forum, but is part of the Intellipap measuring system. Just wondering what significance there is in it increasing so significantly when I have the machine set on it's lowest setting, and what it means.

kenD
Bris,Oz.

[DreamDiver]

thanks for your replies. yes, I realise it is too early to make a call on whether I may not need cpap and that a sleep study will be necessary, but just wondering if what I have outlined sounds a possibility.
EPI by the way stands for Exhale Puff Index which doesn't seem to be included in terms listed on this forum, but is part of the Intellipap measuring system. Just wondering what significance there is in it increasing so significantly when I have the machine set on it's lowest setting, and what it means.

kenD
Bris,Oz.

Of course you could always try sleeping with an oximeter on. If you see it dipping below 90% spO2, you'll know you're just adding up sleep debt, eh? (Sorry - no idea what EPI is.)

Edit: viewtopic/t67628/Exhale-Puff-Index-EPI.html

[countman88]

Set my machine at low 4.0 and high 13.0 last night, as it seems the 3.0 setting probably caused the high EPI reading by forcing me to breathe through my mouth on occasions.
Results this morning were :
95th = 4.5 90th =4.5 AHI 1.5 NRI = 0.25 EPI =3
These figures are certainly encouraging.
Dreamdriver, not sure how I access an oximeter, but would that provide anywhere near as much indication as a PSG (I guess that is a sleep study).

KenD
Bris, Australia

[countman88]

Another week has gone by and I seem to going ok with my apap set at low 4, high 13.
Last nights readings were 90th = 4.5, 95th = 4.5, AHI =1, NRI = 0.25, EPI 1.
It has been much the same as this for the last week, (AHI was 3.5 one night).
I haven't felt any more tired than usual. Can't get in for a sleep study until late May. Booked to go for 2 wk holiday to Thailand early May. Hoping to be able to leave my apap home.
I use a mandibular splint/mouthguard when I travel away for only one or two nights rather than taking my apap, and it stops my snoring and I don't feel noticeably more tired at those times.
I think my next step will be to try using the splint for a week and see how it goes.
I know it stops my snoring so at least I wouldn't have problems on the flights, and I guess if I am tired without the apap it will encourage me to have a relaxing holiday.
Any suggestions or comments welcomed.

kenD
bris, Australia

[SleepingUgly]

My only advice would be to try whatever you plan to do for the trip prior to the trip so you aren't in for any rude surprises.

[Goofproof]

If you do need it and don't use it and die from it, then you will never need it again. Jim

[torontoCPAPguy]

Caution Will Robinson. Caution!