Night 3.... getting better

[andreb]

I was able to fall right asleep with the mask on last night. I remember waking once to go to the bathroom... not my normal 2 or 3 times. One of the biggest things I've noticed over the last 2 nights is the buildup of mucus in my throat. Yes this may sound gross.. but to me it's a big deal if it stops now. Every morning I would wake up and be so congested in the back of my throat with mucus to the point that I would hack half my lung out in order to get this nasty ball of mucus out. This morning...... nothing.

According to my machine (dang it.. i forgot again to post what I have) I had the mask on for 6.1 hours and had .6 AHI. Question though... how could I have .6 AHI? Why not 1? What exactly does that mean??

[Julie]

Andre - .6 (or 0.6) is a fraction of 1, and therefore you were below 1, which is terrific... but why it's a mystery to you is a mystery to me.

[andreb]

AHHAHAH... Thanks Julie. Yes.. I understand how it's not quite one... But the AHI.. doesn't that look at the actual number of apneas or whatever else the HI means? Or is that an average over the 6.1 hours I had the mask on?

[Sheriff Buford]

Andre: you are doing great! Keep up the good work.

Sheriff

[Julie]

AHI - apnea/hypopnea index, is an average, but you can learn SO much more if you click on the lightbulb at the top of the page and start reading.

[andreb]

Why thank you, Sheriff.. And thanks for all the Smokey and the Bandit quotes that just came to mind.

[daveverdo]

Andre,

I have been having the same mucus/congestion problem. It was really bad with the pillows the first night, better with the mask. I am pretty sure it has a lot to do with the humidity. I have been searching but haven't been able to find any helpful info yet. Hopefully, someone will chime in with advice about that.

Dave

Actually just found this on cpapxpress.com under FAQ:

Why am I congested from CPAP use?
The primary reason why congestion sometimes develops from CPAP use is lack of adequate humidification.

CPAP air is an irritant - to one degree or another - to everyone. The irritation may cause the nasal passages to dry out and bleed, or the mucous membranes may try to protect the nasal passages by producing excess mucous and so congestion results. And the irritation can be cumulative; the problem may develop over time.

Add a heated humidifier to add moisture to the CPAP air and reduce or eliminate the irritation. A passover humidifier may not offer enough moisture. If you are already using a heated humidifier, try turning it up to a higher setting. If that produces condensation in the six foot hose, you should try an insulating cover for the hose.