Newbie with Data Question

[myconoclast]

Hi everyone. I am new to all this CPAP stuff. I had my first sleep study about a month ago. Almost all of my events happened during REM sleep. My REM AHI was 38.9, my non-REM AHI was 0.21, and my total AHI was 4.8. Even though my total AHI was already <5.0, I was diagnosed with OSA and prescribed a PAP.

I did a ton of research before getting my equipment and knew that I wanted the ResMed S9 AutoSet. Having read so many horror stories about dealing with DMEs, I made sure my Rx specified the exact machine I wanted. I actually had a pretty good experience with my DME (BP Gamma in Maryland)- they gave me everything I asked for without any hassle. Luckily for me, my insurance covers everything 100%.

I’ve had two nights with the machine, and things are going OK so far. I’m a stomach and side sleeper, and I toss and turn a lot, so I keep knocking the mask out of place. I managed to keep it on all night, though. Also, I have rosacea, and the mask is really irritating my skin where it touches my face. I’m not sure how I can go to work with a big, painful red triangle around my nose. I’m thinking I need a nasal pillow mask instead, since there would be less touching my face that way. I am going to try making a mask liner tonight and see if that helps.

I’m a statistician, so looking at the data is really fun for me. I would have been so bummed out if my machine didn’t have full data capabilities. My numbers for the two nights are good, so I should be happy. I don’t feel any less tired, but I know for some people it takes longer to feel better, so I’m trying to be patient.

I do have a question about the graphs from SleepyHead. I’m looking at the flow rate graph, and after about 4 hours, there start to be lines where it looks like there was no flow, even though no event was recorded. Except for the first few, they seem to be pretty evenly spaced.

Here is the first night:



And here is the second night:



What’s really weird is that the lines match up exactly between the two nights. In the following image, the bottom half (below the red line) is from my first night and the top half is from my second night.



Does anyone know what they are? I assumed that they were times when my flow was limited, but not for long enough to qualify as an apnea/hypopnea, but the fact that they line up exactly seems weird to me.

Thanks!

[jweeks]

Hi,

I don't know the answer to the question about the lines. They look so regular to make me suspect some kind of data processing artifact or a data collection issue. What I would like to comment on is your overall numbers. Two nights of sleep with exactly 1 event is pretty remarkable for anyone, let alone someone who is new to using the machine.

I'd highly suggest trying a nasal pillow mask. I also got the mask marks from either a full face or nasal mask, but I have no such problem with the nasal pillow mask. The trick when using pillows is to keep your mouth shut. Some folks can do that, but I sure can't. I have to use both a chin strap and tape. If the pillows do work, you still want to keep a full face mask around in case you get a cold or the flu. In fact, it is always a good idea to have a spare mask, spare pillows and/or cushions, and a secondary mask on hand, as well as a spare hose.

-john-

[MaxDarkside]

I think the lines are an artifact of the graphics on your display. I get those too, especially if the night is long. Last night I can see some:



but if I zoom in, really there is data there:

[myconoclast]

Thanks for the replies

Max- that makes sense about the lines. I had noticed that some other people had them as well, but couldn't figure them out. I hadn't realized that I could zoom in to see the data- that helps a lot (and is way more cool to look at)!

John- thanks for commenting on my numbers. They looked good to me, but it always nice to get confirmation. Not that I can take any credit for it- I have no idea why PAP seems to be working so well for me when others struggle with it. Luck of the draw, I guess. My main issue now is definitely my mask; it is getting more painful to wear each night. The mask liner I made yesterday did help a bit, but it also seemed to cause more leaks last night than in previous nights.

I went ahead and ordered the Aloha nasal pillow mask online. The DME gave me a chin-strap which looks like some sort of torture device. I hope I don't have to use it, but having a mask that doesn't hurt my face is more of a priority.

[nanwilson]

Hi and welcome to the forum
I had the same problem as you do with a nice red triange on my face. The solution is a mask liner, take a look at padacheeks.com, Karen is a member here and makes comfort stuff for us to make cpap use sooooo much easier. In the meantime you can make a portable one for yourself pretty easily. Take an old well washed white t-shirt, lay it out and put your mask on it face down, now draw the outline of the mask on the t-shirt but add about 3/4 of an inch extra all round. Now remove the mask and cut out your design...et voila! you have it. Just place the liner on your mask and put it on your face, pull the edges once its on to make sure you have no wrinkles. No silicone touches my face as I have Karens liners for them all. She also makes strap and hose covers to help with comfort too.