Hiccup - ASV issues

[Piggyghost]

i experience an occasional "hiccup" that happens with higher air pressure settings. i am wondering if it has something to do with a weak esophageal sphincter. Does anyone else have this problem and is there anything that can be done about it? Thanks for your replies.

[Julie]

I think it's very likely related, but if not (in your case), it may still indicate a little aerophagia - too much air being swallowed, often as a result of a slightly too high pressure, but unless it becomes consistent or you have a lot of them, I wouldn't worry too much. Weak sphincters of course are responsible, or at least implicated in GERD, which so many here have.

[Sir NoddinOff]

piggyghost: I replied to this hiccup/flapping (especially the flapping) issue a few days ago when you asked the same question in another thread. Go back and read your previous post... my input is at the end regarding changing your EPAP level. I had the same problem, or so I think. You don't need software to take my suggestions but you'll need it eventually.

[Piggyghost]

Thanks, Julie and Sir Noddinoff. I see this board sometimes refers to software use. My doc told me ResMed does not have software available for reading cards at home or some such. In any event, I would not know where to begin with using software, and I'm not sure if it would be prudent to be adjusting levels without consulting with my doc. That said, I can see where it might be useful in fine tuning pressure levels. Additional insights into this would be appreciated. I have to say, I get pretty impatient having to wait for weeks to see the sleep doc to discuss these things with him.

[Sir NoddinOff]

Thanks, Julie and Sir Noddinoff. I see this board sometimes refers to software use. My doc told me ResMed does not have software available for reading cards at home or some such. In any event, I would not know where to begin with using software, and I'm not sure if it would be prudent to be adjusting levels without consulting with my doc. That said, I can see where it might be useful in fine tuning pressure levels. Additional insights into this would be appreciated. I have to say, I get pretty impatient having to wait for weeks to see the sleep doc to discuss these things with him.

Not to be snippy but I think you are overvaluing your doctor's opinion (which is totally incorrect regarding software) and undervaluing your own abilities. Check this comprehensive tutorial on Sleepyhead and if it gets out of your depth, simply ask us for help - that's what we're here for - especially the magnificent Pugsy. No rush, we can walk you thru the setup and analysis of your data.

viewtopic/t88983/Pugsys-PointersSleepyH ... nding.html

If your sleep doctor tells you he's angry with your software exploration, then he's not a very good sleep doctor IMO. I've got a merely so-so sleep doctor but at least he takes the time to look at my Sleepyhead charts and provide input.

[cpierc01]

You do not have to do change anything to use Sleepyhead or be a tech to understand it. You really need to look at this software to let you know how you are doing with your therapy. Trusting your Doctor is great, but this just gives you a daily update. I would not want to be without it. I am new to this, just made my 3 month mark, and I have learned so much from this forum and sleepyhead . Good Luck and keep asking questions there are so many great people here to help you.

[Piggyghost]

I am going to download the Sleepyhead software on my Mac, but I need to get a card reader. Thanks for the advice and input.

I really need to get to the bottom of this sleep hell I am going through. The sleep doc told me the readings on my card were "horrible." This was on my previous machine and before my sleep study and the change to the new Resmed S9 VPAP. As I mentioned previously and on another post, I am having issues with the new machine and, so far, my sleep quality is actually worse than it was on the previous machine. It appears that all along my problems have been more with central, or more specifically, complex apnea, than obstructive. I went for years not knowing this and was trying to get by with just treating the obstructive only. After suffering from insomnia for five years, I have only recently become aware of the connection between insomnia and my complex apnea. Hopefully, a simple tweaking of the air pressure will make the difference. After having three heart stents earlier this year and years of poor sleep I figure something has to give pretty soon. I am getting to the end of my rope. Sorry for all the negativity, but I am cranky from lack of proper sleep and I'm up in the middle of the night yet again...

[oak]

Hi piggyhost, sounds like you are really frustrated. I am pretty new here but I know their are people who have ASV's that are very experienced with all sorts of issues with sleep and ASV's. So maybe if you could post more specifically what is going on, there will be people to help. It might be just a pressure issue, or it could be that your mask is inadequate to deal with your pressures, or something else. So if you could start a post with some basics of what is happening, I am sure someone could help. And do get a card reader. I got mine at Walmart for 8 bucks and it was the best investment I have made so far in my treatment. Sleepyhead is really easy to use and someone can help you get certain screens posted here and I bet you will be feeling better in no time.

Hang in there!

[Piggyghost]

Thanks, Oak. I now have the SleepyHead software installed on my Mac and I just downloaded the data from my ResMed S9 VPAP Adapt (Adaptive Servo Ventilator). I am going to spend some time re reading Pugsy's info on using SleepyHead.

BTW, here is a repost of more detailed description of some issues I am having with the ResMed S9 VPAP Adapt machine. (I have been using the new machine for only six days.)

"This is the second night (Sept. 10) I have used my new adaptive servo ventilator and I'm having an awful time with air pressure problems. I experience periodic strange "snoring" or something flapping in my throat, sensations of pockets of air caught in my throat, air escaping from the sides of my mouth (even when my mouth is shut) and occasional "hiccup" sensations (stomach sphincter?). Some of this isn't new. I used to get the "hiccup" on an old CPAP machine and seemed related to sleep position. I believe most of these symptoms are happening when the new machine is responding to my central sleep apneas with increased pressure. These same reactions interrupted my sleep during the titration, but the tech didn't have anything to say regarding my complaint. Does any of this sound familiar to anyone? Is it common to expect to have to take a new machine in for additional adjustments?"

I'm hoping the card data will give me some idea of what needs adjusting. Some suggestions so far have been using a hybrid mask/full face mask and chin strap. Sir NoddinOff said increasing his EPAP level (for airway patency, ie. air splint support) by about a half cmH20 over the course of several nights helped his hiccuping/flapping problem go away.

Any other input or suggestions is appreciated.

[hueyville]

My new sleep doctor and respiratory techs were stunned when I brought in two months worth of data from my Respironics and Sleepyhead software. Doctor was not overjoyed with some of my dial winging but as I have learned more he was correct on that. I was making some really drastic setting changes and not waiting enough time between changes to let the results settle down. That said, he was able to use what I had and said that what I was doing on my on beat the year I completely discontinued using the machine. Remember your doctor works for you not the other way around. That said you both have to be flexible. Now I drop off my weeks reports from both Sleepyhead and Respironics every Monday morning for him to review. He says it is saving me some trips to the lab and a lot of trips bringing my machine in for them to read the data and reset the machine. I would much rather hit the print button on my computer than drag my machine to his office.

[Piggyghost]

Thanks, Huey. I do not intend on making adjustments on my machine without consulting with my doc.

BTW, do you know if your doc checked the card data as interpreted by your software with their software results to see whether or not they matched? I read that they can be different. It would be good to get that verification so you have confidence using the SleepyHead software.