Respiratory Rate Fluctuations?

[KenTheriot]

I don't have a good frame of reference for whether this is normal, or "bad," or what. But my respiratory rate seems to fluctuate between what seem to me to be pretty wide extremes. For instance, last night (as reported by SleepyHead from my S9 VPAP Adapt) my resp. rate had a min of 4 and max of 26. Here is the graph pic (I hope):
That didn't work. Here's a link: http://screencast.com/t/LZrRecS7

Is this a normal pattern from what the more experienced folks here might know?

Thanks.

Ken.

[SleepyToo2]

I have never worried about my respiration rate. All sorts of things could influence it - turning over in bed, holding my breath because of an outside noise, turning over, or a scary/enjoyable moment in a dream, to name a few! There may also be a connection with depth of sleep, although I have never seen anyone suggest a quantifiable link so I don't really believe that.

[JohnBFisher]

Normal for those of us with ASV units is a "non-starter". By definition, we deal with abnormal breathing issues. What's more important for you is what's normal for you. My wife complains that I tend to breathe really fast. But it's the way I've always breathed. So, periodically keep an eye on it. If you feel poorly the next morning is there any change in your respiratory rate?

As to what's normal? Variance is pretty normal. Below 10 is not all that normal, but might simply indicate a deep level of sleep. Above 20 is also not all that normal, but might just indicate wakefulness or REM sleep.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respirator ... rmal_range

Remember, since we have problems with breathing anyway, "normal" for you and me is typically off the "normal" chart. The bigger issue is if it is abnormal for you. If it is, then consider discussing it with your doctor if you also feel poorly. If you feel fine, then keep an eye on it.

[Sir NoddinOff]

Looks okay to me

[avi123]

The scale is too coarse to check for apneas.

[DRONE]

Ken, until you get control of your Quattro leak problems, I don't think your S9 is going to be giving you trustworthy info. Get the leakage under control first, then you can worry about (or ignore) whatever other feedback your machine is generating. My 2 cents.

[KenTheriot]

Ken, until you get control of your Quattro leak problems, I don't think your S9 is going to be giving you trustworthy info. Get the leakage under control first, then you can worry about (or ignore) whatever other feedback your machine is generating. My 2 cents.

Thanks Drone. Seems like I've tried everything alrady to solve the leak problems. It's almost like full-face masks aren't designed to seal properly over a pressure of 10 or 20. Both the Quattro and now the Amara are leaking pretty badly. I haven't tried the padacheeks liner on the Amara. I'll see about that tonight, maybe.

Ken

[MagsterMile]

I too use a Quattro 'Air' FFM. I get some leaking and don't use liners or padacheek. What has helped me is to try and stay off of my back and sleep on my sides. I press the mask somewhat into the pillow while making sure I'm not blocking the vents. It really helps. The Quattro Air Cushion (while light weight and easy to install on the frame) can sometimes wear out quickly. I received supply of 3 on Jan 2. First one blew out within 2-3 weeks, second lasted about 5 weeks and now I'm 3 nights into using the 3rd one. It has to last until Apr 1 so I can order a new supply. I read on this forum that some people use the same cushion for 6mo to a year. I'm amazed at that and wish that I had the same luck.