Limited success using CPAP/APAP

[Andypap]

I am in my 3rd month using my machine nightly for OS apnea. I am 50, weigh 170, and exercise regularly. My Simplus mask sometimes wakes me up with strange noises, but most of the time it is OK. I use a heated tube set to the lowest heat, and a humidifier set at 2.

My original AHI diagnosis was 38-40. When I started using the machine, it was set to APAP, with 6-16 pressure. I averaged AHI of 10-11.

The Dr. changed it to CPAP, with a pressure of 12. I averaged a similar 9-10 AHI.

The Dr. upped the pressure to 13. I got worse, averaging 12-13.

I downloaded Sleepyhead, and noticed most of my events where my AHI increased above 15 where happening between 12am and 4am. So, I decided to try APAP, with higher settings: 12-16.

My AHI is now below 10, with a low of 4.8 (one time). But, still mostly around 7-9. My Dr. mentioned that I could just be one of the lucky people that can't be treated properly by CPAP.

Any ideas what I should try next, or should I stick with it and see if I improve?

[palerider]

My AHI is now below 10, with a low of 4.8 (one time). But, still mostly around 7-9. My Dr. mentioned that I could just be one of the lucky people that can't be treated properly by CPAP.

Any ideas what I should try next, or should I stick with it and see if I improve?

you'll have to post some screenshots of a night or two. trying to boil the night down to a single number leaves too many questions unanswered.

https://sleep.tnet.com/resources/sleepyhead/shorganize <- how to post, screenshot and post to imgur.

mask liners can make the leaks less bothersome, karen at padacheek.com is a regular here, and a really nice person to deal with.

[chunkyfrog]

The machine he has listed is a "Plus".
Hopefully his machine has more robust data.
---apparently, as he speaks of AHI.

[kaiasgram]

Andy, it's important to know the breakdown of the AHI, not just the total AHI. Especially what the CA index is. Suggest you post some screenshots too.

[Andypap]

Thanks! I'll get a screenshot up ASAP. Stay tuned.

[Andypap]

Here's last nights' screen shot...

[StephenR]

Hi Andy..

might be easier with these graphs:

Events Flags, Flow Rate, Mask Pressure, Pressure, Leak Rate

Stephen

[palerider]

Here's last nights' screen shot...

please go back and do it the way that the page I linked for you shows. you didn't include any useful charts.

[Andypap]

Will do!

[Andypap]

Better?

[palerider]

Better?

getting there, still missing the events at the top.

and photobucket is a pain.

[Andypap]

I ordered a mask liner pad from Padacheek, should help a lot!

What events am I missing??

[Pugsy]

See this thread for examples of what we like to see in the images.
viewtopic/t103468/Need-help-with-screen-shots.html
Also try to have the image so we can read the numbers easily.

[Julie]

This may seem out of left field, but have you tried a soft cervical collar to keep your head off your chest, airway more open and mouth more closed?

[Andypap]

This may seem out of left field, but have you tried a soft cervical collar to keep your head off your chest, airway more open and mouth more closed?

I use a full face mask and breath through my mouth a lot, and a low pillow, so my head is never on my chest. Thanks for the idea though.

Here's another screen shot. Just right click, open in another tab, and use the magnifying glass to blow it up...