Mask out of alignment from high VPAP pressure?

[MichiganMary]

Hi, I have been using the ResMed S9 VPAP machine for 3 years. I use a full face mask. The machine pressure is set from 12-20. I average 15 with this machine. For the last month, I have had higher than normal AHIs, which include obstructive and central episodes. I'm asking a fairly simple question here, because my DME supply company has been hard to work with, and insurance leaves me no other option. Is 15 considered a high pressure? Would it likely be the culprit for my mask to end up out of position on my face, thus waking me? Does the machine blow air that forcefully? I will be having my fourth sleep study soon. Thanks for any help and support!

[chunkyfrog]

That is barely enough airflow to scatter a dandelion--if that.
I adjust my mask many times throughout the night--it is the "dance of the mask".
How old is your headgear? If it is not stretchy, you need a new one.
Maybe try a pillow intended for cpap.

[kteague]

Hi, I have been using the ResMed S9 VPAP machine for 3 years. I use a full face mask. The machine pressure is set from 12-20. I average 15 with this machine. For the last month, I have had higher than normal AHIs, which include obstructive and central episodes. I'm asking a fairly simple question here, because my DME supply company has been hard to work with, and insurance leaves me no other option. Is 15 considered a high pressure? Would it likely be the culprit for my mask to end up out of position on my face, thus waking me? Does the machine blow air that forcefully? I will be having my fourth sleep study soon. Thanks for any help and support!

I don't use a full face mask so I'll leave that discussion about pressure and mask movement to those who do. I am wondering about how much of an increase you are seeing in your AHI. If mask issues are causing you to wake more during the night, those centrals (clear airways?) may just be from what some on here refer to as sleep/wake junk. Is this increase in AHI the sole reason you are getting another sleep study? If so, I'd suggest resolving the mask fit issue and seeing if your AHI goes back to normal before enduring another study. Or is there more going on with your sleep? Have there been any weight changes that may affect your mask fit?

[ChicagoGranny]

I am wondering about how much of an increase you are seeing in your AHI.

+1

I have had higher than normal AHIs

What is the higher number and what was it before?

We always have to ask for the numbers, because some people think an increase in AHI to 0.8 from 0.5 is something to be alarmed about.

Would it likely be the culprit for my mask to end up out of position on my face, thus waking me?

Have you adjusted the headgear lately? The headgear will stretch a bit over time.

Here are some tips to help prevent the mask from moving --->

- Make sure the mask is fitted properly. (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- Make sure the headgear is adjusted properly (See mask manufacturer's video.)

- If you use a low ramp pressure or a low minimum pressure, you should fit and adjust your mask at the higher pressures it is operating at for most of the night. You would temporarily change the machine pressure settings while you do the fitting and adjusting. It's best to do this well before bedtime before you are tired and ready for sleep. Don't forget to change your settings back to the ones you prefer.

- Make sure to use good hose management - the hose should not pull on the mask. Notice how your hose is positioned between machine and mask. It should be positioned to minimize any pull on the mask. Hose management is an individual practice. How it is done depends on the mask, the position of the machine, your sleeping position and other factors specific to the individual.

Note: Links to just some of the mask manufacturers' instructional videos can be found on the forum host's website - https://www.cpap.com/cpap-masks.php and https://www.youtube.com/

- CG