I don't understand all the terms yet...sorry if I am asking a question that has been answered.
My husband has been on a cpap for a year (for severe osa), but it was not helping him at all. He had a sleep study in the end of Jan and was changed to a bipap (VPAP III) 5 days ago. I have been noticing that he still has periods where he just doesn't breathe for 10-30 sec and then startles awake. Isn't that what this machine is supposed to prevent?
He is exhausted all the time and I really want to help him.
I got this off the machine and I am trying to figure out what it means:
Leak 34L/M
VT 200-500
Resp 10-21
MV 3.8-8.4
AHI 29.3
AI 12.5
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): bipap, CPAP
New to this- Husband vpap III 5 days but not taking breaths
If you look at the bottom of you post, you'll see some of terms in blue. Click on them and you'll get the definitions.
There are no stupid questions on this forum - and you're sure to get a response soon from someone who knows and understands the VPAP - which is Resmed's Bi Level machine. In the meanwhile, you may want to click on both the Red Balloon (CPAP FAQ) and the Yellow Light bulb (Our collective wisdom) to learn some more.
It's small comfort, but the AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index) fits your observations, and the way your husband feels. It is a number that indicates how many time an hour his breathing is disrupted - and that is much too much. The aim is to get the AHI beneath 5.
If you trust the lab and doctor, contact them now, and tell them all you've told us.
Do you know the setting the machine is supposed to be on? Can you post the PSG results?
Good luck!
O.
There are no stupid questions on this forum - and you're sure to get a response soon from someone who knows and understands the VPAP - which is Resmed's Bi Level machine. In the meanwhile, you may want to click on both the Red Balloon (CPAP FAQ) and the Yellow Light bulb (Our collective wisdom) to learn some more.
It's small comfort, but the AHI (Apnea Hypopnea Index) fits your observations, and the way your husband feels. It is a number that indicates how many time an hour his breathing is disrupted - and that is much too much. The aim is to get the AHI beneath 5.
If you trust the lab and doctor, contact them now, and tell them all you've told us.
Do you know the setting the machine is supposed to be on? Can you post the PSG results?
Good luck!
O.
_________________
| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks. |
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023
Would the setting be 12/8? We do not have the results of the sleep study yet. It takes forever to get in to see his sleep doctor, even for established patients! She was highly recommended by a doctor we trust so I am willing to give her some leeway.
I am extremely impressed with all of the information on this site! I have to admit I am having a bit of trouble knowing where to start as a newbies wife. I do not know how all of yall know so much, I am an RN and I am totally overwhelmed! This site is a true asset!
There seems to be a serious disconnect in my husbands care somewhere. Possibly the equipment place or Resp Therapist, maybe even the doc. I really do not know yet but I am going to get to the bottom of it TOMORROW. I have been a fairly passive participant with his sleep apnea thus far, but I am obviously going to have to get involved.
Can anyone answer a few questions for me?
1)How do you know what machine is best for you? and what mask? Is it all trial and error?
2)Is there a website that can show me how to "break into" his VPAP to get more info? - I figured it out on the CPAP he used to use but this one is stumping me. Maybe I have to purchase the clinicians manual or is there another way around it?
3)Is the AHI on this machine programmed from the sleep study results or is this info it has collected in the past 5 nights?
4)The VPAP says - Leak 34 L/M- How do I interpret that number? Does that mean his mask isn't fitting the right way?
5)What is/are the top of the line machines (ie what exactly should I be asking the doctor for on Wed). I am sure it will take me 2 more months to get back in there if something isn't right so I would love a heads up if anyone is willing to give me one.
I know I should have gotten involved with this a long time ago but I didn't realize how bad it was until very recently. My husband doesn't get the whole medical thing....just like I don't get the whole computer thing(his profession). I guess it could be the fact he hasn't slept in a few years.
He looks like he has aged 10 years in the past 6 months. I swear he looked so bad the other day, I thought he was going to die. He just had that dusky gray/sick look about him. Scary!
Thank you all again!
I am extremely impressed with all of the information on this site! I have to admit I am having a bit of trouble knowing where to start as a newbies wife. I do not know how all of yall know so much, I am an RN and I am totally overwhelmed! This site is a true asset!
There seems to be a serious disconnect in my husbands care somewhere. Possibly the equipment place or Resp Therapist, maybe even the doc. I really do not know yet but I am going to get to the bottom of it TOMORROW. I have been a fairly passive participant with his sleep apnea thus far, but I am obviously going to have to get involved.
Can anyone answer a few questions for me?
1)How do you know what machine is best for you? and what mask? Is it all trial and error?
2)Is there a website that can show me how to "break into" his VPAP to get more info? - I figured it out on the CPAP he used to use but this one is stumping me. Maybe I have to purchase the clinicians manual or is there another way around it?
3)Is the AHI on this machine programmed from the sleep study results or is this info it has collected in the past 5 nights?
4)The VPAP says - Leak 34 L/M- How do I interpret that number? Does that mean his mask isn't fitting the right way?
5)What is/are the top of the line machines (ie what exactly should I be asking the doctor for on Wed). I am sure it will take me 2 more months to get back in there if something isn't right so I would love a heads up if anyone is willing to give me one.
I know I should have gotten involved with this a long time ago but I didn't realize how bad it was until very recently. My husband doesn't get the whole medical thing....just like I don't get the whole computer thing(his profession). I guess it could be the fact he hasn't slept in a few years.
He looks like he has aged 10 years in the past 6 months. I swear he looked so bad the other day, I thought he was going to die. He just had that dusky gray/sick look about him. Scary!
Thank you all again!
Casiesea
I am reasonably familiar with the VPAP III. It is a particularly good Bilevel (although my wife doesn't like the motor sound so I stick to an older model called the Knightstar PB330.
There are 2 models of VPAP III the model type is written on the case. Take a look at these and identify which one you have.
http://www.internetage.com/cpapinfo/
1 - The VPAP III on the left is a VPAP III S (spontaneous) but is the Enhanced model (has some extra settings). The word Enhanced can be seen just to the left & below the button with the green bar on it.
2 - The middle VPAP III is the standard (not enhanced) model but is still an S (spontaneous) model.
3 - The right side VPAP III ST (note the ST added to the model #) is a spontaneous/timed model. This is their top of the line VPAP III and can be set up to pace the sleeper's breathing as an added feature.
ST machines can work in 3 modes: spontaneous, spontaneous timed & timed.
I run my PB330 in spontaneous timed mode and set the timing for 6 breaths per minute. What this means is that if I breath at a normal rate (usually a bit faster than 6 BPM) then the machine follows my breathing, but if for any reason my breathing slows so much that it reaches the low figure of 6 BPM (which my breathing does tend to do at times) the machine will switch itself from exhale pressure back to inhale pressure to try to nudge me back into breathing at a faster rate.
So further questions
If you want to PM me re the following please feel free...
1) What is your husbands weight & height
2) How fit is your husband in general terms
3) How would you describe your husbands neck (normal, solid, very solid)
Re your husband stopping breathing ...
Does he stop breathing abruptly & get woken gasping for air or
Does he just slow his breathing at particular times & eventually just stop until he moves & resumes normal breathing (but without any gasping)
The above question is important to try to understand the nature of your husbands apneas.
Also another important question is what CMS settings has the machine been set for ipap (inhale pressure) and epap (exhale pressure).
We can talk you through how to find this info.
I'll add another post below this one with some comments re the data shown.
DSM
I am reasonably familiar with the VPAP III. It is a particularly good Bilevel (although my wife doesn't like the motor sound so I stick to an older model called the Knightstar PB330.
There are 2 models of VPAP III the model type is written on the case. Take a look at these and identify which one you have.
http://www.internetage.com/cpapinfo/
1 - The VPAP III on the left is a VPAP III S (spontaneous) but is the Enhanced model (has some extra settings). The word Enhanced can be seen just to the left & below the button with the green bar on it.
2 - The middle VPAP III is the standard (not enhanced) model but is still an S (spontaneous) model.
3 - The right side VPAP III ST (note the ST added to the model #) is a spontaneous/timed model. This is their top of the line VPAP III and can be set up to pace the sleeper's breathing as an added feature.
ST machines can work in 3 modes: spontaneous, spontaneous timed & timed.
I run my PB330 in spontaneous timed mode and set the timing for 6 breaths per minute. What this means is that if I breath at a normal rate (usually a bit faster than 6 BPM) then the machine follows my breathing, but if for any reason my breathing slows so much that it reaches the low figure of 6 BPM (which my breathing does tend to do at times) the machine will switch itself from exhale pressure back to inhale pressure to try to nudge me back into breathing at a faster rate.
So further questions
If you want to PM me re the following please feel free...
1) What is your husbands weight & height
2) How fit is your husband in general terms
3) How would you describe your husbands neck (normal, solid, very solid)
Re your husband stopping breathing ...
Does he stop breathing abruptly & get woken gasping for air or
Does he just slow his breathing at particular times & eventually just stop until he moves & resumes normal breathing (but without any gasping)
The above question is important to try to understand the nature of your husbands apneas.
Also another important question is what CMS settings has the machine been set for ipap (inhale pressure) and epap (exhale pressure).
We can talk you through how to find this info.
I'll add another post below this one with some comments re the data shown.
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
-
Panhandler
- Posts: 148
- Joined: Thu May 17, 2007 5:39 pm
- Location: Idaho's Panhandle
Casiesea:
Your husband is one lucky guy to have an RN for a wife. As everyone knows, it's RNs that hold the whole medical profession together. At least that's what my RN wife says!
Seriously, those of us on this forum have decided that self education and self advocacy are critical to good results, and we dig in and study on our own and share what we learn.
I'm not experienced at all with Bi-Pap, but my sense is that there are none of the "bottom-end" or "stripped, economy models" of those machines, like there are in the more standard CPAP lines.
As to your post above, AHI is a value measured and calculated by the machine. It's the number of apneas and hypopnias detected through the night, divided by the number of hours of use. The goal for "acceptable" therapy is <5.
I didn't look up the leak rates for your husband's mask, but there should be a table or chart printed in the mask's manual that shows the design leak rate at various pressures. The masks are designed with exhaust vents that allow the flow generators (xPAP machines) to wash out the exhaled CO2. Any amount of leakage above the published amounts is therapy not delivered, and something you want to work on.
I jumped into this reply without even looking at what machine you've got, but in general, having the right software to measure and track treatment is going to be easier and better than trying to read and track data from the machine itself. Since your husband's in the computer industry, I'm assuming he's a techie. Those skills and frame of mind will be useful.
Getting the right mask is a major challenge, in that every face is different, our sleep habits are so diverse and features that one person loves, another hates. Hopefully, you've got a DME or Sleep Center that will work with you. Play the RN/fellow professional card for all it's worth!
As an RN, you've no doubt already figured out how to read and work with physicians. Hopefully, you've got one who values an actively involved patient. If not, you may have to work some of that nursing magic to get the doc to figure out that what you want was his or her great idea in the first place!
It's great to have you aboard. I think the forum will be an asset to you and your husband, and I have the feeling that you'll be an asset to the forum, too!
Your husband is one lucky guy to have an RN for a wife. As everyone knows, it's RNs that hold the whole medical profession together. At least that's what my RN wife says!
Seriously, those of us on this forum have decided that self education and self advocacy are critical to good results, and we dig in and study on our own and share what we learn.
I'm not experienced at all with Bi-Pap, but my sense is that there are none of the "bottom-end" or "stripped, economy models" of those machines, like there are in the more standard CPAP lines.
As to your post above, AHI is a value measured and calculated by the machine. It's the number of apneas and hypopnias detected through the night, divided by the number of hours of use. The goal for "acceptable" therapy is <5.
I didn't look up the leak rates for your husband's mask, but there should be a table or chart printed in the mask's manual that shows the design leak rate at various pressures. The masks are designed with exhaust vents that allow the flow generators (xPAP machines) to wash out the exhaled CO2. Any amount of leakage above the published amounts is therapy not delivered, and something you want to work on.
I jumped into this reply without even looking at what machine you've got, but in general, having the right software to measure and track treatment is going to be easier and better than trying to read and track data from the machine itself. Since your husband's in the computer industry, I'm assuming he's a techie. Those skills and frame of mind will be useful.
Getting the right mask is a major challenge, in that every face is different, our sleep habits are so diverse and features that one person loves, another hates. Hopefully, you've got a DME or Sleep Center that will work with you. Play the RN/fellow professional card for all it's worth!
As an RN, you've no doubt already figured out how to read and work with physicians. Hopefully, you've got one who values an actively involved patient. If not, you may have to work some of that nursing magic to get the doc to figure out that what you want was his or her great idea in the first place!
It's great to have you aboard. I think the forum will be an asset to you and your husband, and I have the feeling that you'll be an asset to the forum, too!
_________________
| Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine |
| Mask: Quattro™ Air Full Face Mask with Headgear |
Never attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Leak 34L/M
VT 200-500
Resp 10-21
MV 3.8-8.4
AHI 29.3
AI 12.5
Casiesea,
Take a look at the data in this link - the two pages of data are what I can obtain from my Vpap III. I use a null modem cable & run an older version of Resmeds software to extract the data from the VPAP over the cable, and present it on the screen.
http://www.internetage.com/cpapdata/menu_0809.html
- "Leak 34L/M"
Look at the leak data from the link. It is showing next to no leak and that is how it should be. Your husbands leak data seems higher than it need be. To bring it to L/s divide by 60 so the L/s = 0.56 (L/s is how the software displays leak data).
- "VT 200-500"
This looks like Volume Tidal ? - if yes this is the range of air flowing in/out in a breath. If this is what it is it seems low to me.
- "Resp 10-21"
This is the respiratory rate at which your husband is breathing & looks ok to me.
- "MV 3.8-8.4"
This is the Minute Ventilation (airflow measured per min) and looks a bit low to me. Take a look at the MV in the linked chart where my own MV median is 10.8 with a max of 23.
- "AHI 29.3"
AHI is Apnea Hypopnea Index & 29.3 is without doubt too high.
- "AI 12.5"
This is the Apnea Index (obstructive) component of the AHI thus the HI (Hypopnea Index) is 29.3 - 12.5 = 16.8
Your husband is having a high level of Hypopneas - these are when the sleeper slows their breathing such that it is registered as a Hypopnea.
The other data I have asked for should help round out the picture quite a bit. Also it is important to know if your husband has any known respiratory issues aside from OSA.
Cheers
DSM
VT 200-500
Resp 10-21
MV 3.8-8.4
AHI 29.3
AI 12.5
Casiesea,
Take a look at the data in this link - the two pages of data are what I can obtain from my Vpap III. I use a null modem cable & run an older version of Resmeds software to extract the data from the VPAP over the cable, and present it on the screen.
http://www.internetage.com/cpapdata/menu_0809.html
- "Leak 34L/M"
Look at the leak data from the link. It is showing next to no leak and that is how it should be. Your husbands leak data seems higher than it need be. To bring it to L/s divide by 60 so the L/s = 0.56 (L/s is how the software displays leak data).
- "VT 200-500"
This looks like Volume Tidal ? - if yes this is the range of air flowing in/out in a breath. If this is what it is it seems low to me.
- "Resp 10-21"
This is the respiratory rate at which your husband is breathing & looks ok to me.
- "MV 3.8-8.4"
This is the Minute Ventilation (airflow measured per min) and looks a bit low to me. Take a look at the MV in the linked chart where my own MV median is 10.8 with a max of 23.
- "AHI 29.3"
AHI is Apnea Hypopnea Index & 29.3 is without doubt too high.
- "AI 12.5"
This is the Apnea Index (obstructive) component of the AHI thus the HI (Hypopnea Index) is 29.3 - 12.5 = 16.8
Your husband is having a high level of Hypopneas - these are when the sleeper slows their breathing such that it is registered as a Hypopnea.
The other data I have asked for should help round out the picture quite a bit. Also it is important to know if your husband has any known respiratory issues aside from OSA.
Cheers
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
Casiesea
Panhandler has raised an important point that I didn't,
What type of mask is your husband using ? - the VPAP III allows you to pick a mask (there is an internal table of resmed masks) so that the leak rate for that mask gets programmed into the data displayed & thus if the mask is one known to the machine, the leak rate should show as zero (as it does in the linked data I posted).
Respironics Bipaps (the other main brand of Bilevels) have a different approach to how leak is calculated. The user has to get the median pressure for the night shown in the software, then using that pressure get the fixed leak rate data for that pressure for their mask, subtract that from the leak data shown in the software & the result is the actual leak. Few people actually go to all that trouble. Most just get used to the leak rate shown in the software & look for variations.
DSM
Panhandler has raised an important point that I didn't,
What type of mask is your husband using ? - the VPAP III allows you to pick a mask (there is an internal table of resmed masks) so that the leak rate for that mask gets programmed into the data displayed & thus if the mask is one known to the machine, the leak rate should show as zero (as it does in the linked data I posted).
Respironics Bipaps (the other main brand of Bilevels) have a different approach to how leak is calculated. The user has to get the median pressure for the night shown in the software, then using that pressure get the fixed leak rate data for that pressure for their mask, subtract that from the leak data shown in the software & the result is the actual leak. Few people actually go to all that trouble. Most just get used to the leak rate shown in the software & look for variations.
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
I would definitely look into the mask for answers - it's so often the problem as fitting is definitely important and big leak can ruin treatment. But something else seems not to have been mentioned either, and that is that if your husband opens his mouth when asleep, all the 'good' air is going out there and not where it should. There are various ways of dealing with it, though from what I've heard chin straps rarely work as lips still manage to open up. Things like using micropore tape do work, as do Polident strips, but maybe the majority of people who need it use a full face mask like the Ultra Mirage II, the Quattro, Hybrid, etc. I use the UMFF, but would never have known I needed it as I never believed (ego!) that I was sleeping like that, but apparently I do at times and now my numbers are where they belong.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Sorry for the delay but I wanted to have all the answers I could possibly get.
Weight : 215lbs
Fitness : I would have to say he is not very fit. His activity level has decreased dramatically in the past 1-2 years. I would say he has a high level of fatigue also.
Neck: solid
The bipap is: VPAP III (not ST), with HumidAire 2i, and the Mirage Swift II nasal pillow mask.
The display is giving me different numbers now
Leak:
34L/min - day
27 L/min - week
AHI:
25.9 - day
32.4 - week
I am not sure if this would affect the number but this am I was nudging him when he stopped breathing
AI:
13.4 - day
18.6 - week
Used 50 hours
Pressure 12/8
He stops breathing abruptly. He will be breathing at a regular rhythm and rate and then ...nothing for 10-30 seconds. Usually he will just jump or startle , then just starts breathing again. He does not gasp for air that I have noticed. It is pretty bad when he is on his side, a little better when he is flat on his back.
He does leak air through his mouth sometimes but I can usually hear when it happens. It is not constant, maybe once every 10-20 min. Or he only makes that sound that often.
I just had him go up and start up the machine to check the numbers on the treatment screen. This is what it showed just now, while awake and just starting up:
Leak: 0-2 L/m
Resp Rate 22
Min Vent : 15.2
VT: 534 (this is tidal volume)
Trigger indicator :Spontaneous
Measured inspiration time :1.05
Measured I:E ratio: 1:1
Cycle indicatior: C TiMx 2.5
He does not have any other respiratory issues that we know of. He is a smoker (ex smoker x 1 week)
At the moment, I cannot find the leak value for the mask but I am still looking. He has another mask but it does not cover his mouth, it looks like a triangle and only goes over the nose. We will get one that covers the mouth tomorrow just incase that is part of the problem.
I also had him go check the fitting of the mask with the machine on. It says excellent fit or 5 stars but again, he was awake.
I cannot tell you all how much I appreciate all of the help!
Sorry for the delay but I wanted to have all the answers I could possibly get.
Weight : 215lbs
Fitness : I would have to say he is not very fit. His activity level has decreased dramatically in the past 1-2 years. I would say he has a high level of fatigue also.
Neck: solid
The bipap is: VPAP III (not ST), with HumidAire 2i, and the Mirage Swift II nasal pillow mask.
The display is giving me different numbers now
Leak:
34L/min - day
27 L/min - week
AHI:
25.9 - day
32.4 - week
I am not sure if this would affect the number but this am I was nudging him when he stopped breathing
AI:
13.4 - day
18.6 - week
Used 50 hours
Pressure 12/8
He stops breathing abruptly. He will be breathing at a regular rhythm and rate and then ...nothing for 10-30 seconds. Usually he will just jump or startle , then just starts breathing again. He does not gasp for air that I have noticed. It is pretty bad when he is on his side, a little better when he is flat on his back.
He does leak air through his mouth sometimes but I can usually hear when it happens. It is not constant, maybe once every 10-20 min. Or he only makes that sound that often.
I just had him go up and start up the machine to check the numbers on the treatment screen. This is what it showed just now, while awake and just starting up:
Leak: 0-2 L/m
Resp Rate 22
Min Vent : 15.2
VT: 534 (this is tidal volume)
Trigger indicator :Spontaneous
Measured inspiration time :1.05
Measured I:E ratio: 1:1
Cycle indicatior: C TiMx 2.5
He does not have any other respiratory issues that we know of. He is a smoker (ex smoker x 1 week)
At the moment, I cannot find the leak value for the mask but I am still looking. He has another mask but it does not cover his mouth, it looks like a triangle and only goes over the nose. We will get one that covers the mouth tomorrow just incase that is part of the problem.
I also had him go check the fitting of the mask with the machine on. It says excellent fit or 5 stars but again, he was awake.
I cannot tell you all how much I appreciate all of the help!
Also, he says he feels like the exhalation period is too long. He feels like he constantly waiting for the machine to start the inhalation phase. I don't know if I am describing it correctly but he "thinks" the machine waits too long to change back to inhalation. He feels that is why he stops breathing...waiting for the machine to change. The RT we talked to on the phone today says the cycle is controlled by his breathing, not the other way around. Does this make sense?
Casiesea,
Just from what you have described I know what I would be setting the machine to.
I just want to add that I am no medical person nor any sort of expert on respiratory issues, just a user. So having said that I am suggesting caution as to what action you take based on advice from non qualified people such as myself.
Firstly, from the descriptions, I lean towards this being classic OSA but the hypopnea figures do indicate a lot of slowing of breathing.
It is interesting that you say he is worse when on his side as it is much more typical that people experience higher OSAs when on their back.
The epap CMS setting that is regarded as the safest in terms of keeping a standard build male's airway open, is 10 CMS and I would be inclined to adjust epap to that setting. Also allowing that the current AHI is around the 30 mark, would bump ipap inhale pressure (ipap) to 13 (perhaps 14 if the AHI doesn't drop below 5).
Also it is very important to stop those mouth leaks as they skew the numbers and diminish the therapy quite a bit.
The bit about your husband waiting for the machine to go from epap to ipap is interesting but when he is asleep his breathing if regualr, will drive the epap/ipap switch naturally.
So - from my perspective, I see inadequate settings that explain to me why the results are as they are.
Good luck with this - PM me if you want an explanation of how to access the settings.
DSM
Just from what you have described I know what I would be setting the machine to.
I just want to add that I am no medical person nor any sort of expert on respiratory issues, just a user. So having said that I am suggesting caution as to what action you take based on advice from non qualified people such as myself.
Firstly, from the descriptions, I lean towards this being classic OSA but the hypopnea figures do indicate a lot of slowing of breathing.
It is interesting that you say he is worse when on his side as it is much more typical that people experience higher OSAs when on their back.
The epap CMS setting that is regarded as the safest in terms of keeping a standard build male's airway open, is 10 CMS and I would be inclined to adjust epap to that setting. Also allowing that the current AHI is around the 30 mark, would bump ipap inhale pressure (ipap) to 13 (perhaps 14 if the AHI doesn't drop below 5).
Also it is very important to stop those mouth leaks as they skew the numbers and diminish the therapy quite a bit.
The bit about your husband waiting for the machine to go from epap to ipap is interesting but when he is asleep his breathing if regualr, will drive the epap/ipap switch naturally.
So - from my perspective, I see inadequate settings that explain to me why the results are as they are.
Good luck with this - PM me if you want an explanation of how to access the settings.
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
Casiesea,
Dive into this topic - it will teach you a lot about bi-level therapy in general.
viewtopic/t26896/BILEVEL-PAP-Therapy-Pe ... urdle.html
You should be aware that a. sometimes excellent sleep doctors who know a lot about sleep don't know enough about the nitty gritty of the machines an setting them up to give the necessary treatment. and b. the setup is sometimes done by extremely ignorant people.
So knowing the machine and how to set it up is definitely the right way for you to go - if you decide not to make the changes on your own.
I'm sure you'll get the clinicians manual - or at least setup infomation from members of this board - without having to pay -- have just noticed DSM has already made the offer (Glad to see you posting again, DSM!).
The numbers you're reporting are non-treatment, I would really contact the doctor and or RT about that - maybe the machine was set up fine, and isn't functioning properly, and maybe your husband does need a timed machine that will initiate his inhalation if he doesn't start it on his own.
O.
Dive into this topic - it will teach you a lot about bi-level therapy in general.
viewtopic/t26896/BILEVEL-PAP-Therapy-Pe ... urdle.html
You should be aware that a. sometimes excellent sleep doctors who know a lot about sleep don't know enough about the nitty gritty of the machines an setting them up to give the necessary treatment. and b. the setup is sometimes done by extremely ignorant people.
So knowing the machine and how to set it up is definitely the right way for you to go - if you decide not to make the changes on your own.
I'm sure you'll get the clinicians manual - or at least setup infomation from members of this board - without having to pay -- have just noticed DSM has already made the offer (Glad to see you posting again, DSM!).
The numbers you're reporting are non-treatment, I would really contact the doctor and or RT about that - maybe the machine was set up fine, and isn't functioning properly, and maybe your husband does need a timed machine that will initiate his inhalation if he doesn't start it on his own.
O.
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| Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Additional Comments: Machine: Resmed AirSense10 for Her with Climateline heated hose ; alternating masks. |
And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Good advice is compromised by missing data
Forum member Dog Slobber Nov. 2023
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HelpMeBreath
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2008 3:10 pm
- Location: Milwaukee
- Contact:
Are you my wife?
First off, this is kind of funny because I came here looking for answers to my questions, and bam, this situation almost completely mirrors my own. Same machine, same problems, etc. The help you all are providing is incredible.
I am still making payments on my machine, I owe the sleep center money, I cannot go back in, and I believe the settings are wrong on mine as well. I have been trying to adjust to it for a little over a month, I started with a swift 2 mask, but Im a total mouth breather, I cant use a full face, so I bought a hybrid from someone online for $50, and so far that has been much better.
I dont want to hijack your thread so I will finish up here. I am looking to find out
a. The efficacy reports (what they mean)
b. How to make adjustments etc
I am a computer guy so I am not turned off by going into the machine, but I would like to get the software and settings.
I am currently at 19/10 (the strongest?) and I really believe that is too high. My sleep study was a nightmare and some weird things happened to me, I had to go back twice, and I was talking in my sleep and behaving oddly.
I will continue to read this forum, it makes me feel better already. I have started a blog about my battles with this damn machine (helpmebreath.com) and I have picked up some readers who seem to have similar questions.
I can also relate to what your husband said about waiting on the machine, if anything wakes me up I have to stop and restart the machine, this happens 3 or 4 times a night on a good night, I think I can breath with it when I am sleeping but when I am awake, its like I am battling with it for that split second when I am waiting on it to change directions.
I have seen the clinicians manual for $6 on ebay, will this tell me what I need? I was also told I couldnt change any settings without the null cable, they know I am a computer guy so they are trying to keep me from breaking into the machine.
Do you think that it would be worth it to try to change settings? My insurance company is only paying for one months rental, they say this is common to see if its working, I really dont want them to take it away because its not working, not to mention I have been exhausted for 20 years and I want to feel this "fountain of youth"
Sorry for the ramblings, I am just excited that I have found someone with a situation so close to my own.
I am still making payments on my machine, I owe the sleep center money, I cannot go back in, and I believe the settings are wrong on mine as well. I have been trying to adjust to it for a little over a month, I started with a swift 2 mask, but Im a total mouth breather, I cant use a full face, so I bought a hybrid from someone online for $50, and so far that has been much better.
I dont want to hijack your thread so I will finish up here. I am looking to find out
a. The efficacy reports (what they mean)
b. How to make adjustments etc
I am a computer guy so I am not turned off by going into the machine, but I would like to get the software and settings.
I am currently at 19/10 (the strongest?) and I really believe that is too high. My sleep study was a nightmare and some weird things happened to me, I had to go back twice, and I was talking in my sleep and behaving oddly.
I will continue to read this forum, it makes me feel better already. I have started a blog about my battles with this damn machine (helpmebreath.com) and I have picked up some readers who seem to have similar questions.
I can also relate to what your husband said about waiting on the machine, if anything wakes me up I have to stop and restart the machine, this happens 3 or 4 times a night on a good night, I think I can breath with it when I am sleeping but when I am awake, its like I am battling with it for that split second when I am waiting on it to change directions.
I have seen the clinicians manual for $6 on ebay, will this tell me what I need? I was also told I couldnt change any settings without the null cable, they know I am a computer guy so they are trying to keep me from breaking into the machine.
Do you think that it would be worth it to try to change settings? My insurance company is only paying for one months rental, they say this is common to see if its working, I really dont want them to take it away because its not working, not to mention I have been exhausted for 20 years and I want to feel this "fountain of youth"
Sorry for the ramblings, I am just excited that I have found someone with a situation so close to my own.
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| Humidifier | |
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Last Night
We changed the settings last night.
IPAP 13.4 (was 12)
EPAP 10.4 (was 8 )
Rise time 250 ms (was 150)
Ipap max 3.5s (was 2.50s)
Ipap min 1.50s (was 0.10)
He felt like the changes above took away the "waiting for the machine" feelings.
The mask setting was wrong so I changed it to the right one. And he used tape. It didn't work but we now know he is leaking through mouth. He has an appt to get a new mask today.
Results -
Leak 31L/M (down from 34)
AHI 24.2 (down from 29.3)
AI 9.9 (down from 12.5)
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): AHI
IPAP 13.4 (was 12)
EPAP 10.4 (was 8 )
Rise time 250 ms (was 150)
Ipap max 3.5s (was 2.50s)
Ipap min 1.50s (was 0.10)
He felt like the changes above took away the "waiting for the machine" feelings.
The mask setting was wrong so I changed it to the right one. And he used tape. It didn't work but we now know he is leaking through mouth. He has an appt to get a new mask today.
Results -
Leak 31L/M (down from 34)
AHI 24.2 (down from 29.3)
AI 9.9 (down from 12.5)
_________________
CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): AHI
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