Tweaking time!. Newbie Questions ;)

GagReflex · Post by **GagReflex** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 2:21 am

I've been on the new machine now for 11 days and my average AHI for that period is 6.2. (highest 11.5, lowest 4.3 but only that once under 5.0)
I'm currently on a fixed pressure of 10, and my leak rate average is 1.2 L/min

How should I go about tweaking?. Should I bump myself up to 11 and leave it there for a week to see if there's any improvement, or should I go straight to 12 or more?

I understand how the CPAP machine can stop the Apneas, but can it help with Hypopneas?. My Hypopneas index is always a lot higher than my Apneas, or shouldn't I be concerned about that?. Apologies for the newbie questions again. When I asked my doctor similar questions I got a bit of a blank look from him

Thanks,
John.....

Julie · Post by **Julie** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:18 am

Hypopneas always outnumber apneas by quite a bit, so I wouldn't worry about them too much yet. What I would question is whether I was opening my mouth when asleep and losing all the 'good' air. If it's remotely possible (maybe you have someone who can tell you you're mouth breathing) you need to look into full face masks, or other fixes. Just continuing to raise pressures 'on spec' isn't a good idea and can lead to other problems. As well, I would think about any subtle leaks your mask may have, and whether or not you may need a different one or size, whether or not you end up with a full-face one.

alnhwrd · Post by **alnhwrd** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:52 am

John,

Your leak rate is way too high. Optimaly, your leak rate should be less than .10. I assume that your machine is set up to reflect the mask that you are using? If not, that needs to be changed. Whether you are leaking out of your mouth or from around your nostrils, you have to stop/slow your leaks first thing. I don't use the Swift myself (I could never get it to stop leaking) but you could try some Ayr gel around the pillows, or a larger size of pillows, and/or try some straps to help hold it in place. Try taping your mouth closed for a night and see if that helps. Good Luck!

GagReflex · Post by **GagReflex** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 5:50 am

Hi Julie and alnhwrd
I don't *think* I'm mouth breathing, but I'll try taping for a night to make sure. I dont think a full face mask with work for me unless I shave off the goatee

Yeah, The machine is set for the Swift II, I think the Swift II isn't really for me, no matter what I do I can't stop it leaking for long. I can get a zero leak rate, until I move. *grin*

I have two new masks coming, (an Optilife and a Nasal Aire II) hopefully I have better luck with one of them. I wasn't aware of the 'optimal' leak rate, so now I have something to aim for.

Many thanks for the great advice

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 8:31 am

Don't even bother changing pressure(s) until you have leaks under control ... you will just get lost, waste time, and end up having to start back at square one.