Crusing Down the CPAP Highway..then BAM!..a pothole

[BrnEyez]

For over nine months on CPAP my numbers rarely change. Monthly averages are AHI 2.9, Leaks 0, pressure 10.6. Nothing ever changes or varies. Doing really well. However, in the last week my AHI's have gone up to a little over 5 every morning...still no leaks and pressure is the same. The only thing that has been different this last week is that I have added Singulair and Symbicort (asthma related) to my medications. Any reason why these two medications could possibly make a difference?

[Slinky]

Interesting, I've been using Advair and Spiriva shortly before bed and my events occur mostly in the first half to first two thirds of the night. The last 1/2 to 1/3 of the night is always "smoother" w/less or no events. I just assumed it was the inhalers taking that long to impart their full effect and benefit. Do you have the software to actually see the pattern? Do you get the detailed graphs w/the waves thru out the night? It really wasnt until I started observing those wave graphs that it became REALLY apparent. Seeing those waves smooth out AS WELL AS the lack or reduced numbers of apneas and hypopneas finally brought it home in full force. Duh. I was using Spiriva and often albuterol BEFORE I started xPAP so I have nothing to compare to as you have.

[jnk]

My understanding is that most any drug can change your sleep. And drugs that effect the respiratory system in any way can easily have an effect on your numbers.

Not necessarily a bad thing. Or good. Just different. Doesn't sound to me, from what you describe, that the effect is being especially significant to your PAP therapy. Unfortunately our numbers don't give us a complete picture with such matters.

Just my nonprofessional take. And I'm sure you'll get better answers than the one I just gave.

[Slinky]

As a matter of fact, I just called my sleep lab yesterday morning to schedule an appointment w/the sleep pulmo. I didn't even get as far as mentioning an appointment w/the sleep pulmo, just told them I suspected that I needed some adjustments to my CPAP therapy because of the amount of time I've recently spent below 90% 02 saturation. I've actually had to nap the last two afternoons. I was told the RPSGT wasn't in but would call me back. Which never happened. And THAT surprised me as this sleep lab has been great.

So - I'll call my old sleep pulmo this afternoon if I don't get a call and make an appointment to drive the hour to his office to see what he has to say. IF I was on straight CPAP I'd make some pressure adjustments myself but there are so many options on this bi-level I might not need a pressure adjustment so much as some or one of the other options changed. Meanwhile, I'm just gonna add 2L of 02 and see what that does until I can see a doctor.