Help! Help! Help! Which is better

[stantheman]

Ok, I need some help. I have been on BIPAP since last November, my original numbers were 20/17. Been on a BIPAP auto for about 6 months now. Lately I have been taking off the mask when my numbers go up to 20 and it starts leaking and making noises. I usually go up to 20 for just a little while. My 90% are usually 16 and 13. Which is better; to turn down my machine to have the high number at 16 and keep the mask on all night or leave it at 20 and only get 4 hours therapy. I realize that is not a good idea but I have tried about 8 different masks now and the idea is to get some sleep isn't it. I have tried Gumby's stocking thing and tried ff masks as well as nasal and recently the Liberty. When I hit 20 they all leak and then I am up for the rest of the night. Any suggestions?

[ozij]

I'd try a period at the 90% recommended.
O.

[nightjar]

Lately I have been taking off the mask when my numbers go up to 20 and it starts leaking and making noises. I usually go up to 20 for just a little while. My 90% are usually 16 and 13. Which is better; to turn down my machine to have the high number at 16 and keep the mask on all night or leave it at 20 and only get 4 hours therapy.

I think I'd go with the lower 90% settings, too, just as ozij suggested. It seems to me that more sleep is better.

I don't know if you've tried the Activa mask, but some people really, really like it. I tried it, and I hated it. But it seemed to have a very good seal, which is one of the things people like about it. Then again, my pressure's lower than yours. Still, it might be worth a shot.

There are some people on the list who might be able to figure out more if they knew what specific machine you're using, but I'm not that knowledgeable. But if you listed your machine and all that, it might help.

Good luck,

Nath

(Out of curiosity, are you a Cardinals fan?)

[Quinda]

I know exactly how you feel ... my pressure is at 20 cm and it is really tough to get a good seal, but I have found some success after much trial and error.

I use a Mirage Quattro ffm and I've found that if a small amount of external pressure is applied on the mask just above the elbow the mask will seal ... the problem is you can't sleep while using a finger to apply the pressure where it's needed ... ...

I overcame the problem by going to the local hardware store and purchasing a 1 inch by 27 inch soft elastic velcro strap. By wearing the strap like a belt over my mask, it applies the right amount of pressure just above the elbow and the mask seals ... the same thing may apply to other ffm's as well with a little trial and error ...

hope that helps ...

[DoriC]

Quinda, I tried that on my hubby's mask last night but it came right under his ears and bothered him. He had to take it off. It did make a good seal though. Where does the strap fall on you?

[CpapMasks]

Wow! 20/17? The net change is a pressure of 3, which is practically undistinguished. Is this your first Bipap with these settings? I guess what Im saying is...were you titrated only one time in the lab, and that is the pressure they ordered? If it was....its time to go back to your Dr and get a repeat study...after all of this time you can tolerate sleeping with the mask and they should get better numbers for you. I'm guessing you went in for a sleep study, and they ended up splitting you and trying cpap...and after that didnt work they switched to Bipap, and sent you home at 20/17.

Hey if none of the above it true.........Plan B...........check to see what may have changed with you since last 6 months. Diet, weight gain/loss, stress, etc... It sounds like you previously tolerated it, and now it just isnt working......... you have a few options..A good consult with e sleep specialist that will get a good history from you, Retitration in the lab or Bipap Auto( that will automatically adjust the pressure based on the obstructions/events, or retitration in the lab. Hope this helps. cpapmasksonline.com