Snoring and how it affects us

[rocketdork]

I'm curious. I have very good AHI numbers, typically around 1 and decent leak rates...but my VS numbers are typically around 10 or higher. What kind of affect does this have on my sleep?

I've been averaging around 9-9.5 hours of sleep a night since I first started PAP therapy, but I still feel tired and run down. Not like before, but I would have expected that I'd find myself a bit more energetic during the day. I did miss one night while camping (power cord problem on the inverter) and I felt like I was going to die that day, headache, fatigue, sore throat, etc...miserable. I'd say I was 80% better than before, but I'm still looking for that last 20%. I'm wondering if the VS is a place to begin exploring.

[BeanMeScot]

I think VS would be a good place to begin. When you do a sleep study, they also try to stop the snoring as well as the apneas.

What is your APAP set on and what is your titrated pressure?

[Guest]

MY sleep doc, a pulmonologist, feels that the VS numbers may not be all that significant. I generally have VS anywhere from 0 to 25, usually in the middle of that range. I've recorded myself (with a microphone actually inside the mask) and I've never picked up a sound of snoring. The doc feels that the CPAP is overly sensitive to "flutters" (soft palate vibrations) that are not associated with the noise of typical snoring. They don't disturb my sleep so I haven't bothered with tracing to reduce my VS numbers.

[Guest]

with tracing to reduce my VS numbers.

that should've been "trying to reduce my VS numbers"

[rocketdork]

I guess I should start keeping a sleep journal. Try to associate my tiredness with something. I'm feeling much better, but I'd still like to feel rested most of the time.

My titrated pressure was 10...however I have my range on my APAP set at 10-20. I've seen pressures as high as 16(!) in the reports. My 90% pressure is usually in the 12 cm range. Don't know if it matters, but the A-Flex setting is at 1 most of the time. I don't usually pay attention to what its set at, as long as its there, I'm comfortable. Sometimes I miss the power button and find out that my Aflex setting has changed.

[BeanMeScot]

You could try slowy bumping up the lower number and taking a look at your report everyday. I would leave it at a particular level for a few days each time before changing it. Make sure your AHI doesn't go up and the VS goes down and see how you feel.