Finally Some Consistent Results!

[DNAClone]

Hi
I have been on the roller coaster ride experimenting with masks, chinstraps, stockings, nipple grease etc....
As I followed the data, the numbers varied a fair amount. The leak averages were 10-20% out of range. However, I must have been mouth breathing or leaking several times during the night. Eventually the APAP maxed out at 20 chasing these short leaks. The presssures were up and down with average 90% at 19.
I have purchased Activa LT, Comfort gel Nasal, Swift LT, Mirage Swift II hoping to put off the inevitable Full face Quattro.

The last few nights I significantly tightened the SP Medical wide chin strap and I have finally stabilized the leak patterns with lower peaks. I have decided to lower the max pressure several cm since I am well above my titration study of 13. The previous leaks have probably skewed the results of the high pressures. I am hoping that by tightening the chin strap and narrowing the pressure range (14.5-18) that the pressures levels will continue to improve to the appropriate range.

The chinstrap is uncomfortable but the width and force keep my mouth closed a bit more.

[Yoda]

Good for you! We all have to find what works. I am still working on getting consistent results...

[Wulfman]

During your roller coaster ride, did you ever "experiment" with single pressure (CPAP mode).......like your titrated pressure of 13?


Den

[DNAClone]

Wulfman,
I think your suggestion is an excellent idea. I will probably use straight CPAP after I settle on a mask as well as figure out what pressure to select for straight CPAP. My titration study is 13 which is a fair amount lower than the data I have been receiving on the auto cpap.
I did slightly lower the high and low ranges last night and my average pressure results decreased with a decent 4.0 AHI.
I did have to change masks in the middle of the night because my Comfortgel Nasal seal leaked to minor rainout.
Kind of strange since I set my humidifier on 1, use a hose huggie and keep my central AC at between 68-71.
I switched to an Activa LT for the 2nd half of my sleep.
Still attempting to figure out which mask works for me. For me the nasal pillows are too variable. Sometimes my nose is allergy sensitive and I get a runny nose. This is not the case with the Nasal Masks.
On the other hand, a FF or Hybrid/Liberty might work for me.
I am having surgery which will not permit the use of one arm for weeks. I figure the Quattro FF may be easiest to use and adjust.
In the meantime, the quest continues for solid CPAP results and quality sleep. With the assistance of the cpaptalk community I am optimistic!