Cold weather = numbers getting bad?

[cajun]

I started this last spring, so this is my first CPAP winter. I don't think anything else has changed besides the weather, and my leak lines generally look good, but...my numbers seemed to have inched up from <1.5 to >3 once we hit freezing night temps. I'm using the humidifier on zero. Should I just expect worse results during freeze nights?

[KatieW]

Have you seen this thread, perhaps it will give you some ideas:

viewtopic/t48147/Interesting-Observation.html

Or, could it be your mask is getting older?

[gasp]

Do you have rainout? My numbers went a bit higher when I had rainout. I think it may have been all the gurgling impeding the air flow versus an event?

[cajun]

Thanks for the replies and the link. I switched out my nose piece a few weeks ago hoping it would help, so I can't blame it on an old mask. No, I don't think I have rainout issues. I'm set on zero and I don't recall waking with water coming through the hose...unlike when I set it >0.

[DoriC]

Hi cajun, looks like we're having the same problem. This is my husband's second winter but last year we were having so many other issues that I don't know what was causing what! We use humidifier in passover mode too and we've never had rainout and he has no nasal problems. Den and RG are probably on to something about positional apneas because the first night this higher AHI happened he was sleeping with shoulders hunched and legs curled up. Last night with the higher AHI again, he said he wasn't cold but the extra blanket felt "heavy". Tonight we'll use his new mask, remove the extra blanket and turn the thermostat up just a notch, it's not as cold tonight as it has been here in NJ. As the late Gilda Radner said, "It's always something"! Looking forward to your updates.

[cajun]

Hey Dori,

I'll post updates as I figure out stuff. Hope your hubby gets better numbers soon. We're looking at single digits the next few nights here, so I'll hope for the best. I may try to stay warmer as you guys tried.

I've seen your posts on here before, but let me say for the first time that you are a fantastic woman for being on here trying to get the best help for your husband.

[Muse-Inc]

...he said he wasn't cold but the extra blanket felt "heavy"...

Dori, I switched all my blankets to lightweight, supersoft, fluffy ones (think they're a poly blend) because getting too hot or too cool wakes me up. I can't handle anything that is heavy...loved my former cotton thermal blankets, oh well.

[DoriC]

[quote="DoriC loved my former cotton thermal blankets, oh well.

Yes, that reminded me of the nice mint green one I have stored away on the top shelf, that should do it, thanks, Muse!

[montana]

Down comforter is great and not heavy. I posted how I think a cold face on one side can cause leaks. I know I will wake up early in the morning when really cold out with a cold face. It would stand to reason that the mask would cool down too and pull away from the face.

[DoriC]

Are down comforters really warm? The ones I looked at in stores don't feel heavy enough. I think they come in different weights and prices so probably the most expensive one would be best, right?

[montana]

Yes higher priced ones have higher thread count. They are very light wieght and we use all year long. Good buy on them at Coscto

[Muse-Inc]

Are down comforters really warm? The ones I looked at in stores don't feel heavy enough...

It's not weight that makes for warmth but how much body heat they trap either by being a dense weave like silk or satin or have lots of fluffiness that traps a lot of air (poly or down). As the body warmth heats the air around you and the closest layers of the sheets-blankets, that warmth in those layers acts like an insulator against the cold room temp. Right now, I sleep with 3 layers of thin blankets and over my knees, calves, and feet a satin sheet and a soft throw. Each layer can be kicked off or pulled back on depending on my body's unstable thermostat. Together all of this weighs less than one of my former cotton thermal blankets which I had to abandon as I cannot tolerate their weight.

[DoriC]

Now we're getting to the heart of my problem and why I'm concerned about these things. My husband isn't always "aware" of what's happening to him during the night(sometimes during the day too) and can't make those decisions to "pull on, kick off",he just accepts things as they are and only when I question him if I'm trying to figure out a problem, will he then finally "mention" the disturbances he's feeling, "this new pillow feels too hard, my mask felt too tight,my nose feels stuffy, I was cold,etc". Sorry for the rant, today is "one of those days". I will check Costco for the down comforters. Thanks.

[gasp]

Are down comforters really warm? The ones I looked at in stores don't feel heavy enough. I think they come in different weights and prices so probably the most expensive one would be best, right?

Pacific Coast products are less likely to cause allergic response to down. I love their products! However, I bought a silk comforter and like it better than down. It suits all weather whereas down is a bit too warm and can't be used year round.
https://www.pacificcoast.com/?lid=eRIdg ... agodGQNfsQ

[SleepyT]

I started this last spring, so this is my first CPAP winter. I don't think anything else has changed besides the weather, and my leak lines generally look good, but...my numbers seemed to have inched up from <1.5 to >3 once we hit freezing night temps. I'm using the humidifier on zero. Should I just expect worse results during freeze nights?

I always learn something when I check the 'board'. Cajun...thanks for posting this. I, too, have noticed a creeping up AHI...not much...like you, just a little bit. I've been wrestling with a too hot waterbed and too heavy blankets...waking up sweating...then getting cold again. This winter weather certainly impacts things! Anyway...thanks for spelling it out! Good to know how the seasons will make a difference.