HELP...Machine set too High ?

[Crest]

Hello,

I've lost about 10 pounds so I'm at my normal weight. My AUTO CPAP machine is set at 8-11. Although my avg. API is at 2.9 I'm a bit tired. Could it possible that 8 is now to high for the low end? The machine does sit close to 8 for most the night.

Marty

[JimIllinois]

The only way to really know is to set it down a bit and record what happens. But that pressure is pretty low already, it probably is not causing you to lose sleep.

[Wulfman]

Hello,

I've lost about 10 pounds so I'm at my normal weight. My AUTO CPAP machine is set at 8-11. Although my avg. API is at 2.9 I'm a bit tired. Could it possible that 8 is now to high for the low end? The machine does sit close to 8 for most the night.

Marty

Not necessarily. A number of people who have lost weight report actually needing higher pressures. And, statistically, the machine will spend a great deal of time at the lower pressures, so that's not necessarily an indicator.

Do you have the software to actually SEE what's going on?

Maybe your tiredness if from the pressure changes during the night (in Auto mode).

Den

[timbalionguy]

(The usual 'I'm not a sleep doctor' disclaimers apply) Try lowering your low pressure from 8 to 7. Leave your high pressure as is for now. Note on your data if your AI starts to increase. If it does not, then 7 might be an appropriate pressure for you. If you infrequently or never 'max out', you can then try lowering your high pressure by 1 CM. Do this slowly, giving at least a week between pressure changes. In general, a gap of 3-4 cm between low and high works for most people.

If this works, you can try a low pressure of 6. A lot of people find anything below 7 is uncomfortable, but that is up to you to decide. You know your own body.

It is also very important to look at other possible causes for the tiredness. Getting enough sleep? Mask leaks? No heavy meals, alcohol or caffiene before bedtime? Is your sleep comfortable, without frequent arousals from non-OSA related things? High or low thyroid? Diabetes? There are many causes of poor sleep secondary to OSA.