Had Titration study last night ...

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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spc2005
Posts: 10
Joined: Tue Nov 08, 2005 4:01 pm
Location: Illinois

Had Titration study last night ...

Post by spc2005 » Mon Nov 14, 2005 9:07 am

Hello Everyone,

Well, I went in for my titration test last night and it was a less than pleasant experience ... but I guess I found out some useful information.

As I stated in previous posts, I had my initial study done a little over 2 years ago and never got evaluated for titration pressure. My doctor at the time just guessed at it after the sleep center sent over the results ... he wrote "8" on my script, so that's where my original machine was set. Anyway, that's the background ...

I got there last night and they hooked me up to a Respironics Bi-PAP machine with a heated humidifyer. I used a ResMed "type" nasal mask initially. I laid there forever and could not sleep ... probably the discomfort of wearing the mask (I hadn't used mine in almost a year) and all the wired ... I felt very, very constricted. Anyway, I finally fell asleep after maybe two hours and then before I knew it, I was awakened by the tech ...she said I was breathing from my mouth and it was waking me up repeatedly.

I have always used a "nasal" mask that does not cover the mouth at all ... now she tells me that I keep trying to breath through my mouth and it is waking me every time I do! She switched me to a full face version of the same mask, and fired the machine up again ...

Well, after laying there for probably another hour, I finally drifted off (I had maybe another 2-2 1/2 hours of sleep before they woke me at 5:30 am).

Result ... the tech said that I hardly slept (which I already knew!) but she "thinks" she got enough info for what they needed. She said she increased the pressure fron a starting point of 6 and ended up the night at 13.

13! I had been using my original machine for nearly 6 months, before I completely quit using it altogether, at 8! Big difference in numbers here!

I, needless to say, don't feel rested today at all, but I am hopeful that I can get used to wearing the full face mask somehow, and actually sleep. With the new pressure setting, maybe the CPAP will actually work for me now!

Here are a few concerns/questions though ...

1. If I have to wear a full face mask due to my habitual "mouth breathing," what is the best one? I have a ResMed one, but it leaves the worst red marks on my face the next day ...very embarrassing! What models/brands do you you guys like?

2. At a titration level of 13, I'm concerned about using a machine without anything to help with breathing out (like a Bi-Pap or the C-Flex technology). I already have this original machine (an Invacare Polaris) through a DME, so my insurance won't pay for a new machine for probably three more years. If I show my doctor I need a Bi-Pap, or better yet an APap, will this potentially side-step the "5 year rule" for getting a new machine? I had a hard time breathing out through this machine set at 8, I can only imagine what it will be like through a machine set at 13 without some help!

3. Anybody else a "mouth breather? And if so, has this been a problem for you with a nose-only type of mask? If I have a choice, I'd much reather use a nose-only if I can, but I'm afraid I'm defeating my purpose if I keep waking up from it.

Oh well, that's all for now. Thanks to everyone ahead of time for your help! I need a nap ... ...

- Shawn


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MartiniLover
Posts: 364
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2005 4:16 pm
Location: Davison Michigan

Post by MartiniLover » Mon Nov 14, 2005 10:29 am

Titration studies can, and often are a problem for all of us. Don't let that worry you. If they got enough info, then you are ok.

You should ask your doctor for a new machine, BiPap or Auto and I'll bet your insurance company will cover it. A new, different CPAP, I doubt it.

I spent 3 months on CPAP, then went to BiPap and do really great on it. My pressure jumped from 9 on cpap to 13/9 on bipap. Yours is an indicator you may also need a bipap.

Masks are the biggest problem for all of us. Find one that 90% like and you will still hear from the ones who don't like it.

I just got a new Respironics Full Face Mask about a month ago and love it. BUT...........after 3 weeks it became uncomfortable. Didn't use it for a week, and last night used it again, and WONDERFUL!!!! I think I am going to be changing masks forever.


_________________
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