AHI# increasing/mask problems?

[pwgphoto]

Nine nights using my CPAP now. Things seemed to be going pretty well other than the sore I got on my nose from my AirFit P10 Pillow after the first two nights. I switch to my Wisp nasal mask and things seemed fine. My AHI#s were in the 3-4's until two days ago when they jumped into the high 5's and 6.

I had noticed I seemed to be waking up more because it felt like my nasal mask was riding up and blocking my nostrils, if that makes sense, and I couldn't get air. So I would mess around with my mask and straps until it felt right again and the air seemed flowing. I am using the large mask piece of the set because according to the sizing chart I am borderline S/M and large, I am right on the edge. I wonder if the XL would be too way big.

I like wearing my AirFit Nasal Pillows due to the minimal head gear and mask size, but they have been hurting my nose. I have the medium pillows and my right nostril has been having pain and that is where I got my sore when I first started.

I had increase the starting pressure from 4 to 7 over the period due to me feeling like I have not gotten enough air when starting out.

Any suggestions? Thanks

Mon 11-2 by Paul Gillespie, on Flickr
Tues 11-3 by Paul Gillespie, on Flickr
Wed 11-4 by Paul Gillespie, on Flickr

[Pugsy]

I had a similar issue with the Wisp (the suffocation thing). I never could get past it and abandoned it.
I did try the Swift FX Nano which is similar and to my surprise no suffocation issues at all. I think it has to do with where the Wisp sits on the nasal bridge area (at least for me) and the Nano rests just a little differently.
I have my doubts as to whether changing size will fix your issues but it wouldn't be impossible.

I can't explain the increase in OAs with the Wisp unless you simply need more pressure with the Wisp than with the nasal pillows. That is common with a FFM (need more pressure) but not nearly as common with going from pillows to nasal cushion....unless maybe you are sleeping more on your back with the Wisp which could also cause pressure needs to increase.

The CA increase could very well just be more awake CAs because you are awake more.

[pwgphoto]

Well I switched the Wisp Mask to an extra large last night, while it no longer felt like it was blocking my nostrils from getting air, my AHI #'s was its highest since starting CPAP at 10.8 on my machine. My DreamMapper app says it was AHI# of 8.3. I did only get 6.5 hours of sleep last night. I think some of it may be from having problems when first going to bed. I sometimes have trouble getting a deep, cleansing breath while going to sleep and repeatedly try, sometimes mouth breathing to try and get more air.