CPAP S9 vs AirCurve BiPap initial results

[NewBMW]

I was switched from the S9 to the BiPap on the AirCurve S 10 about two weeks ago. I started with a full face mask but after 5 days of fighting with it, I switched back to my nasal mask but still on the Air Curve machine. I was used to the nasal mask and it worked great. No trouble sleeping, no trouble going back to sleep after getting up for the bathroom one or two times in a 8 hour period. I felt that my sleep quality was better with the AirCurve than with the S9; however, ResScan tells a different story. With both the Full Face mask and the nasal mask my leaks were very high even with a chin strap (I have a slightly dry mouth in the morning)
AHI on S-9 Averaged 4.5 for past 30 days Ave Pressure 9.8 and the max rarely exceeded 10
AHI on Air Curve Averaged 22 for past 10 days BiLevel set at 9 and 13
Leaks on S-9 Averaged about 15 at the 90% level
Leaks on the Air Curve Averaged about 70 at the 90% level with either mask.

I am going back to the S-9 for a day or two to see if it is the machine and my adjustment to it that is the issue. Or could it be that BiPap takes a bit of time to get used to. BiPap seems much easier than the S-9, but the short term results as reflected on ResScan 5.5 do not bear this out.

I have an appointment with the Doctor after Christmas.

Any suggestions here as to what my adjustment issues are? Or suggested actions I should attempt in order to give my doctor the clearest possible picture? It took me about six months to get comfortable with the S-9 and the mask so this may well be the issue.

Thanks,

[Greg Riddle]

If you leak rate is high and your mouth is dry, it's probably leaking out of your mouth. Leaking out of your mouth will cause you to have more events. I would suggest finding a ffm that works for you. After you get your leaks fixed then maybe look into adjusting your settings on the machine

[Pesser]

I was switched from the S9 to the BiPap on the AirCurve S 10 about two weeks ago. I started with a full face mask but after 5 days of fighting with it, I switched back to my nasal mask but still on the Air Curve machine. I was used to the nasal mask and it worked great. No trouble sleeping, no trouble going back to sleep after getting up for the bathroom one or two times in a 8 hour period. I felt that my sleep quality was better with the AirCurve than with the S9; however, ResScan tells a different story. With both the Full Face mask and the nasal mask my leaks were very high even with a chin strap (I have a slightly dry mouth in the morning)
AHI on S-9 Averaged 4.5 for past 30 days Ave Pressure 9.8 and the max rarely exceeded 10
AHI on Air Curve Averaged 22 for past 10 days BiLevel set at 9 and 13
Leaks on S-9 Averaged about 15 at the 90% level
Leaks on the Air Curve Averaged about 70 at the 90% level with either mask.

I am going back to the S-9 for a day or two to see if it is the machine and my adjustment to it that is the issue. Or could it be that BiPap takes a bit of time to get used to. BiPap seems much easier than the S-9, but the short term results as reflected on ResScan 5.5 do not bear this out.

I have an appointment with the Doctor after Christmas.

Any suggestions here as to what my adjustment issues are? Or suggested actions I should attempt in order to give my doctor the clearest possible picture? It took me about six months to get comfortable with the S-9 and the mask so this may well be the issue.

Thanks,

Is the Aircurve on auto? If it is, then the pressure on the display should vary from a max of 13 going up (in the morning). The min should follow it. If the pressure on the Aircurve did not change it should mean that your settings are not on auto. Also if you are more comfortable with the nasal then go with that. You can change the settings on the Aircurve to behave like the APAP S9; but I would not do that until you have tried everything else.

[NewBMW]

I do not understand what you are asking to check in the morning about being on Auto. Also, I do not see where to set or check on the AirCurve if it is on auto. However, when I read the ResScan report, it shows the prescription to be at 9 and 13 but I see no correlation to the 9 and 13 at any other chart in ResScan.

[OkyDoky]

The Aircurve S is Bilevel but not auto so pressures would remain the same. I use Sleepyhead and am not familar with the ResScan graphs, but if it states 9 Epap and 13 Ipap it may not have anything else showing the pressure since it remains the same. I have the Aircurve 10 VPAP Auto but use it on straight pressure of 11 Epap and 15 Ipap.
Hope you get your leaks worked out. Have you tried liners such as PadaCheek or Remzzz or even homemade from old Tee Shirt?

[Pesser]

I do not understand what you are asking to check in the morning about being on Auto. Also, I do not see where to set or check on the AirCurve if it is on auto. However, when I read the ResScan report, it shows the prescription to be at 9 and 13 but I see no correlation to the 9 and 13 at any other chart in ResScan.

If you look at my profile you will see that my bipap is auto. That means that as I need it both ipap and epap pressures go up. The unit determines any obstructions or snoring and give me more pressure, thus saving me from an AHI. If your unit does not do that it may easily means that you must increase the pressure. My pressure is begins at 13 ipap and 8 epap. During the nigh the pressure usually goes up to 14.5 ipap and 9 epap. Increase the pressure very slightly and very slowly. You should do much better.

[NewBMW]

As I said. I see no where to set my S10 to Auto or to check if it is set to Auto. Also, I know of no way to adjust the epap and ipap on my AirCurve. What am I missing?

[grayghost4]

you need the clinicians manual :

http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p ... tup-manual

[OkyDoky]

If you have the AirCurve S it is a fixed pressure machine and you won't have the auto options. Get the clinical manual from grayghost4 link. and this shows you how to access the clinical menu to change pressures. http://www.apneaboard.com/resmed-airsen ... setup-info

It seems like leaks may be needed to be corrected before a lot of changes. It may have been just the newness of mask/machine. I would get Sleepyhead software and see your leaks and how they are impacting your therapy. https://sleep.tnet.com/resources/sleepyhead
The bilevel is a great machine and I think you will like it after you get your issues worked out.

[NewBMW]

I fixed my leaking problem by getting a new cushion for my nasal mask. I also taped my mouth to fix that problem. My AHI for the past three days has been 4.1 and my leaks under 10. So, I feel I am over the adjustment hurdle with my new machine. I am now sleeping well through the night and waking rested. I intended to alternate my nasal and FF masks until I get used to the FF which I think is a better long-term solution than taping. Thanks to all for support and suggestions.

[AcedDublB]

What type of tape did you use?

[NewBMW]

I use regular masking tape but I tape it to my hand first to reduce the stickiness of the tape before applying to my face. If I do not "pre-stick" the tape, it is too hard to get off my face and causes a bit of a burn. By doing this pre-step, the tape still sticks strongly enough to do the job but still is still easy to remove without pain.