Still strugling

[andrasnm]

My AHI numbers are getting better, but I take off my mask half asleep after 4 hours, sometimes two (yesterday), the best time I had was 5 hours (not continuous), the positive side is that my memory, performance at work had markedly improved, I am not tired or dysfunctional as before. Unfortunately, my Auto machine is set to a fixed 11 and my mask leaks too much. I am trying to get a better mask when my provider is up for that but I am not even sure what kind they have for me to choose from. (yes, my insurance covers everything but it is rather limited.)

[Pugsy]

Your leaks are bad but probably not as bad as the statistics are saying in SleepyHead.

Let's get that fixed to have a more accurate idea as to large leaks.

In SleepyHead go to Preferences/CPAP tab.
Over on the right upper corner see where it says red line leak threshold set to 24...that's a ResMed leak number threshold and that number doesn't work so great with a Respironics machine.

Your machine will flag the actual large leak times with a grayed out area in the detailed daily graphs. You need to be aware of that and not so much the statistics showing X% amount of time over threshold.
The problem is with Respironics machines and the way they report leaks and their very generous threshold...we can't put an exact line in the sand number like the ResMed 24 L/min threshold number.
With Respironics the threshold changes with mask used and pressure used so it isn't set in stone.

Change the 24 to something around 70 and you will be closer to the Respironics threshold...or just turn it off and learn to evaluate the leak graphs without the statistic percentage.
When I was using my Respironics machine I had SleepyHead tell me I was having massive leaks and there wasn't one large leak flag on the graphs. The graphs trump the statistic.

[andrasnm]

Thanks. I changed it

Your leaks are bad but probably not as bad as the statistics are saying in SleepyHead.

Let's get that fixed to have a more accurate idea as to large leaks.

In SleepyHead go to Preferences/CPAP tab.
Over on the right upper corner see where it says red line leak threshold set to 24...that's a ResMed leak number threshold and that number doesn't work so great with a Respironics machine.

Your machine will flag the actual large leak times with a grayed out area in the detailed daily graphs. You need to be aware of that and not so much the statistics showing X% amount of time over threshold.
The problem is with Respironics machines and the way they report leaks and their very generous threshold...we can't put an exact line in the sand number like the ResMed 24 L/min threshold number.
With Respironics the threshold changes with mask used and pressure used so it isn't set in stone.

Change the 24 to something around 70 and you will be closer to the Respironics threshold...or just turn it off and learn to evaluate the leak graphs without the statistic percentage.
When I was using my Respironics machine I had SleepyHead tell me I was having massive leaks and there wasn't one large leak flag on the graphs. The graphs trump the statistic.

[Pugsy]

Are leaks waking you up...big or little? That you know if anyway? How much improvement did we get with the leak statistic with the change?

Let's try to figure out what can be done to increase your time on the machine. If these short hours help you feel better just imagine how much improved you would be if you can get more hours than you have been getting.

How come the Simplus? Do you have chronic nasal issues that pretty much force mouth breathing out of a physical need because the nose won't clear up?
Are you sure it is the correct size? Did they actually measure you or just eyeball your face and say "you are so and so size" and toss you a mask and send you on your way?

The Simplus is actually a pretty good mask but it may simply not be a good fit for your particular facial structure.

[andrasnm]

Not the leaks but just having a mask with air pressure. It takes time getting used to. I am not taking Ambien just get tired and want to sleep, but sometimes putting the mask on chases the sleepiness away. When I wake sometimes I feel rested after 3-4 hours, sometimes I take the mask off half-asleep. Simplus is what they gave me. I am trying to see of I can get Amara, where I can watch TV or even read with. Simplus I cannot use glasses or have a decent vision. It is OK, easy to use but I imagine there are better ones. I want to try Amara. When I sleep my mouth open automatically, nothing I can do other than a strap which I am not yet ready to try.

Are leaks waking you up...big or little? That you know if anyway? How much improvement did we get with the leak statistic with the change?

Let's try to figure out what can be done to increase your time on the machine. If these short hours help you feel better just imagine how much improved you would be if you can get more hours than you have been getting.

How come the Simplus? Do you have chronic nasal issues that pretty much force mouth breathing out of a physical need because the nose won't clear up?
Are you sure it is the correct size? Did they actually measure you or just eyeball your face and say "you are so and so size" and toss you a mask and send you on your way?

The Simplus is actually a pretty good mask but it may simply not be a good fit for your particular facial structure.