New To CPAP - Looking for Advice

[pweiric7]

Hello,

Was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea from a home test at the end of December with a 15.1 AHI. Got a machine about a week ago, Dreamstation auto CPAP and Amara full head gear mask. Had success the first 3 nights with little issues sleeping and AHI around 4 but had issues with the mask digging into the bridge of my nose and forehead. Tried loosening it more to no avail so ordered the Amara view and tried it last night for the first time. Was like night and day in terms of comfort, slept very soundly and only woke up once in the night which is typical. I would say I feel more rested than usual this morning but still residual sleepiness which I know is to be expected.

Attaching my sleepyhead data from last night. Just looking for any tips to improve my setup, lower my AHI, or anything else helpful.

Thanks,
Paul

[palerider]

I just adore newbies that post a perfect screenshot right out of the gate. Well done.

I'd bump your min pressure a cm or two... That should help smooth out some of the breathing issues. There is room for improvement, but over all, you're doing pretty good.

[pweiric7]

I just adore newbies that post a perfect screenshot right out of the gate. Well done.

I'd bump your min pressure a cm or two... That should help smooth out some of the breathing issues. There is room for improvement, but over all, you're doing pretty good.

Thanks, appreciate it. I'll try bumping it up and report back.

[zonker]

Hello,

Was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea from a home test at the end of December with a 15.1 AHI.

welcome to the zoo. it really looks like you've got a good handle on things, right out of the gate. i agree with palerider (i'd be foolish not to!), raise the minimum pressure and see how it goes.

look forward to seeing how you progress!

[SDBud]

Hello,

Was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea from a home test at the end of December with a 15.1 AHI. Got a machine about a week ago, Dreamstation auto CPAP and Amara full head gear mask. Had success the first 3 nights with little issues sleeping and AHI around 4 but had issues with the mask digging into the bridge of my nose and forehead. Tried loosening it more to no avail so ordered the Amara view and tried it last night for the first time. Was like night and day in terms of comfort, slept very soundly and only woke up once in the night which is typical. I would say I feel more rested than usual this morning but still residual sleepiness which I know is to be expected.

Attaching my sleepyhead data from last night. Just looking for any tips to improve my setup, lower my AHI, or anything else helpful.

Thanks,
Paul

YOU are lucky! When I was diagnosed last year, it was because I was getting O2 numbers in the law 70s when I was asleep during a hospital stay. They gave me a device to check my sleep, and after using and returning it, I had over 58 events per hour!! Yes, they REALLY wanted me on a machine ASAP! Took almost 6 months, and open heart surgery to get me comfortable with the machine, but it has really helped me feel better.

[palerider]

Took almost 6 months, and open heart surgery * to get me comfortable with the machine, but it has really helped me feel better.

* Note, open heart surgery not required to successfully use CPAP.

[pweiric7]

YOU are lucky! When I was diagnosed last year, it was because I was getting O2 numbers in the law 70s when I was asleep during a hospital stay. They gave me a device to check my sleep, and after using and returning it, I had over 58 events per hour!! Yes, they REALLY wanted me on a machine ASAP! Took almost 6 months, and open heart surgery to get me comfortable with the machine, but it has really helped me feel better.

Glad to hear it helped eventually for you! I certainly know I’m fortunate with my start after reading lots of posts here. Hoping it translates into feeling less tired and lethargic over time.

[zonker]

Glad to hear it helped eventually for you! I certainly know I’m fortunate with my start after reading lots of posts here. Hoping it translates into feeling less tired and lethargic over time.

it absolutely WILL. wish i could tell you exactly when. wish i could tell you it will all come at once.

but can't lie. if you're like most people, it will get better and better by degrees.

but it will come!

[pweiric7]

Here's last nights screenshot after raising the minimum pressure to 9.0. Seems like a lot more going on compared to my last chart.

[Jas_williams]

Here's last nights screenshot after raising the minimum pressure to 9.0. Seems like a lot more going on compared to my last chart.

Not really very different no more than normal change night to night but I would suggest going to 10cm

[palerider]

Here's last nights screenshot after raising the minimum pressure to 9.0. Seems like a lot more going on compared to my last chart.

Not really very different no more than normal change night to night but I would suggest going to 10cm

*Points* what he said.

[pweiric7]

Here's last nights screenshot after raising the minimum pressure to 9.0. Seems like a lot more going on compared to my last chart.

Not really very different no more than normal change night to night but I would suggest going to 10cm

*Points* what he said.

Thanks both of you. I figured I was overthinking it after I posted what I said.

[pweiric7]

Here's last night's data after upping the minimum pressure to 10.

[palerider]

Here's last night's data after upping the minimum pressure to 10.

Give it a few nights, and then consider 11.

[zonker]

Here's last night's data after upping the minimum pressure to 10.

what palerider said. but i just want to add, look how your ahi has dropped already! good job.