All is well until...

[pandaspandaspandas]

I roll over onto my back and choke despite using CPAP. It seems like my sleep apnea is the result of my lower jaw being kind of set back, making it easy to cause obstruction. Thus, rolling on my back swiftly defeats CPAP. Even sleeping on my side isn't too great.

I don't have any numbers at the moment because my data capable machine is in repair, but they're generally good. But then, the number doesn't matter because that one, long apnea causing frantic nightmares and panic and waking me up with a rush kind of destroys any further attempt at sleep and any rest previously gained from sleep...

[LinkC]

I'd do whatever it takes to NOT roll onto your back.

Pillows behind you, tennis ball, etc.

[PST]

As LinkC says, their are many approaches to keeping off your back. Another alternative, though, is going to a higher pressure. I remember my last titration. The doctor said I would have to go to19 if I wanted to sleep on my back, but I could drop to 15 if I could stay on my side. It's worth it to me to sleep on my side because somehow, for me, the great leak threshold lies somewhere around 16. Below that I do great, above that, my mask is like a sieve. So I stay off my back. But at 8, you might be able to tolerate more pressure. Maybe your titration didn't include enough back sleep to get the real number necessary to keep your pharynx open in all positions. I'd talk to my doctor about moving your pressure up (and plenty of people here would just try it on their own). Maybe at 10 you'd by good in any position.

[Muse-Inc]

I think it was Rooster who posted that he trained himself not to sleep on his back by wearing some sort of knapsack (backpack?) something like that that absolutely prevented his rolling onto his back. Sounds like that might be an option for you.

[So Well]

What you are experiencing is very common. Sleep apnea for many can be much worse when sleeping on the back.

CPAP will not treat my apnea when sleeping on my back. So I just make sure to always sleep on my sides or stomach.

Here is how some members sleep on their stomachs viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36738&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15

[pandaspandaspandas]

Thanks for all of the replies. It turns out that one of the problems was with the machine itself. The DME gave me a defective CPAP as a loaner for my completely broken CPAP. It turns out the pressure it was giving me was not really constant at all, and much less than the value displayed.

That messed me up for a little over a month.

[Kiralynx]

It turns out that one of the problems was with the machine itself. The DME gave me a defective CPAP as a loaner for my completely broken CPAP. It turns out the pressure it was giving me was not really constant at all, and much less than the value displayed.

You have my sympathy.

I'd suggest looking on CPAPAuction for a back-up machine in case yours goes out again. I'm absolutely paranoid on the subject of Apria and what might happen if my Bipap ASV goes out!

[pandaspandaspandas]

In retrospect I should have suspected something was wrong when the tech put my broken CPAP in the same travel bag he removed the loaner CPAP from, but the mental fog was only lifted last night after finally getting the appropriate amount of oxygen to the brain...

[tattooyu]

Yikes. I can't believe they gave you a bum loaner -- okay, yes I can, but still!



Alas, your machine is not an auto, but with a pressure of 8 cm, I agree that you might stand to bump it up some... slowly... with your doctor and/or with help from folks on here.

[pandaspandaspandas]

The AHI at 8cm with my machine last night was < 1, but since it's only one night back on the data I think it will be some time before I think about adjustments.

[rested gal]

It turns out that one of the problems was with the machine itself. The DME gave me a defective CPAP as a loaner for my completely broken CPAP. It turns out the pressure it was giving me was not really constant at all, and much less than the value displayed.

That messed me up for a little over a month.

Wow, panda. What a shame you had to go through that. Glad the problem has been resolved now and that you're getting good results.

Hope the nice low AHI you experienced continues.