Help interpreting 1st month of data

[Complikatyed]

So, went to have first month of data downloaded and I think the results, overall, look good, but when I had questions, the RT at my DME couldn't help me understand my data (!) and I know ya'll can!

Here's what I've got with data from 5/04 to 6/02:

CPAP Pressure 10.0
Avg % of night in periodic breathing - 0.03%
Average CA index: 0.3
Average OA index: 1.3
Average Hypopnea Index: 1.9
Average RERA Index: 3.6
Average AHI: 5.3
Average FL Index: 0.0
Average VS Index: 205.2
Average % Night in Large Leak: 0.0%
Average large leak (all from one night): 8 seconds

I switched to the Swift FX mask on the 26th and they downloaded the data then without giving me the daily details reports, so I only have data specifics for the last seven days. Based on the daily data readings, though, my AHI seems to me to be fluctuating more than it ought to, too:

5/27: AHI = 2.9, VS = 284.9
5/28: AHI = 3.7, VS = 103.1
5/29: AHI = 4.5, VS = 224.8
5/30: AHI = 3.9, VS = 242.0
5/31: AHI = 4.5, VS = 239.2
6/01: AHI = 1.9, VS = 240.2
6/02: AHI = 4.3, VS = 184.6

I have no idea what my AHI "ought" to be -- the RTs at the DME are essentially only concerned with compliance -- I'm fine there at 80%, but I don't feel like this is therapeutically where I ought to be. I don't feel much more rested than I did at 98 AHI, which is frustrating.

The Vibratory snore thing is freaking me out, too! Should I even BE snoring? Isn't this number awfully high? Should I be taping? And what does RERA mean anyway? Do I need pressure adjustment? FF mask? Boot to the head?

Please, oh sage ones, lend me your kind wisdom!

[jules]

did you get the daily reports with leak graphs?

just because you don't have large leaks doesn't mean you don't have leak problems

does your hose rub over a headboard as you turn over? that can cause snores to be high as can lots of rainout - yes your snores are high

but those leak graphs are crucial since you are using a nose only mask - start with them

[Complikatyed]

jules,

I have leak information for the past week only, but I wondered about that too. Here's what I've got (added to the AHI/VS stuff):

5/27: AHI = 2.9, VS = 284.9 -- Average leak 28.0 (it doesn't say percentage or seconds or anything, just 28.0)
5/28: AHI = 3.7, VS = 103.1 -- Average leak 25.0
5/29: AHI = 4.5, VS = 224.8 -- Average leak 27.0
5/30: AHI = 3.9, VS = 242.0 -- Average leak 27.0
5/31: AHI = 4.5, VS = 239.2 -- Average leak 27.0
6/01: AHI = 1.9, VS = 240.2 -- Average leak 26.0
6/02: AHI = 4.3, VS = 184.6 -- Average leak 27.0

No headboard, but I know the hose bangs into the wall sometimes when I adjust positions. Any ideas about how to remedy that problem? I can probably rig a hose hanger with PVC pipe tomorrow if that seems like a viable solution. As far as I can tell, I haven't had issues with rain-out (no moisture getting to me via the mask anyway).

How do I figure out whether the leakage is a mouth leak or a nose leak?

[jules]

banging against the wall can cause snores - that many is questionable but any vibrations are read as snores

what is your pressure? with your mask there is a chart or graph indicating flow rates (ideal) - look at that information for your pressure and see how close you are

the card keeps more than a weeks worth of enhanced data I have heard for the new PR1 model but didn't for the older m series - please check your machine again - you list a plus - plus doesn't have data - do you have a pro? - what are the words on top and the model number (will start with DS I think) on the bottom?

[Complikatyed]

Pressure is 10 cm. Where do I find the mask pressure chart?

I'm sure the card has plenty more data, but I don't currently have software to read it -- that needs to be remedied pronto, but I'm not sure if I need the EncoreViewer or EncoreAnywhere (any advice on that question?)

I just went and got my machine from the bedroom. The top says "REMStar Pro Cflex +" There is not a number that begins with DS, but it does say 450P on the bottom -- that seems to be the model number.

[Complikatyed]

what is your pressure? with your mask there is a chart or graph indicating flow rates (ideal) - look at that information for your pressure and see how close you are

I'm not sure what you mean by "how close you are." I went to the Swift FX user guide http://www.resmed.com/au/assets/documen ... ow_eng.pdf and checked out the chart on page 5, but I'm not sure what I'm looking for as I try to read it.

[jules]

that should be the new PR1 model

did you get a pamphlet with your mask? if not you can download one at

http://www.resmed.com/us/products/swift ... c=patients

the user guide - go to the page called technical specifications - you see a graph and a chart at the top of that page -

8 29
12 37

so for 10 your flow should be around 33 - your leak rates are less than that so that is great - it does happen as different manufacturing lots vary and the machines always vary too -

encore viewer version 2 I believe is the software being sold to patients - make sure you get the one for the PR1 model - also I gather any smart card reader such as used for a camera or the like will work on that card - I don't have that machine so I don't really know - I have an older remstar machine so needed to get a different card reader -

what computer OS are you running? how many bit? XP? vista? Window 7? 32 or 64?

[Complikatyed]

Computer OS = XP, 32 bit

And thank you, since I haven't yet, for your help with figuring out all of this stuff!

[jules]

some ppl have made hose hangers out of pvc pipe pieces or used plant hangers on the wall -

let me find the link to lots of hose hanger information

viewtopic.php?t=10640 - try that -

wrapping the hose with old socks (cut toes and cable ties to hold in place works or lots of rubber bands) or towel pieces might buffer some of the vibrations if it is hitting the wall - not sure - you can make a hose cover or buy one too -