Intro and Request for Help with High AHI

[Popi]

tummy sleeping

Not to hijack a thread...but I can't seem to sleep on my belly with my nasal pillows. Is it really possible? I got the whole side and back thing down to a science, but the belly thing is still a mystery.

[riveter]

As for how I feel, I'm feeling better. I spend most days working at the computer. It still makes for a long tiring day, but it is not the agony it was before. Furthermore, I feel like working on projects when I have time now. I spent the July 4 weekend putting new boards on my utility trailer. Yesterday I worked in the shop for over 4 hours installing the boards in 90°F heat. My stamina is much better now. And in the evenings when I watch TV my legs don't hurt as bad as they used to. This change happened virtually overnight.
As for my BMI, I don't know, but I'm 6' 2" and thin; about 185 pounds.

[Thomas F.]

Riveter,

looks like you are very close to finding the receipe that works for you. The leak levels still are higher than you want to see. You can get lower leak levels with full faced mask. Most of your ahi score is coming from obstructive apneas (OA). You don't have too much of a hypop problem. Control your mask leaks and the OA number should drop.

I have both the quatto and Fischer Packel (Forma) full face mask. I get the lowest leak levels with the Fischer Packel - usually zero leaks. I use the large size gasket but the mask comes with large and medium.

The FP mask also has feature which gives under the chin support. I discovered that my chin dropping contributes to airway restriction. Resmed quattro does not have under chin support so I have to use a chin strap in combination with Quattro. This is a bigger hassle so most time I just use my FP mask.

[brazospearl]

Riveter, glad to hear you're feeling better! Congrats on the 7 hour sleep--what a blessing!

[Hawthorne]

Things are much improved for you!

If it were me, I would leave the settings on your machine as they are for now. An AHI of 2.4 is great! Sleeping for 7 hours at a stretch is also very good. You have more stamina and can do more without feeling wiped out. You may see more improvement without making any more changes for quite a while. You're way ahead of the game having the software to see what it happening and moniter it.

I think your body is going to heal well. You look like a young man in your avatar. Without t other health problems, you are now well on the way to preventing some future health problems!!

[roster]

As for my BMI, I don't know, but I'm 6' 2" and thin; about 185 pounds.

Your BMI is 23.8 which is a normal weight, but yes, in today's very fat society, most people would mistakenly say you are slim.

There is one study (can't find link) that suggests that slim people are more prone to positional sleep apnea (PSA). This potentially could be good news for you because you might be able to significantly lower your pressure if you avoid backsleeping.

I am also "slim" and I have PSA to the extent that 19 cm pressure is required for backsleeping but 7.5 cm works on my side or tummy. So I force myself to tummy sleep.

If the pressure is not bothering you, there may be no reason to investigate PSA. But if you decide to, we can give you some tips.

[roster]

tummy sleeping

Not to hijack a thread...but I can't seem to sleep on my belly with my nasal pillows. Is it really possible? I got the whole side and back thing down to a science, but the belly thing is still a mystery.

First, what are you trying to accomplish with tummy sleeping?

[Popi]

I've slept on my stomach since childhood, and had to stop once I was diagnosed with OSA. I can kinda sleep on my side/stomach if I perch my head on the very edge of my pillow, but sleeping with my body fully "face down" really crimps my Swift LT and causes all sorts of discomfort.

Mostly, I was just wondering how people actually sleep on their bellies while wearing a mask.

[roster]

Mostly, I was just wondering how people actually sleep on their bellies while wearing a mask.

As far as the mask, it is very much like side sleeping. In both side and tummy sleeping, your head is turned to one side. One side of the headgear is touch the pillow or mattress. The remainer of the headgear and the mask are touching only your head and face.

Dr. Falcon has posted some photos in this thread - viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36738&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15 .

Myself, I use a thin pillow under my chest and another one under my head. My mask hangs off the edge of the pillow. It is a great way to sleep for back health and for reducing the effect of gravity on blocking the airway.

[GumbyCT]

I have been able to sleep in any position using the Aeoimed Headrest.