Smartlink Results - Top Tweaks

[TheWalkman]

I'm new to the CPAP world and have been using a Devillbiss APAP (DV54) for approximately 50 days.

The forum has been a wealth of information and based on some of the lively discussions, I decided to invest in Smartlink to really see what's going on.

(For the record, I'm feeling more rested now than I have in 10 years which is great!)

Per the attached charts, my AHI has been averaging around 6 events. I see that some Devillbis users are running as low as 2 or so and am wondering if the Brain Trust has any suggestions on what I might do to lower my score further.

Or should I be content with a 6?

For example, would it make sense to lower my max pressure down from 11 to 9 or 10?

Any thoughts on whether to make adjustments to the Smartflex settings?

Any comments or suggestions are certainly appreciated!

[Pugsy]

Or should I be content with a 6?

I know DeVilbiss says under 10 is okay but I probably would try to get it a bit lower if it were me.

For example, would it make sense to lower my max pressure down from 11 to 9 or 10?

It is usually the minimum that is most critical for preventing events. Your overall averages aren't very high so it doesn't look like you need a lot of pressure. Upper range only becomes a factor if it is repeatedly reached. Yours isn't.
If it were me I would raise that minimum from 5 to 6 and see what happens with that AHI. This gives the machine a little bit better head start on warding off the events. Lowering the max wouldn't do anything to affect response time and likely would have zero effect on the events that are occurring.

Welcome to the forum. Emilia is our resident DeVilbiss person to go to and I am sure she will be around later to offer her input. What I have suggested would hold true for any brand APAP machine. Minimum needs to be a little closer to pressure needed to prevent events.

[peterg]

my new Intellipap won't adjust to below 3.0, though Im just about to hike it up to 4.0 anyway.

those results and details make me drool, Im planning on getting the software soon.

anyone every connected a pulse oximeter (eg CM50) to the module?

[Emilia]

First, shut the Delay off. You don't need it if you are setting your pressures as low as they should be based on these results. Not sure what your low pressure setting is, but I would set my range to 6 - 10 and see how that works. An AHI of 6 isn't bad, but it could be better. I average 1.5 with some below 1.0. I know I feel worse at 3 than I do at 1.5, but everyone is different. Other than that suggestion, your results are enviable..... no snores, leaks, or NRI's.... is fabulous!

[TheWalkman]

The plot thickens.....

I took some of the advice offered and tweaked my settings.... and had my worst night ever. I didn't sleep well and tossed and turned and found the next day my AHI was 8.4 . Yikes.



Yesterday, I played with things a bit more and changed my pressures to 5.5 - 11 and fiddled with the Smartflex settings. (Is it me or can the Devillbis Smarflex descriptions/ explanations be called, at best, vague?)

I also played with my True Blue mask straps, as well.

Last night, I slept like a baby.... can't recall feeling this rested in 20 years. Unbelievable. My AHI was 3.7. Best yet.

I can't quantify why this had such a great impact other than changing the Smartflex rounding makes things seem less obtrusive. (Even after 50+ days of use, I haven't grown completely accustomed to things.)

My question is based on the pressure levels displayed last night, should I leave well enough alone and keep my fingers crossed? Should I just cut the delay off with the minimum at 5.5?

I've experienced sub 4 AHI, and wow, I like it! I feel turbo-charged!

[Emilia]

Absolutely...turn off the Delay. With a bottom pressure of 5.5, there is no need for it. You can easily jump in at 5.5. Now.... according to this report from last night, you averaged a pressure of 5.6 ad pretty much never went over 6. That is incredibly low pressures to incur such great results. Some folks need very little pressure.... I tend to stay at 7 or 7.5 almost all night. If it were I, I'd lower the top pressure to 9 and see if that helps a bit. I use a very tight pressure range of 6.5-10 and it works beautifully for me. An AHI of 3.7 is great, but it can go lower.....

[TheWalkman]

Just checking back in with some observations.

All in all things are going well after five months of APAP usage.



Though I can normally fall asleep at night without any difficulty, I do find myself waking up in the early a.m. wide awake and all too aware of the mask making it difficult to go back to sleep. (I'll sometimes take the mask off and get a couple of additional hours of snooze time!)

I've concluded the two biggest factors impacting my quality of sleep are:

- keep tweaking the heater (humidity) levels = not too dry/ avoiding rain out; and
- mask fit: keep it snug to avoid leaks but not so tight as to be uncomfortable.

I find it's important to keep the mask, tubing and filters clean. If I push the intervals, I find myself getting congested and seemingly causing my AHI to go up.

Really glad to get the Smartlink to monitor everything, The data seem to be very useful

It's amazing what it's like to be getting good rest again. Wow!

Good luck to other new users. Hang in there!