Can you possibly.....

Heather · Post by **Heather** » Fri May 20, 2005 4:22 pm

stop breathing while on the CPAP? I just got diagnosed and am wondering if the CPAP definitively works.

twistedcherokee · Post by **twistedcherokee** » Fri May 20, 2005 6:17 pm

I would think it depends on the pressure that you are at. If the pressure is too low, it would be the same as not having the machine. My doc said that on my side I could get by with 7CFM and on my back I would have to go up to 15CFM. I sleep on my side but still felt like it was not doing what it was supposed to do. Plus my wife said that I was still stopping and then gasping for air. So I bumped it up until she said I was for the most part sleeping while my breathing was steady. I am at 11CFM and feel rested and not falling to sleep at the drop of a hat.

Toby

IWannaSleep · Post by **IWannaSleep** » Sat May 21, 2005 12:05 am

After studying all my data using the Encore Pro and My Encore software I can definitively say the relationship between snore index, AHI and pressure is a complex one. It's not enough to say "higher pressure will do X". You need to test and understand your individual reaction to increasing pressures as it affects all aspects of sleep (snoring, hypopnia, OSA, non responsive apnea, etc). I've now found that I have an "optimum" pressure where I see the maximum benefits in achieving minimum AHI and Minimum snoring, etc. I also found the optimum pressure for minimizing AHI is not the optimum pressure for minimizing snoring... so I need to find a happy compromise.

I had my first 3-week follow-up over-night oxymetry test and my blood oxygen stayed in the normal range throughout the night (YAY!!). This is one of the most important factors. However, my AHI was over 20 that night. Of course starting out at an AHI of 45 and an oxygen level falling to 79% this shows great improvement.

I'm still refining my APAP setup to achieve the best possible AHI results I can from it. But, what I think this says, for me at least, is that the xPAP treatment may only be able to do so much for you, and it is not the end of the story. I believe there are other factors contributing to my condition and will continue my search to find ways to improve it. Including losing weight, exercising, lifting weights to improve muscle tone, and whatever else I can identify.

Ron

Dan01 · Post by **Dan01** » Sat May 21, 2005 12:56 am

Wow, I did not know we need higher pressures when sleeping on your back?? I am glad I got a APAP. I should set the upper pressure higher.

twistedcherokee · Post by **twistedcherokee** » Sat May 21, 2005 6:39 pm

Don't get me wrong and think that everyone needs higher pressure when they sleep on there back. Foe me, it is true for you it may not be. Look at your sleep study and see if they say or talk to your doctor. I have no ins. so for me to have to experiment is a must. I can not afford to go to the doctor if it doesn't seem to work and am willing to try my self. So far I think that I am doing well. I haven't fell a sleep while driving home or when fast fowarding the tv thru comercials.If you have ins. talk to your doctor.

Toby

IWannaSleep · Post by **IWannaSleep** » Sat May 21, 2005 8:25 pm

Dan01 wrote:Wow, I did not know we need higher pressures when sleeping on your back?? I am glad I got a APAP. I should set the upper pressure higher.

In my long winded way I was trying to say there are no simple hard and fast rules like this that you can follow. Study your data, talk to your doctors, experiment, do whatever you need to do to find out what works for you and what your body needs to sleep.