Fidgity night - but no leaks?

I felt as though I woke up to adjust the pillows on my Swift LT many, many times last night because I either heard or felt what I thought were leaks. When I checked my data this morning Leaks 0.0 - AHI 3.2 - AI .1 - HI 3.1. And once, I even woke up choking - the first time since I've been using my machine.

What gives? It makes me doubt the readings I've been getting all along, which have shown the AHI below 5.0 except for 2-3 times, and always some sort of leak (.08, .2, etc.), never 0.0 leak.

I've ordered an SPO 7500 oximeter to help confirm results. Anyone offer their thoughts? Thanks.

I suggest Ayer Gel to help prevent leaks and add comfort. Works great with my Swift LT and I can even see a difference in the leak numbers depending on how much I apply to my nostrils! Next, I wear foam ear plugs. That way you won't hear, or think you hear, leaks keeping you up all night long and throwing your AHI numbers off. I guess it's possible you had 0 leaks. I get an AHI of 0 now and then.

What is your titrated pressure, and what are your settings?

Georgio

My pressure starts at 4 and in 5 minutes ramps to 11. I have some Ayr gel which I'll try tonight. My AHI was 103 the night of my sleep study, with one central lasting almost a minute with my O2 level dropping to 68%. With my machine, and the LT my numbers have been fairly good. I even have earplugs that I'll try also.

Actually, today I felt better than I have in a long time. Maybe I didn't have any leaks after all. My husband says I'm looking better, too.

Thanks for your input.

Thanks Georgio !

Last night leak rate .02 (I expected 0 this time because of really good seal; but, oh well). AI 0, HI 1.8 / 7.5 hours and only woke up once during the night at 4:44!!! I took your advice and I also tightened the straps a tiny bit.

Maybe you can help with one more thing. Sometimes, I feel as though I'm working to inhale. Increase pressure a wee bit ?

Hi, it sounds like you are doing very well with your therapy. Absolutely, most people report they can't breath at 4. I would suggest trying 6. You should be able to breath easier and you won't have so far to travel to 11. I don't know how fast you fall asleep, however a 5 min. ramp sounds like a very short time. I believe most use longer ramp times, so that the higher pressure occurs after they are asleep. You might try how 15 min. feels to you.

I would keep an eye on your occurence, "woke up choking", because that shouldn't happen with cpap as far as I know, and hopefully was a freak occurence. (You do report a central event that I don't have, and don't know much about yet.) Good luck with your therapy, you will be looking better and better to your husband!

Georgio

I prefer a longer ramp time too. Although my pressure is not that high, starting a a lower pressure makes the mask less of a distraction at bedtime. However, when I wake-up (at full pressure) I find the mask to be very comfortable and am in no
hurry to remove. I think my face is getting acclimated easier/quicker as I continue with this.