Lower Pressure (I Know I've Asked This Before)

Good everyone. Long time no post. Sorry I've been away so long. Just have one quick question. Not that long ago, I had another sleep study done, partly to check seizures. Anyway, as it turned out, most of the events occurred during supine (on my back). The sleep specialist who analysed my information suggested that I sleep with a backpack on with styrophome tennis balls inside the backpack so as to prevent me from laying on my back. To my surprise, total AHI was around 1.8 - 2.5. From 2/1/2013 to 10/12/2013 at the pressure of 10.0 thinking that that would lower my AHIs which it surprisingly did. I tried for three nights to lower the pressure to 9.5 because of the new information that the worst AHIs were on my back. 1st night, I had 2.5 and the leaks were like a raising body of water; 2nd night doesn't count; and the 3rd night the AHI went to 7.34 and the leaks were pretty good. To be honest, I don't remember if I had my backpack on. (NOTE: The nights are getting colder in Denver and I need someone to keep me warm at night ). Overall the pressure at 10.0, the AHIs have looked minimal and reports have looked pretty good, better with the backpack on.

At the beginning of my therapy, my pressure was 8.0. Had I known then what I know now in regards to the backpack, I may have been able to keep my pressure at 8.0 or closer to that. The reason being that I may not need my pressure set to 10.0 after all. So, my question is (with the help of the oximeter) start lowering my pressure a "little" at a time to see if I may not need the pressure raised to 10.0 after all? Or be pleasently happy where I'm now. I'm thinking the feedback I'll get back is "Carry on Starlette, if the reports are looking great stay there. "Just asking for feedback.

Starlette

Hi Starlette. I'm all for using the lowest pressure that's effective. If the machine you have listed is still the one you're using, have you considered using it in auto mode for a while to find that pressure? Seems if you used a range of 8 to 10 for a period of time you could get a good idea. Might be helpful to have a journal and note for certain if you wore your backpack so you don't have to try to remember after the fact. That would be very important in interpreting your results. I might be tempted to say just be happy at 10 if you hadn't mentioned trouble with leaks. Let us know what you figure out.

They initially set my pressure at 8.0 and I was getting nightly AHI readings below 5...but not by much. After 30 days the sleep specialist looked at the data and suggested lowering the pressure to 6.0 Now my AHI readings are constantly below 1.0 and I have a lot less leaks (nasal pillows).

Thank you for responding kteague and zorki1c. I have to say kteague, you make me chuckle because I was so addicted to journaling for over a year. I "was" going to delete it permanently. However, I thought one day I may be using it again. Yes, I will start journaling again. Yes, I do have the same auto and at your suggestion I'll set it at 8 - 10cm. Also, as a precaution, I will be using my oximeter during this time to make sure I'm getting the proper oxygen. I think it will be a shock to my body at first at the new auto pressure change. However, I believe in time, my body will readjust.

Zorki1c, I am very happy for your transition in using your S9 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine at a lower level setting along with substantially lower leaks. I believe in time that I'll be able to do the same. I'm glad for you that you found your sleep nirvana. Two thumbs up for your success! *cheers*

Yes, I will report after using the new lower setting for a while. Thank you both.

Starlette