CPAP Without a Doctor

And, BTW, don't be alarmed if you don't see really low AHI like that all the time. It will vary, depending on all kinds of circumstances. Sometimes for no reason you can figure out. So if, for example, tomorrow shows an AHI of 1.2, don't assume the pressure needs to be adjusted. Give it time.

BCush83 wrote:So I reset the unit last night; 90% is at 13, Leak 37.4, AHI 0.7. I have it set on AutoPAP with A-Flex on 3, Min 10 Max 15.

Looks great on paper. Do you feel like you slept decently...how many hours of sleep did you get using the machine?

Leak numbers are great. The M series reports average total leak which of course includes the vent rate with the excess leak.
Up around 90 L/min is where large leak territory begins with that machine at your pressures

90% pressure means that for 90 % of the night you were at OR BELOW that pressure. People tend to forget the "or below" part of the definition. To see exactly how much time you spent at that number you will need to see the software reports.

I wouldn't be changing anything at all unless you are having some sort of issue...like the pressure changes disturbing sleep or something.

Yeah, I feel like I'm finally getting some actual rest...it kinda irritates my upper lip/nose a little..but I can tolerate it. I have the humidifier on 4/5 and it seems to be working well. I actually feel like I can take deeper breaths...like my lungs are being opened up again. It's too bad I cant wear it without pressure just to see what my AHI is without it running.

There are better nasal pillow masks out there now than the Mirage Swift II which is likely old and stiff and probably will rub the skin raw. In its day it was quite the thing but it has been surpassed by many others who work better and more easily.

You don't have an official RX for CPAP do you?? Without it we have to resort to buying replacement parts and building our own masks.

This one is easy to find parts for on EBay at a good price. 3 main parts
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... dgear.html
I think this one also because it is still very popular...and again 3 main parts
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... dgear.html

Take a stroll through the masks that cpap.com offers. Some have replacement parts sufficient to build your own mask.
Some don't.
If you have a friendly doctor...get him to write a RX for CPAP machine and supplies and that gets you masks too.
It doesn't have to be a sleep doctor...GP, PCP, dentist...their scripts will work just fine.

Of if you see something you like...ask here...someone may have one that was a failed experiment that they will part with for a nominal fee.
Mask preferences are highly individualized. One man's treasure is another man's trash and the only way to know for sure is for you to try one.

In the meantime get some Lansinoh lanolin ointment (baby aisle at Walmart) and put it on your skin where the mask is rubbing.
Liberally during the day to promote healing and minor amount at night to help prevent further abrasion.

go to Awake In America awakeinamerica.org and they can help fund studies and equipment