CPAP with SpO2 overnight -advice requested

I posted earlier on this, before I had tried using a CPAP machine. I now have the Respironics M series with heated humidifier and C-flex. I have the Ultra Mirage II mask and I have now been 6 nights on this, tracking my blood oxygen with a recording pulse oximeter.

I would be very grateful to receive comments from people who have had similar experiences.

My comments: I have the auto settings at 5.0 - 8.0 cm H2O and I am as comfortable as I can be under the circumstances I think, can sleep on my side and can wiggle to positions where I can stop most face-leaks. Of course if I raise the pressure I do have more leaks. I am not sleeping well yet because I am still unfamiliar with the mask (at least I am telling myself this is the reason!).

Before I used the CPAP I was recording a lot of 30 second SPO2 readings of 92% and below - the number of 'incidents' varied between 14 and 99 'hypoxias' per night with an average of 35. The lowest reading was 67% but low 80s was quite common.

In the six days using the CPAP on auto mode, the incidence has been between 4 and 9 'hypoxias' per night - average 6. I still get some low levels in the high 70%s and the machine gives me an AHI of 8.5 for the six days average.

I am 65 and am in good cardiovascular health - my weight is fine and I exercise regularly.

All opinions advice and comments welcomed - it's a lonesome world sometimes!

Spottymaldoon wrote:I have the auto settings at 5.0 - 8.0 cm H2O [...] I still get some low levels in the high 70%s and the machine gives me an AHI of 8.5 for the six days average.

I'm no doctor, but it sounds like you may need more pressure. The goal is AHI as low as possible, 5 or under being the main goal (5 is considered "normal" and is what the average non-apnea-having person can typically have). From what I've heard, blood O2 in the high 70%'s is very bad. Talk to your doctor about upping your pressure range. At 5-8 currently, you still have a lot more "room to grow" since most xPAP machines go up to at least 20 cm, and many masks are practical as high as 18 cm or so (I run my F&P HC431A FF at 14 cm with no problem and no leaks, for example).

DISCLAIMER: Again, I'm no doctor. The above is just my uninformed layman's opinion. Talk with a doctor.

Good luck!