ajack - thanks for your input on this!
I totally agree with your comment about trusting the machine, and will do so. I wasn't overly impressed with the Apex machine, which is why I went to the trouble of getting this reputable one from the USA to Malaysia (without a prescription, and shipped via Canada... not any easy process).
Tidal volume and breathing rates aren't factors that I have even considered yet, and hadn't even been looking at these on SH.
I am still focusing on trying to get basic pressures optimised, and a mask to fit without waking me up too often with leaks. Once I can get those sorted, and am feeling more comfortable with actually sleeping with a mask on then I will get into finer details like these
I tried swapping my wisp mask from the XL one to a L last night, and certainly achieved a better leak rate, but also felt that the smaller size was squeezing the sides of my nose a bit more, leading to a more resticted flow. I have been diagnosed with a deviated septum, and often find I am only brething through one nostril, which I can tolerate, but any additional side pressure on the nose starts the old brain into anxiety mode.
I will try the smaller mask (L) again tonight, and increase the min pressure up to 8 (and probably slowly increase to 9 or 10 over a few nights). I turned off the ramp last night, as a starting pressure of 4 was just too low. I also turned EPR back on, with a setting of 2. Will try leaving these like this again tonight...
I do trust the ResMed machine, I just thought it was very interesting that I could get very similar AHI results with such different max and 95% pressures.
I guess it's also a possibility that the APEX machine wasn't as fine tuned in recording or responding to minor events??
I really want to try an Airfit P10 mask, but trying to source one of these in Malaysia has only led to frustration so far. I started with the F20, then moved to the wisp and now hoping to try a pillow mask. It's costing me over US$200 for each mask here, but I'm determined to keep trying until I can get a comfortable nights sleep without the apneas!
I might need to throw my net a bit wider, and see if I can find a distributor in Singapore or Thailand that is willing to ship here.
FYI - to buy the AirSense 10 machine here in Malaysia would have cost around US$2,500....