Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

JonathanZK · Post by **JonathanZK** » Thu Nov 22, 2018 6:14 pm

Pugsy wrote: ↑
Thu Nov 22, 2018 10:50 am
Look in the end of your long hose that attaches to the mask.
You've got something stuck in it that came off the old mask. Common error.

You're right. Thank you. Again.

JonathanZK · Post by **JonathanZK** » Sat Dec 01, 2018 7:29 am

Hi All,

It's been a month on my BiPAP, and I'm overall pretty happy with the progress made.

I've made some substantial changes -- to pressure, to the choice of mask, and to sleeping position, and my numbers across the board are all looking amazingly better -- and that's thanks to all of you on this forum, and especially @Pugsy. I literally couldn't have done it without you. Thank you.

I can't say I'm feeling substantially different or better since starting, but I am simply satisfied to go to sleep every night with a reasonable assurance I'm not going to desaturate and die before I wake up. So, in addition to the improved numbers, I also thank you for that peace of mind.

Cheers,

Jonathan

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Sat Dec 01, 2018 9:40 am

Good job.

Now to just "give it time" and remember that not all our problems can be fixed with the best cpap therapy in the world. Wish it were that easy myself.
Hours of sleep and fragmented sleep...big factor in how I feel.
And sometimes I just don't get the hours I need and I have way too many wake ups ....and none of it is related to cpap or sleep apnea.

palerider · Post by **palerider** » Sat Dec 01, 2018 3:01 pm

JonathanZK wrote: ↑
Sat Dec 01, 2018 7:29 am
I can't say I'm feeling substantially different or better since starting, but I am simply satisfied to go to sleep every night with a reasonable assurance I'm not going to desaturate and die before I wake up. So, in addition to the improved numbers, I also thank you for that peace of mind.

Some people have a dramatic change, some people, it sneaks up on them... just like the apnea snuck up on them.

Chunkyfrog likes to recount how she didn't feel any better with cpap... then one day one of her dogs got out, and she chased it down the block... and then realized "HEY WAIT! I *CAN* chase the dog!"

JonathanZK · Post by **JonathanZK** » Mon Dec 03, 2018 3:38 pm

Hi All,

I'm back with my latest round of questions...

First question, is it worthwhile to keep spare masks? I don't mean different models, but rather multiples of the same model? My mask -- which I love -- is now selling for 30% less than when I bought it, and I'm wondering if I should scoop up a few more to keep in reserve. (Or, put another way, how long does a mask last before needing to be replaced?) And ditto for other parts like tubing, humidifier reservoir, etc.

Second question, since starting to sleep on my side, my shoulder has become very sore and tender when moved. I searched online for different ideas, but the one device that looked promising -- a reflux pillow of all things -- has a weight limit that's less than I weigh and a pricetag that's more than I can afford. Anybody have a suggestion, incantation, or potion that might help?

Third question, I've been sneakernetting my SD card from the machine to my computer in order to populate SleepyHead with data -- which isn't such a big deal, except I routinely forget to bring it back to the machine until I'm getting into bed. So I've been looking into WiFi SD Cards. Does anybody have experience using these? Are they any good? Can I just swap out my old card for a new one? Or do I need to copy files, format it any particular way, etc?

Thanks everybody. You guys are really great.

Best,

Jonathan

D.H. · Post by **D.H.** » Mon Dec 03, 2018 5:08 pm

You probably have the mask too tight! The pressure should complete the seal by inflating the face piece like a balloon.

You do appear to snore too much. It's probably OK to have a snore here and there, but you're snoring excessively.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Dec 03, 2018 5:14 pm

D.H. wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 03, 2018 5:08 pm
You probably have the mask too tight! The pressure should complete the seal by inflating the face piece like a balloon.

You do appear to snore too much. It's probably OK to have a snore here and there, but you're snoring excessively.

Just how big should a Nasal Pillow mask be made to balloon, to be this perfect size?

Jim

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Mon Dec 03, 2018 5:24 pm

I see the snores reducing significantly from the one snore graph above.
I would need to see a detailed recent night to be sure but I don't see excessive snoring recently per the graph shown recently.

JonathanZK · Post by **JonathanZK** » Mon Dec 03, 2018 7:02 pm

Pugsy wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 03, 2018 5:24 pm
I see the snores reducing significantly from the one snore graph above.
I would need to see a detailed recent night to be sure but I don't see excessive snoring recently per the graph shown recently.

Ask and you shall receive:

Also, I'm not sure how my snoring came back up, but I was hoping for some feedback from the community on my recent questions as well.

JonathanZK wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 03, 2018 3:38 pm
Hi All,

I'm back with my latest round of questions...

First question, is it worthwhile to keep spare masks? I don't mean different models, but rather multiples of the same model? My mask -- which I love -- is now selling for 30% less than when I bought it, and I'm wondering if I should scoop up a few more to keep in reserve. (Or, put another way, how long does a mask last before needing to be replaced?) And ditto for other parts like tubing, humidifier reservoir, etc.

Second question, since starting to sleep on my side, my shoulder has become very sore and tender when moved. I searched online for different ideas, but the one device that looked promising -- a reflux pillow of all things -- has a weight limit that's less than I weigh and a pricetag that's more than I can afford. Anybody have a suggestion, incantation, or potion that might help?

Third question, I've been sneakernetting my SD card from the machine to my computer in order to populate SleepyHead with data -- which isn't such a big deal, except I routinely forget to bring it back to the machine until I'm getting into bed. So I've been looking into WiFi SD Cards. Does anybody have experience using these? Are they any good? Can I just swap out my old card for a new one? Or do I need to copy files, format it any particular way, etc?

Thanks everybody. You guys are really great.

Best,

Jonathan

Okie bipap · Post by **Okie bipap** » Mon Dec 03, 2018 7:03 pm

For your first question, I recommend keeping one spare mask on hand. Masks do not wear out. However, cushions need to be replaced once in a while, and head gear stretch out. I normally keep one complete mask and one or two cushions on hand. This way if the plastic portion of the mask should break, you will have a spare readily available.

As for your third question, I use Toshiba Flash Air cards in both of our machines. With these, I am able to transfer data from the machines to my computer using the in house wi fi router.

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Mon Dec 03, 2018 8:06 pm

JonathanZK wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 03, 2018 7:02 pm
I'm not sure how my snoring came back up,

Because someone mentioned that you were

you're snoring excessively

and I was in full disagreement and didn't want you to go worrying about the snores until I saw a recent snore graph.
The snores on this last report...I wouldn't worry about them. A little small clustering of VS2 snores...I wouldn't worry about them myself especially with such a clean report otherwise. Heck, some of them might even be the hose rubbing on something.

I was short on time so didn't address your other questions because I figured someone else would.

1...I try to keep one complete mask as a spare.

2...sorry...no help with special pillows for sleep position issues...no experience to draw upon

3...You would need a special WiFi card and a special program...I never bothered because there is some extra work setting up the WiFi connection to the card but lots of people have done it. I don't have the need to download and see my data often so no desire to buy a new card (it ain't cheap) and do the work to set it up..but lots of others have.
Again no personal experience to draw upon but start here at this link where you see this

Read your SD card via wifi:

Sleepmaster

Flashpap

wiki/index.php/Sleepyhead
Sleepmaster and Flashpap are both programs that will let you use a WiFi card and SleepyHead and never have to take your SD card out of your machine.

Has to be a very special kind of WiFi card...so let someone who has actually done this sort of thing get you started.

palerider · Post by **palerider** » Mon Dec 03, 2018 9:24 pm

JonathanZK wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 03, 2018 3:38 pm
Hi All,

I'm back with my latest round of questions...

First question, is it worthwhile to keep spare masks? I don't mean different models, but rather multiples of the same model? My mask -- which I love -- is now selling for 30% less than when I bought it, and I'm wondering if I should scoop up a few more to keep in reserve. (Or, put another way, how long does a mask last before needing to be replaced?) And ditto for other parts like tubing, humidifier reservoir, etc.

You should have at least one spare of *everything*, because when something breaks, chances are, it'll be friday night just before you're going to sleep.

I wouldn't bother getting several though... I started out with the mirage quattro... and read (here) about how "fragile" and "delicate" the mask cushion was.. so I bought a spare right away on eBay. Five years later, when I switched to the P10, that spare cushion was still in the package. I went through three elbows, several headgears and the knob on the forehead bit had some felt wedged in it, because the clicky part had broken... but that cushion kept keeping on. In fact, shortly before I switched to the P10, the main frame itself broke and the elbow wouldn't stay in it anymore... So, basically, you might regret it eventually if you stock up...

JonathanZK wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 03, 2018 3:38 pm

Third question, I've been sneakernetting my SD card from the machine to my computer in order to populate SleepyHead with data -- which isn't such a big deal, except I routinely forget to bring it back to the machine until I'm getting into bed. So I've been looking into WiFi SD Cards. Does anybody have experience using these? Are they any good? Can I just swap out my old card for a new one? Or do I need to copy files, format it any particular way, etc?

Poke around a little on the first few pages, there's a thread on that very subject.

JonathanZK · Post by **JonathanZK** » Tue Dec 04, 2018 8:47 am

Okie bipap wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 03, 2018 7:03 pm
For your first question, I recommend keeping one spare mask on hand. Masks do not wear out. However, cushions need to be replaced once in a while, and head gear stretch out. I normally keep one complete mask and one or two cushions on hand. This way if the plastic portion of the mask should break, you will have a spare readily available.

As for your third question, I use Toshiba Flash Air cards in both of our machines. With these, I am able to transfer data from the machines to my computer using the in house wi fi router.

Thank you. That's good advice. I guess it's time to start a BiPAP lock box. And I'll check out the Toshiba card.

Pugsy wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 03, 2018 8:06 pm

JonathanZK wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 03, 2018 7:02 pm
I'm not sure how my snoring came back up,
Because someone mentioned that you were
you're snoring excessively
and I was in full disagreement and didn't want you to go worrying about the snores until I saw a recent snore graph.
The snores on this last report...I wouldn't worry about them. A little small clustering of VS2 snores...I wouldn't worry about them myself especially with such a clean report otherwise. Heck, some of them might even be the hose rubbing on something.

I was short on time so didn't address your other questions because I figured someone else would.

1...I try to keep one complete mask as a spare.

2...sorry...no help with special pillows for sleep position issues...no experience to draw upon

3...You would need a special WiFi card and a special program...I never bothered because there is some extra work setting up the WiFi connection to the card but lots of people have done it. I don't have the need to download and see my data often so no desire to buy a new card (it ain't cheap) and do the work to set it up..but lots of others have.
Again no personal experience to draw upon but start here at this link where you see this
Read your SD card via wifi:

Sleepmaster

Flashpap
wiki/index.php/Sleepyhead
Sleepmaster and Flashpap are both programs that will let you use a WiFi card and SleepyHead and never have to take your SD card out of your machine.

Has to be a very special kind of WiFi card...so let someone who has actually done this sort of thing get you started.

As ever, thank you for your guidance. I'm working out the pillow thing slowly but surely. I have a feeling it's going to be something more jerry-rigged than anything official. I'll report my progress as I learn more.

palerider wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 03, 2018 9:24 pm
You should have at least one spare of *everything*, because when something breaks, chances are, it'll be friday night just before you're going to sleep.

Indeed, you're right. And until UPS invents a Star Trek-style transporter, even overnight shipping isn't going to help me.

palerider wrote: ↑
Mon Dec 03, 2018 9:24 pm
I wouldn't bother getting several though... I started out with the mirage quattro... and read (here) about how "fragile" and "delicate" the mask cushion was.. so I bought a spare right away on eBay. Five years later, when I switched to the P10, that spare cushion was still in the package. I went through three elbows, several headgears and the knob on the forehead bit had some felt wedged in it, because the clicky part had broken... but that cushion kept keeping on. In fact, shortly before I switched to the P10, the main frame itself broke and the elbow wouldn't stay in it anymore... So, basically, you might regret it eventually if you stock up...

I love my Mirage Quattro. I've had it for two weeks, and it has been a dream (in comparison to the [Dis]ComfortGel I had before). It's good to know yours lasted five years. I hope mine will too.

Thanks everybody for your feedback!

JonathanZK · Post by **JonathanZK** » Tue Dec 04, 2018 9:03 am

So... last night was a bad night. AHI 2.46, with seven obstructive apneas. Worst night in 17 days, actually. Ironically, in spite of that, I had the absolute lowest VS2 score since I began this journey.Go figure.

What's a typical variance in AHI? My 10-day average is 0.8 (20-day average is 1.2) and then suddenly a jump to 2.46.

I think some of it is SWJ (is that the correct acronym?), particularly the stuff after 11:30pm. I took a while to fall asleep. I was having a hard time yawning with the mask. I have pink eye, thanks to my toddler. And in general wasn't very comfortable with my shoulder. But the rest of the night I'm at a loss to explain.

Is there a way to instruct SleepyHead to remove certain events from its calculation?

Thanks!

Pugsy · Post by **Pugsy** » Tue Dec 04, 2018 9:28 am

JonathanZK wrote: ↑
Tue Dec 04, 2018 9:03 am
Is there a way to instruct SleepyHead to remove certain events from its calculation?

The only permanent way to remove a known SWJ time frame is if you have turned the machine off and back on again and created a new sleep session. If you do that you can go over to the left side and scroll down to the bottom where the sleep sessions are shown and click on the one you want to remove and turn it from green to red...this turns it off. You can always turn it back on.
When turned off any data recorded during that sleep session simply gets omitted from all the calculations.

So next time you have trouble falling asleep...reach over and turn the machine off and right back on again. You will get a new sleep session started and you can omit the first one just by turning it from green to red with a click of the mouse.

Now you can temporarily review just a section of the night by highlighting the time frame where you were pretty sure you finally were asleep. Just highlight the time period you want to look at...now the stuff on the left side won't change but if you look under the Events graph in tiny letters...those values will change to reflect just the highlighted portions.
It's temporary of course but would give you an idea what the AHI would be if you were to look at say 00:00 to 5:45 which would obviously be lower.

Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

Re: Newbie / Accuracy Questions

Re: Newbie / Accuracy Questions

Re: Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

Re: Newbie / Accuracy Questions

Re: Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

Re: Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

Re: Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

Re: Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

Re: Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

Re: Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

Re: Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

Re: Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

Re: Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

Re: Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

Re: Jonathan's ongoing list of questions, comments, concerns...

Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: Auto PAP; 13.5 cmH2O min - 20 cmH2O max