New to Cpap and still having events

Inpjs · Post by **Inpjs** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 10:13 am

I've been using the Cpap for about a month now. I have yet to sleep right through the night with it however the time that I do use it, I am still having events. My pressure is at 9, does it mean I need my pressure raised before I stop having them?

I have some good nights with an AHI of 3.2 and then others are up to 11.9.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 10:30 am

Please complete the equipment section in your Profile (top of screen in the center of this page). That info will help us help you.

Inpjs · Post by **Inpjs** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 10:48 am

I put it out there.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 10:53 am

Okay. Your profile shows the Vantage Auto. Do you run it in auto mode, or are you running it as straight cpap?

Would you access your data and list all the info? Break down the AHIs to OAs and HIs, and also leak info.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 11:05 am

I can list the other numbers you asked for laster when I get home. As far as the machine, I think it's set up for auto, but I'm not sure.

It starts out ramping at 4 and gradually increases to 9 so i think it may be on auto.

Another problem I have is waking up with my mouth and throat very dry. Should I be turning my humidifier up to prevent this?

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 11:16 am

Well, it shows that you are already using a full face mask, so even if you are mouth breathing you will get therapy. Unless your leaks are very high and the pressure is escaping out the sides of the mask.

So, yes, you can try to turn up the humidifier to reduce dryness.

You can use ramp in straight cpap also. So when you access your data, you should be able to see the settings, and see if it lists a 95% pressure. The screen will show if you are using Auto or not. And remember, your exhale relief, EPR, doesn't work in Auto mode.

When you say you have yet to sleep through the night, does that mean you are waking up and then going back to sleep with your mask on, or are you removing your mask?

What seems to be waking you up?

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 11:24 am

And, if you are starting with a ramp of 4, you might be having alot of HIs at that low of pressure. Once we see your other numbers, we can offer more suggestions on finding a more ideal pressure - maybe up or down.

We'll watch for later info after you get home.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Tue Mar 27, 2007 11:29 am

Go through ALL of the settings on your machine and write them down (before changing anything).

Is your pressure setting from 4 to 9 or is it Ramping from 4 to 9?
Also, the length of your Ramp may be too long.

Like Linda indicated......more info please.

Den

Inpjs · Post by **Inpjs** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 1:38 am

Last night was one of my better nights sleeping. I only woke up 3 times.
Normally I wake up because of two reasons. First of all when I move or when my mouth opens, it pulls the mask away from the sides of mouth, flaps against the side of my face and makes this ungodly farting noise which awakes me. The second problem I have is awakening at two to three times a night with my mouth and lips very dry. I somtimes just take the mask off because it get frustrating to keep waking up, but the last couple of nights, I have been waiting it out. Still very tired when i wake up though, don't feel like I have slept much.

I checked my machine, it doesn't say Auto, it says Cpap. My ramping time is set up for 5 minutes so I'm assuming it takes 5 to ramp from 4 to 9.

Last night my numbers were.

AHI 6.1
AI 1.1
HI 5.0
Leaks .048

I have never been one who requires a lot of sleep not usually more than 6 to 6.5 hours but that is not a lot of sleep when you are waking up 3 to 5 times a night.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Wed Mar 28, 2007 10:22 pm

So what I see you saying is that you have an S8 Auto Vantage machine, but you are running it as straight cpap. Is that right? Seems strange to me.

You numbers look okay, other than the HI's, which are hypopneas. They are a partial apnea (the way I understand it). And they are usually caused by too low of pressure.

So, they are either happening when you are ramping, or a constant pressure of 9 might be too low for you.

If you have an Auto machine, why are you running it as straight cpap?

And, what are you running your heated humidifier at? You can raise the humidifier setting and help aleviate the dry mouth.

Inpjs · Post by **Inpjs** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 10:41 am

First of all, I thought it had said Auto before, but now it says CPAP. Maybe I changed it accidentally when pressing the buttons. What is the difference between Auto and straight CPAP,, how does the machine run under the diff. settings?

Also, as far as my humidifier goes, it is on the third setting.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 4:46 pm

In straight cpap, your machine will stay on a constant pressure of 9 all night, unless you hit the ramp button.

In straight cpap, you can use EPR - exhale relief.

In auto mode, you can set your machine to run at a pressure range between a minimum pressure and a maximum pressure. Which allows you to sleep at a lower pressure than 9 for a good portion of the night.

I don't know (with your machine), if you can set a ramp or not. But if your minimum pressure is set for 5 or 6, that in essense would be the same as ramping.

You could set your machine back to Auto at pressures of 5 to 9, and see if you sleep better or not. If you still have events (HIs), then raise both pressures up one and monitor again.

But, you said your mask and dry mouth seem to be what is waking you up. The mask is the toughest part of therapy -- getting the right one. You might do some mask research -- there's plenty of posts on the forum.

And raising the humidifier temp might help with the dry mouth.

Inpjs · Post by **Inpjs** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 4:57 pm

Thanks for repsponding. My machine was on auto before, I must have changed it by accident. I switched it back to auto, but my min, is set at 4 and the max of 20. Does that mean it will go to 20 throught he night or only if needed? I'm sorry I am so dumb when it comes to this. I am trying to learn all I can about numbers, machines, mask, etc.

I am not sure if I had accidentally changed the min and max by mistake also, I don't think so.

As far as the mask goes, they gave me two to try. The first one was great, it just covered the nose, very comfortable however thats the night I learned I opened my mouth in my sleep. The full face mask seems to work better, but I think it may be too big because the leaks wake me up sometimes. I can tighten the straps but when i did that, I have a bump on my nose and two wealts on the sides. Not very attractive and boy were they sore.

I appreciate your input, really I do. It gets frustrating because all I want to do is sleep and feel refreshed the next day.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 5:02 pm

Usually, it's not a good idea to run your Auto in such a wide gap in pressures. If you had centrals, that would not be good at all.

And you had lots of HIs which usually result from too low of pressure.

If it were me (and I am not doctor), I would narrow the gap like I suggested. I think I would go with 6 to 9 and monitor the data weekly.

I understand that it's frustrating to have problems with therapy, but we all went through it and it gets easier. You have good equipment, and this is a wonderful forum. Someone is always here to help, or at least try to help.

bdp522 · Post by **bdp522** » Thu Mar 29, 2007 5:11 pm

Have you considered using the nasal mask and taping your mouth shut? Many of us tape every night to avoid mouth leaks.

Brenda