Red Eyes and How are my numbers?

Hi Everyone. It's been a while since I've logged on and I've collected a lot of data from my smart card - which my doctor hardly even looked at!!!!

I;m so disgusted -- seems like the pulmonary doc is just relying on anecdotal analysis - "how are you feeling?"

Anyway, the biggest problem I'm experiencing is red dry itchy eyes. The pulmonary technician says my nasal pillows are fitting fine and indeed they do feel that way when I put them on. But during the night, they must leak becaue my eyes are red, dry and itchy. Some days it's very bad. Any suggestions? I'm taping my mouth shut which seems to work the best as far as mouth leaks.

How should I interpret the following numbers?

I'm using a Respironics Auto Pap with humidifier - and nasal pillow type mask.

Average Time in Apnea Per Day 5 minutes
Average Time in 25 minutes
Average AHI 3.7

Auto Pap set - top is 18 - Bottom is 8
Avg 90% Ipap Pressure 14.2
Avg 90% Epap Presssure 11.3

Average Obstructive Apnea Indes 2.4
Average Hypopna Index 1.4
Average AHI" 3.7

Average Flow Limitation Indes 1.0

Average Vibratory Snore Index 4.4

Average Max Leak 100.8
Average 90% Leak 69.2
Average Leak 52.4
Average Large Leak 25 min


I would appreciate someones analysis. I'm feeling quite good so I'm wondering if this is as good as it gets - or should I expect to improve these numbers.

My biggest "irritant" pun intended is the itchy dry eye problem.

Thanks for any comments

Dancing Queen

DQ,

You've definitely got a lot of leakage.
I'm not familiar with the nasal pillows/masks, so maybe somebody else can comment on that.

My opinion is that your bottom pressure is too low and you've probably got too many events occurring before your machine can compensate.
But, I'm confused (or maybe you are) on what machine you're using. You say you're using a REMstar Auto and state your pressure range is 8 - 18, but you mention IPAP and EPAP 90% numbers. Sounds like you might have and Auto Bi-PAP.....Yes?
Maybe if you could tell us what ALL of your settings are in the machine, we can help you.

Best wishes,

Den

Sorry, I guess I had not updated my machine, which I have now done. It is an BiPap Auto M Series by Respironics. I think I've got it right in my profile now.

As to the numbers - I think I put all the numbers and indexex that Encore Pro printed out.

The reason I went to a nasal pillow system is because I got a bad sore just to the side of my nose up high near the bridge and it really got bad. So my doc put me on this. Maybe I should try another full face mask? I really want to get the maximum good out of this.

Any additional comments appreciated and please refer back to my original post for numbers.

I agree that your biggest problem is most likely leaks. You shouldn't have ANY large leaks. You say you are using nasal pillows but then your profile shows you using a regular mask; which is it? The mask is the main thing for leaks, so choose yours carefully. Some masks vent up towards the eyes, which will make your problem worse even if its not leaking.

Also, I think your min/max range might be a little wide. You didnt' post all your numbers but you might try limiting the range to 3 or 4 above and below your typical average...

Steve

[quote="djdaddyk"]I agree that your biggest problem is most likely leaks. You shouldn't have ANY large leaks. You say you are using nasal pillows but then your profile shows you using a regular mask; which is it? The mask is the main thing for leaks, so choose yours carefully. Some masks vent up towards the eyes, which will make your problem worse even if its not leaking.

Also, I think your min/max range might be a little wide. You didnt' post all your numbers but you might try limiting the range to 3 or 4 above and below your typical average...

Steve


Thanks for your input, Steve - I guess I still didn't have the right description of my nasal pillows. I've changed it so it should be right now. I use the Mirage Swift Nasal Pillows System. They are fairly comfortable and I've not had any sores as I did with the full face mask.

The vent on my nasal pillows seems to blow down, so I'm not sure why my eyes are getting irritated. The tech at the doc's office practically told me I was making it up as I had a good fit with the nasal pillows. That doesn't account for what happens when head movement occurs. I wonder how many people successfully use these nasal pillows?

As to your other comments, I think I will up the bottom threshold on the machine if I can figure out how to do it. I swore to the doc I wouldn't do it, but my last visit to the doctor's office, I only saw the tech and she really upset me - she didn't even look at the print-outs I gave her from the Encore Pro reports. The doc sent a message in witht he tech that he was very pleased. I don't know what that means or if he looked at the reports. Ugh!!!!!!

So you think my vibratory snores and apneas would decrease with a higher bottom threshold?

Thanks,
DQ