Which is more important?

Which is more important, comfort, or results?

I started off using a nasal mask, but it was fairly uncomfortable, and switched over to a full face mask (Comfortgel) which is a lot more comfortable.

I don't have the software for my machine, so I've been keeping a daily diary of my results.

The average AHI for the nasal mask is 7.2

The average AHI for the full mask is 10.9

I'm new to apnea, and don't know if these numbers are good/bad/or indifferent, but even I can see that the numbers are lower with the uncomfortable nasal mask.
IS THERE, enough difference between the two masks that I should give up the comfort of the full mask in favor of the better results of the nasal?

Another question, (if you don't mind) are my AHI numbers good or bad???

Thank's
John

The ideal is to achieve comfort and results. Some measure of comfort is essential since discomfort over the long term will be a strong motivator to stop using the machine.

Those AHI results could be better, but don't be discouraged as they are most likely better than without your machine. With your machine you can read the results on the LCD... what does your leak rate after a night report at? Keep in mind that leak rate will be an average over the night. To see what is happening during the night with respect to leak rate you will need ResScan.

If your leak rate number is out of line then you first need to work on that... then after getting the leaks under control turn your attention to your AHI and possible pressure adjustments.

John,
Resmed machines tend to log more Hypopneas per breathing pattern than do others, so, first of all, separate the AI from the HI. Do you have major differences in the AI?

Second: You won't sleep well if you're not comfotable -- and the numbers will be unreliable if you mouth leak - which happens to many of us with masks that don't cover our mouth.
It could that with a full face mask and an open mouth you need slightly more pressure, since an open mouth does contribute to more apneas.

I would try to make the more comfortable mask give me better results.


O.

I suppose that ultimately results matter most, but one hopes to achieve optimal results + optimal comfort. Both of those AHI numbers are higher than the target max of 5.

Nasal leak average, 0.15

Full face average, 0.25

Both averages are actually higher than the "usual" leakage due to a couple of "out of the ordinary nights". Both masks are usually around 0.03- 0.05.

What are your machine settings?

What was your AI numbers in those AHI results you mentioned?

Den

ozij wrote:John,
Resmed machines tend to log more Hypopneas per breathing pattern than do others, so, first of all, separate the AI from the HI. Do you have major differences in the AI?

Second: You won't sleep well if you're not comfotable -- and the numbers will be unreliable if you mouth leak - which happens to many of us with masks that don't cover our mouth.
It could that with a full face mask and an open mouth you need slightly more pressure, since an open mouth does contribute to more apneas.

I would try to make the more comfortable mask give me better results.


O.

I'm too lazy to run all the numbers right now, BUT, here's the highest AI from each mask:

Nasal: 0.7

Full face: 4.5

I didn't realize there was that much of a spread until you told me to check the AI results!

I may be off on this, if so, I'm sure someone will correct me, but with the nasal mask, if you're mouth leaking the AHI results may be meaningless because your therapy pressure is going out your mouth. With a FF it doesn't matter so much if your mouth is open as long as it's properly sealed with minimal leaks. So if the FF is more comfortable work with that one and work on the leaks. The ComfortFF never worked for my husband, he couldn't stop the leaks or sore nose bridge.

RipVW wrote: Both of those AHI numbers are higher than the target max of 5.

YIKES!!!!

Looks like I've still got a LONG way to go.

DoriC wrote: The ComfortFF never worked for my husband, he couldn't stop the leaks or sore nose bridge.

I had the same problem with the sore nose bridge. It took a bit to figure out exactly what was causing it, but I found that it was the hard base of the gel pac. I trimed down a bandaid and put it over that edge, and it was fine after that.

Wulfman wrote:What are your machine settings?

Pressure 14, EPR 3

Komodo wrote:

Wulfman wrote:What are your machine settings?

Pressure 14, EPR 3

If your titrated/prescribed pressure is "14", then the EPR setting is dropping your "effective" pressure on exhale to "11".
So, you need to.......either reduce your EPR setting and raise your pressure setting by that same number......or raise your pressure setting if you're going to leave your EPR setting as-is.

Unlike C-Flex on the Respironics machines, EPR actually lowers the exhale pressure by the actual (setting) number in cm.
And, since most people are (supposedly) prone to have apneas on the exhale half of the breath cycle, that's why it's important to get that pressure right.


Den

I took eveyones advice into consideration, but didn't make up my mind about which mask I would stick with .......... until I took a nap yesterday

After a 90 minute nap with my "comfortable" full face mask, these were my numbers:
Leak: 0.04
AHI: 20.2
AI: 3.0
HI: 17.2

THOSE numbers made my mind up for me! Forget about comfort, and go for the RESULTS!!!!

Last night I switched back to my "uncomfortable" nasal mask. I got an unbelieveable TEN HOURS of sleep, something I haven't had in well over two years!!!! Not only that, check out THESE numbers:

Leak: 0.0
AHI: 8.3
AI: 0.8
HI: 7.5



They may not be prefect numbers, but they're a HELL of a lot better than what I've been getting!