CPAPtalk.com

Welcome to another Charlie. I have been on a BIPAP machine since May of this year. I have an Air Curve S10 VAUTO. This is an auto machine which essentially means I can set a range of pressure and let the machine determine the actual pressure I need. When I did the titration study, they could not find an optimum pressure for me, so my machine is set for 20 - 25 cm water IPAP (inhalation) and 15 - 20 EPAP (exhalation). As previously stated, mask type and model is a personal preference based on your ability to breath your nose and your facial structure and size. You can get a lot of help here of you will take it.

HoseCrusher wrote:I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news... but
There is no forgiveness here at least until you have been properly scolded for your naughty ways...
While stopping treatment does cure leaks, it is not the best way to do this.
OK, you're forgiven.
<snip>...

gasp wrote:I have no powers to do this except maybe that I've been about 99% compliant. ( I sometimes travel without my machine, when battery backup needed etc.)
So your 99% absolved, since that's all the power I have.
Oh, and welcome back!

Thank you! I'm glad to be forgiven and back on the right path.

OkyDoky wrote:Welcome Back. Have you tried other masks? Or maybe a different pillow? Do you monitor your therapy with Sleepyhead to see the leaks when they happen, and how long they last?

I have tried the following masks: ComfortGel Blue FFM, the Mirage Liberty and the Swift FX nose pillows. I cannot seem to get the ComfortGel to fit w/o LL every single time. So, I have used the Liberty most of the time that I've been compliant. I have tons of allergies and have always breathed with my mouth open, so the Swift FX was not a great option in the beginning. I have worked hard to train my mouth to stay closed as much as possible. I actually switched back to the Swift FX a few nights ago. Last night, I had an AHI of .28 -- one of the best ever for me.

FWIW, the problem has never been getting the mask on, starting the machine and going to sleep. It's always and almost categorically been when the pressure ramps to full, or almost full. That's when each mask seems to "blow out" and I get LL. Using a chin strap with the Swift FX has been good the last few nights. However, it was a total bust the first time I tried it in 2012. Could not keep my dang mouth shut. Full Disclosure: I can't seem to keep my mouth shut when I'm awake either.

I sleep on a TempurPedic pillow -- on my back, for the most part. I have fibromyalgia, so no position is comfortable all night.

As for software, I just downloaded SH 9.8.1 yesterday -- and have it pulled up right now. Just noticed I have not been as compliant as I thought. BUT, after not using my CPAP for almost 18 months, I am doing 200% better than I was.

I guess I should mention that trying a lot of different masks is not a financially viable option. I haven't had a regular paycheck or insurance since October, 2013 -- due to health issues, I'm not able to work full-time any longer. So, anything I purchase now is out of the meager amount of money I earn from my photography (which is part-time at best).

You may want to consider doing your mask fitting in a "special" session. By that I mean lay down in the bed and set your machine to your max pressure and then adjust the fit. Then you can adjust your machine back to its normal set up and know the mask will work at your pressure.