Any Suggestions for frustrated newer CPAP User

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Pugsy
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Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:31 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Any Suggestions for frustrated newer CPAP User

Post by Pugsy » Mon Aug 18, 2014 11:33 am

Actually the FFM vs nasal mask pressure needs thing....while technically X amount of pressure should be X amount of pressure no matter which mask is used....I have seen too many reports where it's obvious a person needs more pressure with a full face mask to attain the same apnea event control to say it is a totally bogus statement.
Sometimes I have seen as much as 2 or 3 cm difference between FFM and nasal pillows. Probably not a big deal one way or the other unless a person is borderline in their apnea control. It's kinda nice if someone is using 15 cm with a FFM and can get by with 12 or 13 cm with nasal pillows though. Always nice to be able to use less pressure and get the same results.

In your case your pressure needs are relatively low so it hurts nothing to increase it a little and in your case the pressure of 7 cm may not be quite optimal during the time frame where you see the clusters. Meaning the clusters may be even worse with 7 cm than they are with 8 cm.

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sleepyinvegas
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Joined: Thu Jul 10, 2014 8:38 am
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Re: Any Suggestions for frustrated newer CPAP User

Post by sleepyinvegas » Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:44 am

I have to Thank You! I finally bit the bullet last night read the provider manual and changed my machine over to APAP mode. Using a minimum 7 and maximum 11. Today my AHI is down to .73 I had been averaging over 3 since my last post and after having my DME change the pressure to 8.5 from 8. I feel much better today. I do not feel quite like I did after my first sleep titration study but very close. You mentioned clusters where I would have issues that were waking me up and causing me problems in looking at the data you seem to have hit the nail on the head. I am posting some screenshots to show just how effective the change was. Image Image Image

So in closing again I just have to say thank you I could not have gotten here without your help and I am extremely grateful.
Life is what happens when you are making other plans - John Lennon

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Pugsy
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Location: Missouri, USA

Re: Any Suggestions for frustrated newer CPAP User

Post by Pugsy » Sat Sep 06, 2014 10:12 am

I am so happy that you seem to be doing better. Sometimes a relatively small change in something can make a big difference in how we feel.

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Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

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Nick Danger
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Re: Any Suggestions for frustrated newer CPAP User

Post by Nick Danger » Sat Sep 06, 2014 11:49 am

That's wonderful news!!

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Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: APAP mode, minimum pressure = 9. No ramp, EPR = 3, medium. Soft cervical collar. Sleepyhead software.

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englandsf
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Location: Austin TX

Re: Any Suggestions for frustrated newer CPAP User

Post by englandsf » Sat Sep 06, 2014 12:16 pm

As the resident nasal rinse pusher, I'd recommend the Neilmed bottle or Sinugator over a neti pot. If you want to go all out try a Waterpik with a sinus adapter. You might also look into Alkalol rinse. And Veramyst spray.

Good luck - getting those sinuses clear!

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Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Sleepyhead SW. NeilMed and Alkalol Nasal rinses. Veramyst. AutoPAP 11-20 cms. Started June '14, untreated AHI 31-38, with PAP around 1.