1.5 years on CPAP - inconsistent results

[bgusc10]

Hello all, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in May of 2021 with a AHI of ~37 after an in-lab overnight sleep study. I've been using a Resmed AirSense 10 AutoSet CPAP pretty frequently ever since with varying levels of results and a more recent decline over the past 3 weeks. I've constantly been battling fatigue issues even with treatment, but the exhaustion and brain fog have become even worse lately. I do have mouth breathing issues but am using mouth tape in conjunction with a nasal pillow to try and minimize leaks. Anecdotally I feel like every time I have leak rates exceeding ~5-7 L/min (just based on the MyAir app) I tend to feel drastically worse than evenings with lower rates.

I have included an OSCAR screenshot from last night's sleep and am hoping for a little bit of help or guidance here. Thanks!

   

[Deborah K.]

You have a good bit of Central Apnea, and it is possible that you need a different type of pap machine.  One of the experts will likely come along to explain that to you soon.  You also have lots of leaks.  Maybe you need to find a more effective mouth tape.  I like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BJD...UTF8&psc=1

It's a bit pricey but I can use the same piece for a number of days.  It is extremely comfortable, and It can be removed and repositioned for a better seal.  The narrower versions are not sufficient for me.  I need the two-inch size and cut the piece to about 4.5-5 inches long.

I hope you find good solutions soon!