50% leak rate

[cpapnovice]

my main issue with collar it is so high, almost 5" at highest part. I think i could wear something around 2".  Will it work as far preventing OA clusters?

[staceyburke]

I don’t wear one but you need to measure the distance from your chin to your sternum and get a collar that height.

[cpapnovice]

i have correct measurment. but unable to wear it. should i try cpap pillow?

[SarcasticDave94]

If I've got the For Her vs not correct, the For Her has a non FH mode that is identical to a full non FH machine. On the collar vs an CPAP pillow, you can try it, the biggest thing it'll hurt is the bank account. I've not tuned in on your thread lately. Had you trialed a collar from Corflex? A few members really like this brand. I have tried none so I cannot help with user info, but thought I'd pass on something to think on.

[cpapnovice]

what i have is autoset for her, therapy mode. so i am using afh algorithm. But how do i know that this is something i should use vs regular autoset?

[staceyburke]

The for her is just a little bit more gentle mode, no big deal.  You choose which by how you feel using it and how the number of events are more or less.  It is just a "how do you feel" type of decision.  Both would be fine - one may feel better and you can use that one.

[cpapnovice]

this makes sense, basically try different algorithms, settings and see what works the best. I used to think "for her" mode should apply to all females with OSA but it is not that simple.  Leaving aside how i feel question, what is end result i should be looking for? smallest AHI number? No OA clusters, no leaks?
Lets say i get to some magic results, so i just continue with it for the rest of my life? I just keep monitoring my usage? 
And separate question if CPAP can actually make it worse? I had overnight oximetry test with cpap and for 5 min i had 88% saturation. I never had that kind of number.  I am concern about long term damage with cpap

[staceyburke]

Cpap will raise O2 levels. I’m on O2 4/7. I guarantee you will have a higher oxygen level with Cpap. 

As far as what to expect - you will always need Cpap if you need it now. The only ones I have ever heard different is with a huge weight loss 100+ pounds. I myself have lost 90 pounds in the last year and a half and I see no difference in my apnea. 

Once you have got it under control you do not need to check daily - you can just look at my air. If you start feeling worse or more tired run it in Oscar and see what’s going on 
  Post here and ask for help. 

Right now keep posting and get guidance until you are doing well.

[cpapnovice]

what is O2 4/7? i am afraid my oxygen levels actually going down with cpap. i see option to download oximetry in oscar. is this for some kind of device i can buy?
Congratulations on your weight loss. i cant even lose 20 lbs.

[staceyburke]

sorry that was 24/7 - always on oxygen.  And again, I assure you your oxygen level is not going down on Cpap.  By that I mean the Cpap is NOT causing your oxygen level to go down. But You may need added oxygen when you sleep - that is what I had to do for about 15 years then had to do it full time.  There are Oxygen trackers that you can use and see what your levels are all night.  Most are not compatible with OSCAR but all I know about have their own apps you download the nights sleep and see what went on with your oxygen.   I own one of the cheapest the CMS-50F. (it is hard to set up but does import into OSCAR) It is less than 100 dollars the next tier up is 150 and you of course can go up from there.

Usually if you are concerned, the Dr. can order an oxygen night study.  All it is - is getting the device from the supplier of a night and taking it back.  They download it and send the results to the Dr. and he gets back to you in a couple of days with results.