6 month absence, new machine, need help.
My AS10 died last May, and I have been off cpap and away from the Board for 6 months and now have a new AS11 and need some help evaluating my graphs for a better result. I've spent the last few days just re-familiarizing myself with getting around the Apneaboard. It seems almost all my graphs show mask leakage, which was my problem with the 5 year old AS10. I've used and tested over 15 different face masks and a few nasals as well, but leakage is still a problem. I have lost 25lbs. since May-2024. Since I don't think my face has changed much since the weight loss and tightening doesn't help, you think maybe because it's that I'm getting uglier? I have used the F30 for 3 years and the VA is sending me a new F40, but I can't see much difference from the F30 to F40.
RE: 6 month absence, new machine, need help.
It appears that you are having Positional Apnea, the clusters of apneas are a sign of it. Pressure will not help, it is caused by chin tucking, it's like bending over a garden hose to stop the water. You will have to change your sleep position, If you sleep on your back try sleeping on your side, use a lower pillow, if nothing helps try a soft cervical collar to help keep things aligned. The only way I could stop my positional Apnea was to sleep on my side all night, every night. There is a link below that will give you more info on Positional Apnea. So work on the Positional Apnea then post more charts and then I or someone else can make setting recommendations.
Good luck and welcome back.
RE: 6 month absence, new machine, need help.
Old Steve is spot on the positional apnea. I will add that the large leaks are mouth leaks. There are 2 main ways to stop mouth leaks, tapping or full face mask.
RE: 6 month absence, new machine, need help.
Stacey & Old Steve,
Thank you both for your suggestions. I am a side sleeper all the 9 years I've had sleep apnea, and I already wear a
full-face mask. I have no luck with chin straps or soft cervical collars. Since I do wear a full-face mask, and I have some stomach issues, taping a mouth with a full-face mask could be extremely dangerous if one regurgitates. I swear my mouth gets so dry I feel like my lips are welded together and it charts rarely shows snoring. I may be wrong, but like everything else in this world is getting cheaper and cheaper, so goes the F30 mask.
RE: 6 month absence, new machine, need help.
I have been using CPAP since 2000, I have had perhaps 15 different masks, both nasal and full face. I use the f30 now most of the time and it is the only mask I have ever had that I rarely have a leak. I used to wear a mouth guard with one of my FF masks to keep the straps from pulling my mouth down and open causing a leak. You just have to keep trying till you find a mask that will work for you.
As to the Positional Apnea you are having, have you tried other sleeping positions?
RE: 6 month absence, new machine, need help.
I tried sleeping on my back recently, however I rarely fall asleep that way. Never tried sleeping in a recliner but that would surely drop my chin. On another subject my start time on my graph shows a 9:00 PM start time when it is actually 8 PM. Do you know how I can get it set on the right time>
