A Nueroinvasive disease with Apnea

[Jsmcquea]

My name is Jake. I’m new to the forum but not new to sleep apnea or to cpap. I’ve been with a cpap for a year now and have seen little progress. In fact, I’ve gotten progressively worse with apnea symptoms.

It also doesn’t help that I have nueroinvasive West Nile virus. At a young and healthy 27 years old, this virus entered my spinal fluid and around my brain and has taken everything from me. We’ve done all the treatments, but sleep apnea keeps me from getting better.

Recently, symptoms have gotten worse, and we believe it’s all due to sleep apnea. I’m very convinced that I simply need a mask that will actually work for me but I just don’t know how to make this process work without spending thousands of dollars. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

- Jake

[Sleepy Quixote]

@Jsmcquea

Hey Jake, Welcome to the forum!

A particular mask may help you, but the only way to know for sure is to post some screenshots of your OSCAR data along with some specific questions, folks will be more than happy to chime in.

First of all people will want to see OSCAR charts to illustrate your questions, to fill the charts with data you will need the data from the Sd card in your PAP machine, if it has one pre-installed you are one step closer, if not, you'll need to install one. Link to compatible PAP units ->   https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...d_machines

Then lets start with downloading OSCAR and getting it installed -> https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/

Once it's installed, get the charts organized in a way that helps people help you -> https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...ganization

Ask a question and attach your chart -> https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...pnea_Board

If you need any help check here -> https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php/OSCAR_Help

[Jsmcquea]

           
Alright, it's taken a few days but I've got Oscar up and running and I have data.
I wasn't expecting my OSA to be so low and CA to be higher; what does this mean for me? Does this actually mean I have CA or is this something CPAP induced?

[OpalRose]

Jake,
First, sorry to hear about the West Nile virus.  
When you say your symptoms are getting worse, are you referring to SA or the West Nile Virus?   What exactly are your symptoms?  Are you on any medications for the
WNV?  

Did you originally have a sleep study done?  Did it show any clear airways on the study?
If you have a copy, post it here.

You've been on Cpap for a year, so I'm not sure the CA's are treatment emergent.

Your charts don't look bad at all, but some small tweaks may help with comfort.
If your willing, make these changes:

Minimum pressure - 7cm
Maximum pressure - 12cm
EPR set at 2  (We will keep watch on the CA's)

As far as a mask, that is sometimes a challenge to find the right fit.  I don't see a leak problem, maybe just some mask movement.  

Here's some information that may help:

http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ask_Primer