A few questions whilst I navigate my journey (masks/flow rate)

[Rebdr]

Hi all,

Im struggling to exhale. Ive tried upto 12 pressure with my machines equivalent of epr 3. It doesnt help so I leave it at 7 'epr 3'

Is my flow rate showing the expiratory struggle? In some places I read its normal,  others that its REM although it happens as soon as I fall asleep and in some places that its expiratory flow limitation. I understand inspiratory flow limitation and can see that in my flow rates.

When I give up and take the mask off I dont feel nasal congestion. Could my mask be too small? Ive a small sefam breeze zen but I feel like the flappy silicone seal is possibly sitting too close to my nostrils despite trying to pull it down further.

I do feel something in my throat and Id say its around tongue base, epiglottis although Ive been scoped by an ENT and all normal but it wasn't in terms of sleep.

Thank you for any and all answers

[Rebdr]

I forgot to add that it almost feels like I exhale in 2 parts. Like theres a kink in ny exhale for want of a better terms. Occasionally on inhale too

[Crimson Nape]

Your description of the exhale sounds like you're on your back. Try to sleep on your side to minimize these wannabe OAs. Also, the EPAP pressure is responsible to control these. You will need to increase the pressure to address the EPR value.

- Red

[Rebdr]

Side is worse for it unfortunately! Kinda of feels like the weight of my arm crushes everything in and my nose feels congested possibly from the mask. I have a pregnancy pillow, I might try that for support of the arm tonight.

The stats of my original sleep study looked like I did slightly better on my back

[Rebdr]

I just used my nasal mask as a soley mouth mask pinching my nose. Same result on various pressures unless I take a really unnatural big breath so its possibly weak inspiration. I struggle during the day too, to get deep breaths. My doctors are useless with me so I don't even feel like I can bring it up. Everything is depression to them. Even the time I could feel something in my throat , anxiety of course, which an ENT verified it was my spine leaning in by palpating it ?

[Gideon]

Based on your description I'd try a soft cervical collar to maintain your cervical alignment. You may require a snugger fit than we usually suggest. Height from chin to chest/sternum is the critical measurement

[Rebdr]

Thank you.  Im going to order one now. I was hoping I'd get away with a collar because I hate things around my throat but you never know, the repositioning may feel good.

I also thought it wasnt positional with me because the sleep study data showed no clusters in particular positions but I suppose I could just be in chin tuck position constantly, especially with my cervical spine curvature

[Rebdr]

Didnt even last half an hr tonight.  Made sure to not chin tuck even slightly. I have complained of dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath for a few years now. Im wondering if it is high co2 from the untreated uars. I don't breathe well during the day either, slow but shallow, so I cant even get rid of it then.

Im wondering if then trying to exhale against pressure just makes it worse.  The longer im on it the worse it becomes as opposed to most people that adapt after half an hour etc

[Sleeprider]

I think the problem is just the opposite of what you think. With pressure at 7 and EPR 3 your EPAP pressure is failing to keep your airway patent during exhale or at the transition to inhale. I think you can keep the EPR the same, but move pressure up incrementally until this hitch in exhale is resolved.

[Rebdr]

Ive tried multiple pressures to no avail. I have just tried breathing out of the mask with no pressure at all and I still struggle. I consider myself undiagnosed autistic, I have 2 children diagnosed, so maybe its a sensory thing. I have worn it for hours whilst a wake in the hope I'll be able to sleep in it with no joy. I somehow managed to get a couple of hours with it twice when I was on 4cm, which makes no sense as I may as well have it on 7cm epr3 in terms of exhaling.

My mask is a breeze zen sefam. Is there such thing as a mask with more venting?

Neck collar is arriving today which I am hopeful about. I watched my footages from last night and my arousals when chin tucking are me jumping up gasping and looking around the room. Arousals non chin tucking (non chin tucking to me eyes but is probably still a level of chin tucking) are just neck spasms and switching position