Why is the pressure always near maximum?

[Mountaineer]

For a few years I successfully used a CPAP machine for OSA, until one day last October, when suddenly the average/typical pressure rose from 4.0 to almost 10.0. Since then I have changed machine (now ResMed Airsense 10), mask (nasal, but now new), tube. Ever since, the pressure is near 10. The median pressure in a night is often almost 10, always above 8.

Usually when I wake up the pressure is near 10 (say 9.7). When I am awake, the pressure is also near 10. But before October, when I was awake it was near 4.

What might account for this?

From the data, I do not think the problem is caused by leaks. My AHI is low, around 5.0. I am not currently using the humidifier.

Thanks!

[C0mbe]

Welcome!  I think in order to properly see what is going on give you a hand, you'll need to post a screenshot from Sleepyhead.  You can download sleepy head from https://OSCAR Official Download Page ----> CLICK HERE ./.  

You didn't say what your previous machine is, but, as you'll notice when reading a lot of these posts - resmed devices are more aggressive at treating obstructive apnea than other manufacturers (namely philips respironics).   APAPs use physiological cues from your sleep to determine whether to raise the pressure, and because resmed devices are more aggressive (proactive imo) at preventing further events that might be why you are noticing an increase in pressure.    

What it sounds like to me is that your pressure range is too low, and you will need to raise the maximum pressure to give the machine room to work.  Generally, when your machine stays at or close to the maximimum all night you need more pressure.  Personally, I would raise the min pressure to 8, and the max to 15, use those for a week or so (unless you are still pegged at the max), and ago from there.    If you are having trouble with higher pressure, and don't already have it on, you can also turn on EPR (exhale relief) to make it more comfortable.  

[Sleeprider]

For a few years I successfully used a CPAP machine for OSA, until one day last October, when suddenly the average/typical pressure rose from 4.0 to almost 10.0. Since then I have changed machine (now ResMed Airsense 10), mask (nasal, but now new), tube. Ever since, the pressure is near 10. The median pressure in a night is often almost 10, always above 8.

Usually when I wake up the pressure is near 10 (say 9.7). When I am awake, the pressure is also near 10. But before October, when I was awake it was near 4.

What might account for this?

From the data, I do not think the problem is caused by leaks. My AHI is low, around 5.0. I am not currently using the humidifier.

Thanks!

An AHI of 5.0 is far from ideal, and it sounds like you have obstructive apnea and obstructive artifacts like flow limitation or snores that cause automatic CPAP machines to increase pressure.  Your maximum set pressure of 10 is only half of the pressure your machine is capable of producing, and is probably average, or just below average pressure for most of us.  Why not set the minimum pressure to 8 and maximum pressure to 14 and see of that AHI goes down?  If you feel better with higher pressure, keep it. If it makes you feel worse after a reasonable trial, turn it back.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Mountaineer,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Good luck to you as you continue your CPAP therapy and getting it dialed in to better meet your needs.