ASV - Finally! Progress Thread

[skiajl6297]

No charts today but similar nights since the first night. Highest AHI so far has been 1.1, last night had my first night below 1! Amazing to see how much more effective and comfortable this machine is for me. Still re-acclimating to hose life after a break, but from a sleep breathing disorder standpoint, my breathing appears to be vastly improved throughout each night.

I am still having some leaks, and expect to continue to try to find masks that suit. I'm still wearing a beard, which comes off after Christmas, so I do expect that to make a positive leak change. Aerophagia still on and off too, but will continue to practice closing my mouth and keeping it shut. Drool for days! I really may need to find a ffm, or a better chinstrap, since I struggle keeping my mouth closed. Perhaps I should consider using a towel on my pillow - I am a side sleeping drool puddle maker.

[dogfish1977]

Highest AHI so far has been 1.1, last night had my first night below 1!  

This may be well covered elsewhere, but does the ASV measure the AHI differently than the regular Airsense 10 Autoset?

I have been at basically 0.2 and last night was 0.1. It seems thought that I get a 0.1 if I get up once to go to the bathroom, and 0.2 if I get up twice. I realize that it's not actually measuring these events, but it does seem like either a) the ASV machine has taken care of most / all of my apneas or b) it measures it differently ... 

It just seems odd that I am this low .... I do feel better but not great. Maybe my issues are now elsewhere or maybe I just need more time. It's only been a little over a week.

[sheepless]

dogfish, IDK if machines from the same mfgr measure ahi differently (I doubt it) but they probably treat events differently. different modalities with different algorithms producing different results. asv seems to be very good at reducing ahi. with apap my long term ahi was between 5 and 6; asv less than 1, vauto about 2-4. I've used a machine for 3 years now but was diagnosed more than 30 years ago with central apnea (no treatment). apnea progressed over the years into mixed apnea so asv was a good change from apap for me. however, it seems that even with higher ahi than asv, vauto is leaving me feeling better (I believe because of the asv's flailing pressure support responding ineffectually to non-passive flow limitations induced by periodic limb movement). I'm pretty sure I had more than 50 years untreated apnea. I assume it takes time to fully recover if that's even possible. as you noted, a week is no time at all.

asv was better than apap but I recently moved from asv to vauto because while ahi was low after 1.5 years of asv, my sleep continues to be quite fragmented. your issues may be different; I mention mine simply to point out it can be complicated.

post your oscar charts in your main thread for member insight into what's going on with you and your asv.

[skiajl6297]

Can I get some mask help here? Sorry for hijacking my own thread, but would appreciate suggestions. For those unfamiliar with my mask history, here you go:

Masks tried in order of performance (top is most successful, bottom least)
F&P Eson 1 (nasal)
My go-to currently, can maintain a mostly decent seal, but still leaky and requires adjustments at night.
Resmed P10 (pillow)
When I get a good nostril seal, works great, but I tend to drool more and mouth breathe more.
F&P Eson 2 (nasal)
Seal not quite as firm or stable for side sleeping as Eson 1. Less material moves around more.
Resmed F20 (ffm)
Never able to establish a good side sleeping seal - constant leaks around upper nose/cheeks. Also diffuser didnt work well for me.
Resmed F10 (ffm)
Never able to establish a good side sleeping seal - constant leaks around upper nose/cheeks.
Resmed P30i (pillow)
Sensitive to noise in cheekbones, over head design works great in use, but too noisy for me, and unadjustable headgear too tight.
Resmed N20 (nasal)
Width issues - small indicated by fit guide, but I have a long nose, tons of leaks, not tolerable
Phillips Dreamwear (pillow)
Sensitive to noise in cheekbones, over head design works great in use, but too noisy for me, and unadjustable headgear too tight. Struggled more with nasal seal on this than the P30i or P10, and exhaust vent stinks

I struggle with mouth breathing, but have not found a ffm that works for me as an active side sleeper. Eson 1 has a nice fit, but I still experience leaks and mouthbreathing. I am a heavy drooler too, and havent found a solution for that either.

I am leaning towards trying the Bleep dreamports, plus a better chinstrap - any suggestions there?

Any FFM that actually stay connected for side sleepers/active sleepers? And any advice for the drool? I know keeping the mouth closed is the first step, but I am anxious about mouth taping. Any input would be most appreciated.

[SarcasticDave94]

My F20 AirFit (silicone) works fine for me and ASV. I need to sleep left side to back, switching between these on occasion. And I do mouth breathe some parts of the night. If the pillow stays out of the way, I'm OK to very good with side sleep results. YMMV of course.

[Sleeprider]

The nasal therapy might be better with some chin support. Take a look at the Knightsbridge Double Chin strap for $24. I’m impressed with the design and at least it will absorb the drool before it reaches your hair.

[Dreaming1]

You could try a soft cloth that circumvented the head and covers the mouth, acting as a muffler. I’ve read about other mouth breathers that use that instead and the cloth acts a diffuser for their mouth.

[jaswilliams]

I use the Resmed P10 or the Bleep mask with my ASV it took about 6 months to stop drooling mouth breathing, it just takes time

[skiajl6297]

Bleep mask and headband ordered. Will report back!