[CPAP] Resmed AS 11 CPAP Help

[DisgruntledNihilist]

Hey fellow Apnea Warriors,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I was diagnosed with "Mild OSA" back in 2021. Initially, I was able to remain compliant with CPAP treatment and used my CPAP for a minimum of 5-6 hours per night, but since 2023 has rolled around, I have become non-compliant with CPAP. Without fail, every single night, at the 1 hour mark or close to 1 hour, I end up taking off my mask while I'm asleep. I am at a loss to what's causing my brain to reject the CPAP all of the sudden. Information is as follows:

CPAP: Resmed Airsense 11

Mask: Resmed N10, F20, F30 (Always taken off face within an hour. all masks. I've tried mouth tape as well)

Pressure: 8-20

Humidity: 1

Temp: 66 F

EPR: 3

Ramp: Off

Start Pressure: 8


I will attach my OSCAR data and hopefully someone can chime in with what I am missing. Doctors were no help unfortunately, so you folks are my last hope for a solid nights sleep. Haven't had a solid night sleep in over a year

[srlevine1]

Under the conditions related to mask fit issues, your large leaks are causing the device to increase pressure. With the extent of your leaks, it is no wonder you are uncomfortable and remove the mask, especially if air is blowing freely around your face or across your eyes.

When I started in 2008, I was given three sample masks that were all abject failures. The leaking drove me crazy, and I instinctively removed the mask. My physician at the time was a little help, as was his RT. His suggestion was to keep trying. Thank heaven I found the forum and started experimenting with masks and settings. I kept meticulous notes and spaced out my experiments to observe at least a week's worth of data as a mini-trend.

I tried a number of masks, finally settling on ResMed's Mirage Activa LT. I set my ramp time to auto to gradually increase my pressure. Eventually, I acclimated to the mask after a little cheating -- wearing the mask while awake during the day.

While you included OSCAR data (a great move), you left off some important points regarding your sleep habits.

Are you an active sleeper? What position? Pillows? Neck Extension? Is the mask sizing correct? Beard? Environmental factors such as temperature, pets, and external noises. Drugs? Medical conditions? Nighttime bathroom habits?

I am sure other dedicated forum members will weigh in with suggestions.

BTW, your AHI is good, but probably inaccurate due to the large leaks.

Best, Steve

[DisgruntledNihilist]

Are you an active sleeper? Yes. Restless Leg Syndrome 

 What position? Back and left side. 

Pillows? Latex foam bits inside pillowcase. 


Neck Extension? No


Is the mask sizing correct? Not sure! Currently use a “small” for the N10 and F30i. Headgear for F30i is “regular”. Was gonna try a medium with each mask for a week and see how it goes. 


Beard? Nope

Environmental factors such as 

temperature: 68-70 degrees. I have a horrendous AC bill haha. 

Pets: Dog sleeps in bed.

 External Noises? Bottom floor of apartment. Upstairs are college kids. 

Drugs? Cannabis. No alcohol. Occasional sleep aid like Unisom. 

Medical conditions? Too many to list

Nighttime bathroom habits? Always have to wake up and p*** like a racehorse at 4 am. Always. Then again at 6 am and then I’m awake and hate life. 

[srlevine1]

My initial thoughts would be to try a nasal mask such as the ResMed Mirage Activa LT and change the pressure settings to 9 to 15, and set ramp to auto. When Ramp Time is set to Auto, the device will detect when you have fallen asleep and then gradually increase to the prescribed treatment pressure. (Not a perfect solution, but worth trying.)

Here is a fitting guide template: https://document.resmed.com/documents/pr...lo_eng.pdf.

If you do print the guide -- make sure it prints at the correct scale -- use the ruler as a guide.  A number of vendorshave a return option (sometimes with a surcharge). 

I would also suggest trying the mask in the daytime -- possible while attempting to take a nap. If you have the ability to video your sleep, you might want to capture some video. 

Best -- steve

[DisgruntledNihilist]

Will try tonight! Thanks again Steve I sincerely appreciate you!