Analyzing SleepHead info needed

[willis]

Hello. I am trying to take charge of my sleep apnea. I have attached a screen shot of last night's data. I have a Resmed Airsense 10 autoset. I use a sleep weaver full face mask. Thank you to this forum. I now know how to change things on my machine. I don't use any ramp time because it doesn't give me enough air to breathe and I feel like I am choking. I have since set the mode to CPAP only. The set pressure is 11.4. My doctor set it at 12. At 12 it just seems too strong and I adjust the mask all night. Last night was the best reading I have had in the 10 days I have used it. 

I am committed to getting my AHI to below 5 in hopes that I will feel much better. I know I am a nose and mouth breather. I finally found a mask that I think is going to work for me in this Sleepweaver model. The doctor set the minimum at 4 with the maximum set at 20. 
I was using an older version of the sleep apnea machine for about six years. I have had this new machine for about 10 days. 
I desperately want to get a handle on this and start feeling better. I realize that myAir information is of little use to me. Thank you for your information and time. I would appreciate your thoughts after reviewing my data that is attached.

[Melman]

Welcome to the forum. You need to reduce your leaks for your data to be meaningful. I suggest you read the mask primer. http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...Mouthpiece

It will be helpful to organize your SleepHead charts as explained in the link below. Also please minimize the calendar by clicking the arrow to the left of the date and eliminate the pie chart by unchecking the box under file/preferences/appearance. Those changes will make more data available on the screen.

Changing from 4-20 was a good start. With more data we will be able to help you optimize your settings.

[Gideon]

Welcome to the forum.

The chart says that you need more pressure.

Can you post your daily charts with the Auto Mode enabled.  That can tell us a lot.  

I'm going to suggest that you enable EPR of 2, that will drop your exhale pressure by 2 cmw.

I would also suggest auto settings of 11-20 cmw, at least to narrow down your pressures.  I would definitely expect those settings to change.  4-20 is used to see what the machine will do, we usually suggest 6 or 8 to 20 when starting, 4 is typically too low for most people.

Find the manufactures video for fitting your mask and view it for hints on how to adjust it, many users fit a mask to tightly.
Read the Mask Primer.  A lot of hints in there on mask fitting.  

BTW most of us do not use the ramp.

As important as the numbers are you comfort is also important.  This includes mask leaks, excessive sleepiness etc. so How do you feel?

Fred

[srlevine1]

Congratulations about taking charge of your own therapy and learning about your new device.

The first and probably the most important thing is that your machine appears to be set in CPAP mode at a pressure of 11.4. The fact that your doctor apparently prescribed a pressure range between 4 - 20 (pretty much the limits of the machine) suggests that you may want to allow the AutoSet function to actually do its work. 

Therefore, before further tweaking anything, you may wish to change your mode in the clinician menu to "Autoset" instead of "CPAP", and set a minimum pressure at 7.0 and a maximum pressure at 14.00 and then post a more valid chart for further analysis.  Or use 8.0 with the EPR set at 2.0.

In the case of "large leaks" (indicated by LL), the actual values during these leaks are unreliable if not downright wonky. Most of us tried various masks before we found one that was comfortable and did not leak like a sieve. If your mask is not working for you, be prepared to move on and join those who pretty much experienced the same frustration trying to get the mask to match its advertised benefits. 

If you do not feel that you are getting enough air with using the "ramp" feature, you may simply leave it off.

You may also find that setting the EPR to 2 might make exhales more comfortable.

Many of us feel the same way about MyAir -- which is pretty much an incentive device to encourage compliance rather than a useful diagnostic tool.

Remember, your body needs time to acclimate to new settings, so you may not want to "chase the numbers" by constantly tweaking values on a night-to-night basis.

I am interested in hearing from some of the other experienced people on the forum. 

Best wishes for a good night's sleep for a better tomorrow. 

[Gideon]

Just to make you feel a bit better about your leaks here is an older chart of mine.


Fred's Old Chart

[Walla Walla]

You just got advice from three of the best. The only thing I'll add is there may be some positional causes to some of those events. You may want to try a soft cervical collar to prevent your chin from tucking in and cutting off your airway. They run about $10 at most drug stores and online.

[willis]

I formatted the screenshot how you requested.

[willis]

Thank you so much for this information!

I'll make the changes you recommend and give it some time to see how I progress. 

[Melman]

You're closer. Flow Limit. is of more value than mask pressure. You can move flow limit. above mask pressure by left clicking on the label and dragging it up.

[willis]

How about this?