[CPAP] 5 nights in.....grumpier,forgetful and very tired!

[toby2111]

Started on my Airsense 10 with Airfit F10 last Saturday. First night,I only lasted 4 hours,had to take mask off. Perservered for the next 3 nights. Then last night switched from a Medium to a Large mask last night but again took it off after 4 hours. I'm definitely more tired than ever,I'm more forgetful than before and I'm certainly more moody and grumpy. My wife and kids have commented and I snapped at a work colleague during the week for asking a simple question. I really don't like the way I'm feeling. No energy or motivation to do anything. Yet my score on My Air for Sun,Mon,Tue, Wed was 100 with events ranging from 0.2 to 1.3,mask usage 7 to 8 hours. Had a quick phone chat with sleep nurse,she said to stick with it and that I'm doing great.......but I feel rotten and am a grump with no energy!! 
Sleep study gave average of 38 events per hour,hitting a high of 82 while on my back. Stopped breathing for 78 seconds at one stage,oxygen had dropped to 80%. So my consultant(in Ireland) put me on auto pressure
Are my events so low because I'm actually not sleeping much at all at night? It certainly feels like I'm not getting a good nights sleep. Is there a way of analysing my stats on OSCAR to see if I am getting good quality sleep. Any advice???

[OpalRose]

You can download a Screenshot of the daily page chart from OSCAR for review.

Follow the links in my signature line to guide you in organization of the chart and then use the Attachment Feature to post here.

[toby2111]

Ok,I'm just out at the moment. I'll try upload the data since Saturday when I get back home in about an hour or so. Thanks very much

[toby2111]

Here you,hope this is enough info for you            

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Wed and Thursday night....thursday night was when I trialled the Large mask....I think I might go back to the medium as I'm kind of in between a M and L.....

Oh,I forgot to say...I'm also getting headaches everyday now. I'm really hoping this is just a phase as I really want CPAP to work!!!

[SleepyDawg]

Getting used to the mask can be difficult.  For about a week, I just walked around with it on for chores, watching TV, etc. to get used to the feel of something on my face and head. 

Then after that I started to add pressure from CPAP machine during the day.  This way I could adjust the mask, tighten as needed, and get used to a pressurized mask.

I have not had my titration study yet so I asked for advice from this Board after posting my first “trial night” on CPAP.  It was rough and tumble night and I didn’t feel that great in the AM.  But each day I tweak a little more and stick with it.

I read somewhere it can take 1-2 weeks of sleeping at night with it on and I stick with it because it is worth it!  I have my mask “dialed in” and am working on the pressure range.

[OpalRose]

toby,
Although your AHI is good, the 95% flow limitation is a bit higher than we like to see.  
FL sometimes causes pressure increases for no other reason, which is disruptive to sleep.
To tame this number, you will need to set EPR to 3.  Also in order for EPR to have room to work, the minimum pressure should be no less than 7cm.

Suggestion:  
Set minimum pressure to 7cm.
Set maximum pressure to 15cm.
Set EPR to 3 (full time).

The spikes on the leak rate graph indicate mask movement, which I think you're aware.
It is hard adjusting to a mask, especially full face.  If you have the opportunity, try one of the hybrid masks that cover the mouth, but just sit under the nose.  

Read the mask primer for tips on fitting your mask.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ask_Primer

[toby2111]

Thank you for your reply. My machine came preset and my nurse can remotely see my progress. I'm guessing she can see if I change the settings? Should I just wait until Monday,ring her and pass on your advice? Or will I just go ahead myself? Then she'll be asking why did I interfere with the setting's!!!

[Deborah K.]

It's your therapy, not hers, and you have every right to change your settings.  If she asks why you changed them say that you were uncomfortable with the prior settings and feel better (if you do) at the new settings.

[Sleepster]

I'm guessing she can see if I change the settings?

I doubt she can. And even if she can, I doubt she'll notice. They mostly look at hours used and AHI.

Plus, there's nothing she can do about it.

[toby2111]

Would like to give an update and get more useful advice from experienced people here. So I started CPAP on May 12th,made a few adjustments etc. Unfortunately,while my numbers appear good,I am still tired during the day. Still grumpy,forgetful etc. I went to my doctor after about 4 weeks,he did some bloods and I have NAFLD(non alcoholic fatty liver disease). But he still thinks I should be getting more benefits from my CPAP machine. So I'm going to post a few screenshots of my last few nights. As you can see,I have pressure fixed at 7 to 12. Can anyone give me any advice,hints or tips as I'm getting disillusioned with this machine. I've actually taken it off once or twice over the last 2 weeks and slept without it.....and I've noticed no difference doing that either. So it seems I'm getting zero positive benefits even though I've been pretty consistent over 3 months. So,feel free to make suggestions,I'm open to everything

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