[CPAP] Looking for some analysis help

[faurii]

Hi, sorry if this is the wrong place to post!

I am new to using my CPAP machine. I was wondering if anyone could help me with analysing how I can best move forward with my treatment.

I believe I have followed the instructions for the screenshot correctly but happy to adjust if needed. I have been using my CPAP machine for about 4-5 months now I think, seems to be helping with my snoring (wife is very happy   ). However, I haven't noticed feeling any better in terms of daily tiredness. In fact the last month or so I have been feeling really rough as the day gets on with feeling tired, headaches, dizziness/foggy head and trying to rule out if this is CPAP related if not (current theory is maybe a gluten intolerance but still rough after 3 days of no gluten...).

Dr hasn't offered much advice in terms of whether CPAP is working or not, I believe they mentioned my average 'events' per hour was in the 20s before starting, so from that perspective it does seem much better but I appreciate as with all things, there is more to CPAP treatment than just AHI.

Sorry for the long message, have attached a screenshot of last nights report. Any advice is appreciated 

[Crimson Nape]

Hi faurii! -
Your leaks are the first thing to address. When leaks are flagged means that the CPAP can not provide the air pressure needed for your treatment. Also, at this flow rate, the CPAP's sensors can not accurately detect or report accurate information. Since you are new to CPAP, you soon find the never-ending search for the perfect mask. Welcome to the club.

- Red

[faurii]

Hi faurii!  -  
Your leaks are the first thing to address.  When leaks are flagged means that the CPAP can not provide the air pressure needed for your treatment.  Also, at this flow rate, the CPAP's sensors can not accurately detect or report accurate information.  Since you are new to CPAP, you soon find the never-ending search for the perfect mask.  Welcome to the club.

- Red

Thanks for the reply.

Is the flow rate directly related to the leakage then? So the flow rate and leaking are the same problem essentially?

Any suggestions on fixing leaking? Is it a case of just trying different masks or is there something else I can do? Could it be the pressure is too high? Is it better to have the mask as tight on my face as possible to avoid it leaking? 

Sorry for all the questions.

[staceyburke]

I am in complete agreement with CN but I would add that it looks like they may be mouth leaks.  Some people use mouth tape to stop those types of leaks.  You need to find out if they are mask or mouth leaks as a first step to control them.

2nd thing I see is that you have some positional apnea. That is where you chin tuck and your chin drops down to your sternum cutting off your own air way.  Back sleeping or having to high of pillows are many time the problem.  Try a flatter pillow and try sleeping on your side.

People who can't stop it by those changes need a collar, I have linked collars in my signature.  Please take a look at the article.

[faurii]

I am in complete agreement with CN but I would add that it looks like they may be mouth leaks.  Some people use mouth tape to stop those types of leaks.  You need to find out if they are mask or mouth leaks as a first step to control them.

2nd thing I see is that you have some positional apnea. That is where you chin tuck and your chin drops down to your sternum cutting off your own air way.  Back sleeping or having to high of pillows are many time the problem.  Try a flatter pillow and try sleeping on your side.

People who can't stop it by those changes need a collar, I have linked collars in my signature.  Please take a look at the article.

Thanks for the reply!

I do sleep on my side already (never been able to sleep on my back for some reason) but I do have quite a bit of fat around my neck/chin so this would make sense.

Not sure if the collar would help with that, I didn’t realise this was even a thing! So I’ll check it out, thank you very much ?