[CPAP] Need Help re: AHI

[robertagogo]

My AHI has been very good for months at <=5.0.  However, after changing out mask and tubing it went to over 20 the same night and has been similarly high now for almost 1 month (19+ AHI).  I went to see my pulmonologist and he raised the device pressure from 10 to 12 and scheduled another appointment 30 days out; he recommends I book appointment with the respiratory therapist for a fitting.  Raising to 12 brought no improvement.   Very curious if/how trading out mask, tubing, filters for exact replacement had an effect, but that was the only change.  (I did trade out the new nasal mask for a newer one, but no improvement.)

I have the Dream Station 2, ResMed N20 nasal mask, chin strap, slide sleeper

I have had a terrible sleep the past 4 nights especially and have been extremely fatigued since this happened.  Also very concerned about recurring A-Fib and more electro-cardioversions

Attaching the last good night report 6/14, and the first elevated AHI screenshot from last month 6/15.

               

[staceyburke]

You have a large amount of positional apnea. That is caused by the position you sleep in. It is also called chin tucking where your chin drops down to your sternum cutting off your airway. No changes of pressure can help- you must find a way to keep your airway from kinking up.

Many people have found they can use a collar to keep their airway open. I have a link on collars in my signature. It shows people without a collar and the same people using a collar. Huge difference.

[robertagogo]

Thank you for your response...I did not consider this nor had I heard of using such a collar.  Will head out to pick one up... hoping to get a good and restful sleep tonight!  
Thank you!!

[robertagogo]

I wanted to report back my success after getting the neck collar: 
the first night my AHI went down to 7.7, and the next night to 5.1, and last night to 2.2!! Thanks again for the suggestion!

[staceyburke]

I glade it helped!!!