[CPAP] New CPAP User Looking for Some Help

[Sleeprider]

Not too many members of this forum would hesitate to change CPAP settings, and the quick guide for yours is here https://www.apneaboard.com/dreamstation-...structions

Once you get going with the soft cervical collar, I think you will find higher pressure won't be needed as much. Lots of good advise in this thread so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing your "after" results.

[FredinNY]

Hello, Fred.  You can adjust all your pressure settings without a scrip; click on the link at the top of the page that says "CPAP setup manuals."  Some health-care professionals are quite supportive of this kind of active engagement by patients; others are not.  But either way, it's your choice.

As you look for the right collar, you might consider the Dr. Dakota collar.  It is pretty firm in front, with just a strap in back, so it is somewhat cooler than regular collars.

Thank you.
I will take a look at the manuals...It's good to know I have the option to change it if I like.

Regarding the collar, I was wondering about the ones with just a strap...do you believe they'll stay in place if I'm changing sleeping positions throughout the night?  I tend to move around a lot through the night between my back & side.

Thanks,
Fred

[Dormeo]

I never had a problem with the Dr. Dakota moving around too much, and I do a lot of turning from side to side. If you try one and find you have trouble adjusting the strap, let me know. There's a simple little fix you can do with needle and thread.

[FredinNY]

I never had a problem with the Dr. Dakota moving around too much, and I do a lot of turning from side to side.  If you try one and find you have trouble adjusting the strap, let me know.  There's a simple little fix you can do with needle and thread.

Thank you

[trish6hundred]

Hi fredinNY,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Good luck in getting your settings dialed in and a collar to fit.

[FredinNY]

Hi everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving.
I wanted to thank everyone again for the comments provided these past few weeks, and to provide a bit of an update on this journey.  I was hoping for a week of notable improvements in the AHI numbers I’ve been seeing, but unfortunately I’m quickly becoming more frustrated.    
 
As suggested, I tried a soft cervical collar, but I found it to be too restricting to the point of bringing on panic attacks.  I didn’t even get through a single night with it, and it’s currently tagged to go back to Amazon.  It is possible that I ordered an incorrect collar height, making it too uncomfortable to use, and may need to order a smaller size and give it another try. 
 
Beginning last Saturday, I started using “The Exterminator” anti-snoring pillow.  It is relatively comfortable, and although I wasn’t thrilled with the 5.23 AHI on my first night using it, I told myself that it was a good number for my first night, and I’m heading in the right direction.  Since that first night the AHI numbers have only increased, and I’m finding it more and more difficult to use the collar for the entire night. 
 
Some of my frustrations are stemming from things that are difficult to control…I used to be strictly a back sleeper, but back problems in recent years has made that impossible.  I also find myself dealing with claustrophobia (I’m not certain what’s happening to me in my old age), waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to move just sets off these panic attacks.  So far, I’ve rarely demonstrated the ability to re-focus, adjust the mask and collar, and get back to sleep.
 
I attached some screenshots from the past week, and I also included some shots focusing on the PB I’ve been experiencing.  I provided a look at three PB events that happened close together just last night (11/27).  Sorry, but I’m not certain if these screenshots is specifically what you’re looking for.
 
I hope everyone has the opportunity to spend some time today with family and friends.
 
Happy Thanksgiving. 

PS...
I needed to split some of the attachments into two posts...sorry

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From previous post...

[Gideon]

In your latest charts all 3 nights show prominent clusters of obstructive events. This is what needs to be worked on.
Any method that prevents you chi from tucking, that maintains a "cervical alignment" (as some medical studies call this) during the night is OK. This can be a pillow arrangement or a rolled-up towel held under your chin ((roll a necktie inside the towel to tie it with. Feel free to use your imagination and please let us know what you came up with and if it worked, or not. We are married to results, not any particular method. That said the collar works for most users.

The use of a collar came from a user such as yourself, in 2016, and as a solution to mouth breathing, not chin tucking/positional apnea as over time we saw the mystery clusters disappearing with those who used a collar.

It's good to note the periodic breathing, though what you have is not a big issue and has a good chance of going away once you solve the chin tucking.