RE: When to consider switch from CPAP to Oral Appliance
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Progress Update.
Thanks everyone for your comments.
Based on the earlier advice, I jumped my minimum pressure to 8.0 (from 6.0) ... but that proved to be too big a jump too suddenly for me.
So I backed it off to 7.0 for a couple of nights ... things are getting better, though still not getting what I would consider a full night's sleep. If I'm reading Sleepyhead correctly, I really only had one big jump last night, which seems to be an improvement. And max. pressure up to 11.5, which I take it is also a good sign (per Sleeprider's observation). I will crank it up to 7.5 and give it a couple more days.
RE: When to consider switch from CPAP to Oral Appliance
your numbers are better than you think they are, about half of your obstructive events are SWJ, I counted 14 that were not.
RE: When to consider switch from CPAP to Oral Appliance
If you can, keep trying to work your way up to 8.0 start pressure. That will definitely help you. Keep in mind it takes a number of days to adjust but once you have, I suspect your results will be even better.
01-28-2019, 04:51 PM
(This post was last modified: 01-28-2019, 04:53 PM by Sleeprider.)
RE: When to consider switch from CPAP to Oral Appliance
Fred is calling half of that "sleep-wake-junk" and it may be exactly that, but it is occurring during ramp. I think you would do better with a minimum pressure of 8.0 and turn off ramp. If 8.0 is too big of a start, then starting at 7.0 without a ramp will be better. I agree with Fred that many of the events are probably during a period when you are awake and uncomfortable with the increasing pressure.
RE: When to consider switch from CPAP to Oral Appliance
I have a friend who was completely unable to use a CPAP. She was referred to a specialty dentist in the North Columbus, Ohio area who fitted her with an oral appliance. It has worked perfectly for her. Your mileage may vary.
Note: I'm an epidemiologist, not a medical provider.
RE: When to consider switch from CPAP to Oral Appliance
Thanks Beej. This reminds me I should do an update and post a success story. The advice given by the previous posters a month ago has turned out very well. I am sleeping much, MUCH better than since I first got the CPAP. And my spouse much happier too (that's the cake, not the icing!)
The big takeaway -- folks having difficulties should post their Sleephead data and try out suggestions from this board before giving up hope.