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09-23-2024, 04:23 PM (This post was last modified: 09-23-2024, 04:31 PM by tresero.)
AHI suddenly high as well as PB and variable breathing
I'm trying to figure out why 3 years in, the last 3 months or so my AHI has been steadily climbing from around 2 to now near 10. Also, periodic breathing, is 27% (more or less), and variable breathing is around 60-70%.
The VA (Veterans Administration), only seems to care about the AHI, and just turned up the pressure to max 18. I wake up often to turn (lots of neck and back issues, and don't sleep on my back at all). I saw a post about positional apnea, and I do feel like I'm choking myself when I am on my side. My mouth is so dry I often can't swallow. Generally, everything went to hell the last few months and I can't even see the doctor until mid December, and that's telehealth.
Any ideas? I don't think the VA has any options for different machines, if that's an issue.
Machine: Remediated Dreamstation APAP-CPAP Mode Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: Airfit F20 Humidifier: Built In CPAP Pressure: CPAP 15cmH2O CPAP Software: OSCAR
09-23-2024, 08:20 PM (This post was last modified: 09-23-2024, 08:20 PM by Phaleronic.)
RE: AHI suddenly high as well as PB and variable breathing
Welcome to the forum tresero
First off please disable the ramp feature, you're not receiving your therapy pressure and it can cause mask leak issues. Then turn your minimum pressure up to 11.6cm and turn aflex up to 2. You are having reras and hypopneas, and some scattered CA events. Your leaks are spiking a bit too, what mask system are you using?
RE: AHI suddenly high as well as PB and variable breathing
(09-23-2024, 08:20 PM)Phaleronic Wrote: Welcome to the forum tresero
First off please disable the ramp feature, you're not receiving your therapy pressure and it can cause mask leak issues. Then turn your minimum pressure up to 11.6cm and turn aflex up to 2. You are having reras and hypopneas, and some scattered CA events. Your leaks are spiking a bit too, what mask system are you using?
Thanks for the welcome, I've lurked for a few years, but thought all was well
ResMed AirFit N30i
I have no ability to adjust anything, my machine doesn't even show AHI anymore. Not sure if the VA got P*ssed off and turned those features off, or it's just another crappy Respironics update.
I thought they disabled the ramp feature (see second image), at least they told me they did. She also told me that aflex makes no difference, even when I said S*&^ went downhill when they turned it off. I'm thoroughly confused, and unfortunately have to depend on the VA. I can take a photo of my machine that has no way to change anything now.
Machine: Remediated Dreamstation APAP-CPAP Mode Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: Airfit F20 Humidifier: Built In CPAP Pressure: CPAP 15cmH2O CPAP Software: OSCAR
Also, you likely need to tape your mouth closed or use a chinstrap to keep is shut as that's likely part of the reason why you're waking up with dry mouth (and why you're having leak spikes).
RE: AHI suddenly high as well as PB and variable breathing
I appreciate it. I didn't see this about getting into the settings. I'll try it tonight.
They are sending a chin strap, but I tried on long ago (the first month of CPAP), and thought I was suffocating. When I get it, I'll try it again, since I'm very used to it now.
09-24-2024, 09:56 AM (This post was last modified: 09-24-2024, 09:57 AM by tresero.)
RE: AHI suddenly high as well as PB and variable breathing
I heard back from the respiratory tech, and she sent this from the onsite doc. I also asked her to update the settings, just so it's official.
Vet has dx of severe OSA (AHI 37), he is compliant on PAP with significant
improvement on download data, although still mildly elevate residual AHI and
mild central component. He had subsequent oximetry which showed adequate
oxygenation and confirmed elevated residual AHI. Vet has appt scheduled with
sleep provider in Dec. He has seen cards and does not think that his PB and CAI
is from cardiac issues.
The only way to really assess this directly is with an updated titration study.
We can order that now or wait until sleep provider visit.
RE: AHI suddenly high as well as PB and variable breathing
I'm bringing this back up since I can't see the sleep doctor until mid-December (yes, VA delay, deny, die) and it will be telehealth.
I still can't figure out why I have so much variable breathing and periodic breathing. I switched to a small nose piece from medium (I may have forgotten which one I used before and just used the medium). It is more comfortable for me, but I'm still dead tired all the time, and I've been using CPAP for over 2 years. I tried the chinstrap I was sent, and ripped it off after about 10 minutes. Completely claustrophobic and made me feel out of breath.
Here are 3 different screenshots. Last night, last Sunday, and about a year ago. My AHI seems to really ramp up after 3 am or so, and mostly CA. They did offer another titration test, but I'm wondering if that will be worthwhile.
