Chris.H - Therapy

[Chris.H]

Hello, attached is my first night. I had a lot of tossing and turning which I know will take time to get used to. I woke up multiple times with air escaping out of my mouth (mouth breather). I'll have to try different methods to find what works for me. I also intend to turn off ramp.

The machine is set to what Lofta recommended but seems too broad.

Thank you!

   

[staceyburke]

Welcome to the board.  It looks like you have started well. The only thing is the pressure graph has a lot of peaks and valleys. With that people usually have less rested sleep. You wand as level of pressure as you can get. To do that I would suggest you try the following -

Min 7
EPR full time
EPR 3

Those setting should help.

[Dormeo]

If your jaw drops and opens your mouth, you might try a chin strap or a soft cervical collar to keep your jaw in place. If the problem is mainly that your lips part even when your jaw is in place, then try using tape on your mouth. An easy way to try taping is to use Somnifix strips. If that works for you, you can easily find suitable tape on a roll that is a lot less expensive.

[Chris.H]

Thank you both so much for your help. I will give it a try.

[Chris.H]

I think this is a definite improvement with the changed values (and no mouth tape)! Had to itch my nose, so I think that caused one of the leaks when I pulled my nasal mask back.

Thanks again!

   

[Phaleronic]

Hi Chris, that new graph looks decent, you're having some leaks as you stated. You will want to work on that I always suggest lowering max pressure from 20cm to closer to your 95-99% pressure (to prevent blow outs and ramping up too high based on leaks and incorrectly identified OA/H events by the machine which will cause arousals)-the previous advice was good-just lower your max pressure to 13cm please.

[staceyburke]

I would like you to try min8 and see how that makes you feel.  Your charts look good now we need to focus on how the therapy feel to you.

[Chris.H]

Hello,

During my compliance period, my DME reset my CPAP machine to its default settings. Now that the compliance period has ended and they no longer have control, I’d like to have my charts reviewed again to ensure everything is optimized for my needs.

I’ve noticed that it feels like I’m not getting enough air when I first start using the machine—it only feels comfortable once it ramps up to around 7. 

Thank you for your help!

   

[Dormeo]

I recommend that your raise your minimum back up to 7 and turn your EPR back on to 3. The higher minimum will help with the air-starved feeling, and the EPR will help with your flow limitations. What are you currently doing to prevent leaks?

[Chris.H]

I appreciate the feedback; thank you! I had previously resorted to mouth taping with cover roll stretch tape but did not enjoy having my lips ripped off in the morning. I hope to grow accustomed to the nasal mask as time goes on.