Welcome to Apnea Board !
As a guest, you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use.
To post a message, you must create a free account using a valid email address.
Login or Create an Account
Two years ago, I underwent a second septo- and rhinoplasty, and since then, I've been experiencing various sleep-related symptoms (red eyes, impotence, fatigue, headaches, and so on). Recently, I had a DISE, which indicated a 100% blockage of my throat caused by my tongue.
Unfortunately, despite using both my Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) and BiPAP for a year, they haven't been effective. My symptoms remain the same.
Could anyone help me interpret my sleep data? I’m trying to determine if this truly appears to be a tongue-based issue or if my nose could also be involved. Or if it is even a breathing-related issue?
I myself would not be able to determine what causes your airway blockage.
I do see 2 things you need to change for success. One, your leak rate is high. You need to try getting the mask to seal better, which does not include making the mask tighter. If the mask doesn't keep leaks down with moderate tension, then it's a poor choice for you.
Second, your settings are not ideal. The Min pressure of 4 is too low for adults typically. I'd go to about 6 or 7. Also Max pressure probably needs to go up about 3. Then PS should be raised to about 3.
I'm thinking the pressure was edited down to prevent leaks, and that's the wrong way to fix it. Leaks just need addressed, while using proper therapy settings.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEBSITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
Machine: Lowenstein Luisa Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: Resmed Quattro FX Humidifier: separate F&P humidifier CPAP Pressure: Epap 4-20 PS 4-20; "auto" rate CPAP Software: Not using software
Other Comments: Using 45 degree angle upper body wedge (36"x36") and 4.5"soft cervical collar; 500 assured tidal vol
Advisory Members serve as an "Advisory Committee" to help shape Apnea Board's rules & policies.
Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
Thank you very much for the advice. I seem to have solved most of the leak issue with my current mask, while I wait for a new one.
However, I still don't feel much better, and I have previously also used these settings for six months, while having a low leak rate, without feeling much better.
Is the mask cushion, or other parts, worn out? How old they are can affect leaks. Any physical damage obviously will make it harder to control leaks.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEBSITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
