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
Hello, Everyone. I'm new to using CPAP. I just finished my first week of using the machine. I have also gone through two masks. Originally, I had a DreamWear cushion, but that soon proved to be too much leaking as I moved during the night and woke us both up. haha. I switched to a Philips Wisp, which is still taking some getting used to having that around my head. Anyhow, I wasn't aware of the OSCAR data until a few days ago, and there wasn't a SD card inside my machine. I'm using a ResMed 10 AirSense. After my sleep 2 sleep studies, they determined I should have my machine set to 10.
I purchased an SD card and it recorded the data in the attached pictures. I was curious to see why I was waking up around the same time each night with the Wisp. Well last night was the 1st night with OSCAR data. As I was looking at it, I was just looking at the graphs, and I was asked what I was doing. I just said I was looking at data to see when I woke up and why. My wife then said around 3-4am. I didn't even mention the time, she just mentioned it. Looking at the leak rate, I see those big spikes in the 1st picture. Now, could this be that I opened my mouth during those periods and it was making sounds that woke her up? if that's the case, could that be possible for all the other spikes earlier on? Would a full face mask like the ResMed F20 fix that since it wouldn't matter if my mouth opened up? Also, I notice a lot of dry mouth with this mask, wondering if that F20 would make a difference in dry mouth?
This AHI looks low, but before I started the CPAP it was close to 19.
I use a f20 mask and it works quite well for me as far a leaks. You could also try taping your mouth, I use Cover-Roll Stretch tape in 2" width when using my nasal mask. Your leaks are not terrible but small leaks can cause arousals. Your chart looks very good for just starting CPAP. Although, I do have some recommendations. First of all I would turn off the ramp as soon as you feel you can. When the ramp is on you are are really not getting any treatment and every time you go to the bathroom etc. it starts all over. I notice that you are running in CPAP mode, have you tried turning the EPR on. It will make it easier to exhale and help with flow limits. Flow limits are like little apneas that can cause arousal but are not recorded as an apnea. If you set the EPR at 2 it will make your exhale at 8cm while your inhale stays at 10cm. If you want to try it I would start at 1 or 2 and see how it feels.
Old Steve. I’ve only been using a CPAP for a week, so I’m still in the trial phase I guess, so I’m hesitant to change anything yet. Will see what I’m told after I review stuff with the Sleep doctors. That being said, this new Wisp I’ve been using for 3 nights, and each night I woke up around the same time between 3-4 am. So, wondering if a nasal mask is the issue.
It is not unusual to wake up more often when you are first using CPAP. The mask, hose, pressure and leaks can all bother you. It can take some time to get used to it all. As to waking up around 3:00AM to 4:00AM, on your chart you had a large air leak, then most likely an arousal that became a clear Airway. Some times when you have an arousal you will shift/move around and you may hold your breath for a time, the machine will record this as a Clear Airway. All the machine knows in this case was that you were not breathing, it doesn't know why. Holding your breath like this is not unusual.
Cool. Last night was similar, as the night before. I think it comes to this. Around that time, I shift to my side, and this is where there is a leak in the mast. I can hear the air as can my wife. I have tire to tighten the mask, but can’t do it too tight it’s too uncomfortable.
I see on your profile on the side, you use a N20 and F20. How loud are those masks? I’m currently using the Philips Wisp. Which is similar to the N20. I’ve been getting dry mouth a lot and trying to figure out how to avoid it. I’ve read some reviews that the N20 is kinda loud.
Now on to the F20, I know you can get a new elbow that is suppose to make things quiet, but I hear it doesn’t last very long. What is your take on these two masks? I’m wondering if the F20 will stop the dry mouth, but I’m not
sure I’m ready for a full mask yet. Haha.
I don't mean to bust your bubble but the Dr. and other staff will only look at a couple of things. 1. You use the machine at least 4 hours each night. 2. Your AHI is lower than 5. If those are exceeded they will tell you all is great. Try not to mention the flow limits until the end. I would bet any amount they won't even mention them. Yours are not good. BTW flow limits are Apnea just like o and H events, they just don't last long enough to classify as apnea. (they have to be at least 10 seconds to be classified) Now bring up the flow limits and ask how to avoid them or lessen them. Bet they won't know.
Stacy, I’m curious to see what they will say after my first follow up. My guess is nothing but you are great like you said. My machine did not come with a SD card inside. So, unless my machine is sending them all the data, then how will they know? Haha. I only have 3 nights of data on the card I just added myself. Curious to see what they will offer when I say I’m stilled tired. Haha. The original sleep study said I was a 18 AHI, since starting with the machine it AHI has been 0 - 0.60. ?, but I still feel tired. Looking at the Oscar data I see there are lots of leaks and I keep waking up at night to adjust.
Tomorrow, I go in for my 3rd mask fitting.
I just need to figure out what to ask when I do my official 1 month follow with the doctor.
Anyone have some good questions when they say my AHI is great?
