First post - First week of CPAP

[R1c4ard06]

Hi,

Just wanted to share my first weeks experience of CPAP

Until last week zero research and no idea what to expect, only to attend to pickup a ResMed AirSense 10 and get a mask fitting ResMed F20. Had a a brief discussion month before that I have sleep apnoea and what it is the recommended treatment.  

CPAP machine set 5 - 15 epr 3 off you go and don't give up.

First night interesting awake to what was like cracking a motorcycle helmet open at 90 in eyeball. (maybe I want to start looking into this)

Only managing 1 - 3 hours per night, on day 6. Can stop the leaks if tighten mask down enough, flip side restricts airflow through nose. 

Currently waiting on a collar to try before posting as I get a long string of OA's even at 15 then wake. Intrigued to see results and then will revert and post Oscar for some much needed help hopefully.

[R1c4ard06]

Neck collar turned up today managed a quick nap 

Please see attached screen shots any help would be gratefully appreciated.

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

Get a few nights under your belt with the collar and post some charts. That will tell us quite a bit.

From the sound of your mask adventures, it sounds like either you have the wrong mask for your physiology, or you  are adjusting it too tightly. Full-face masks are a balance between too tight and too loose. They should just sit on your face when there is no pressure such that you can pull it away and have a few millimeters gap between the silicone and your face. When you apply pressure the silicone will inflate and seal the gap. The mask should not be so tight it is uncomfortable or leaves marks. Watch some YouTube videos from LankyLefty27 and others on fitting your mask.

The next issue is typically from bed pillows. As the FFM covers so much face real estate, if you roll a bit onto your stomach you will likely push the mask askew which will cause leaks. A proper CPAP pillow with cutouts gives you room for the mask so the pillow should not push it around. Something to consider.

Hose management is another problem we frequently miss. You do not want it stuck in a single position as you move around during sleep and it can cause leaks as it pulls the mask away from your face. Some use a device that holds the hose above your pillow, others just drape it over the pillow, and still others have it lay across our bodies under the blankets. Like finding the right mask it takes experimentation.

Regarding your pressure, with an EPR of 3 your minimum pressure should be 7 to get the full effect of pressure support. Give the following a try…

Min pressure 7
Max pressure 12
EPR 3 full-time
No ramp

Once you have a few nights with that we can tweak further after reviewing OSCAR data. We use data to make recommendations, so understand things will likely change as you adapt to the CPAP, mask, and collar.

[R1c4ard06]

Thank you for the advice I will take on board and revert in a few nights time.

With thanks again.