Highest Periodic Breathing, Leaks and Apnea Ever!

[Sleeprider]

So we're all happy with your 8 year old machine?

[SarcasticDave94]

I'd replace the old machine with a new ResMed and then Dr. Disinterested Duck gets replaced with Dr. Listens to Patient.

wishing you get both accomplished and for better results

[Sleeprider]

I'd replace the old machine with a new ResMed and then Dr. Disinterested Duck gets replaced with Dr. Listens to Patient.

wishing you get both accomplished and for better results

  so well stated!  Thank you Dr. Sarcastic!

[SarcasticDave94]

now I can go on break after a satisfied customer

[jennie54]

I did bring it to my doctor's attention during my telehealth visit today that I needed a new CPAP machine because I'd had my current one for a little over 5 years. According to my insurance I'm supposed to qualify to get a new one every 5 years and the insurance would cover the cost. But the doctor seemed to be in a big hurry and probably needed to get on with his next patient so I didn't get to have any of my real concerns addressed.  His solution after he quickly scanned over my CPAP data was to get me a whole new mask as he was seeing only "leaks" and most likely didn't even bother to look at the charts. That, he said, would "solve" my problem. Yep, it is time I ditched this doctor and find me a new pulmonologist that will actually listen to my concerns. OK I'm older and in the high risk group for Covid 19 being very serious for me if I contract it, so maybe he wants to focus on helping his younger patients. It's a new normal for all of us and it seriously sucks to not being able to do in office visits where at least you can get your vitals done and get your heart and lungs listened to. I have a ton of anxiety from all of my other health issues so asking my doctor for help getting my sleep apnea therapy on course so I can rest better shouldn't be asking too much.
I guess I will take this into my own hands and start looking to buy a machine online and figure things out on my own.

[Dormeo]

If you wanted to give it one last try, you could follow up with his office and say you discussed replacing your 6-year-old machine and you wanted to confirm that he would give you a prescription for a ResMedAir Sense 10 AutoSet for Her. Give them a deadline, tell them you are worried your current machine will fail. Maybe he is distracted enough that he will go ahead and do it.

But if you can afford to buy yourself a machine, go for it. I would recommend the ResMed VAuto, as discussed earlier in the thread. It has more settings that might be helpful to you.

[SarcasticDave94]

All jokes aside, I do want you to do what you must to get a new machine to support your sleep as best as possible. Let us know here how to help out.

[Sleeprider]

You don't need a specialist to prescribe a new machine. You can use your primary doctor. I do, and haven't seen a sleep specialist since 2008.

[jennie54]

   
   
   
Can some light be shed on these recent changes in my CPAP data? In the past my posts have showed high AHI's, and many problems with respiration and breathing. Lately leaks have been out of control even with this new Dreamwear Full Face mask. I switched to this mask after using the F&P Simplus full face mask for years when I had nose surgery last may and could not use a mask that set up high on my nose when it was healing. All I know is that I am back to be incredibly tired all day long similar to my pre-CPAP days years ago even though I am 100% compliant. I've tried less pillows. the cervical collar (which I could not tolerate at all) etc. but with the high anxiety of Covid 19 fears and my allergies and GERD and other health problems I cannot for the life of me get any quality sleep. Any help would be appreciated. And I have forgotten from past replies you all have given me which parts of my charts you need to look at and which parts I can discard.

[jennie54]

   

About 11 years now on CPAP, always 100% compliant, and still waking up tired, staying tired all day and using a newer low impact full face mask now - the Dreamwear Full Face mask. Leaks are severely high at times, AHI's go up and down and as always I am struggling to fall asleep and stay asleep. And with having COPD also my oxygen levels stay low (usually about 91 or 92 when I first wake up) and my heart rate is consistently low usually anywhere from 47 bpm to a high of 60, but it usually stays in the low 50's all day. So it seems that with my considerable health issues that not even CPAP therapy can help me much. Will attach last night's data - let me know what you need to look at and what I can discard. Thanks.