I Think I Know What's Waking Me

[Dormeo]

Yes, congestion could definitely have been responsible for the FLs. I'd leave the settings alone.

How have you been feeling during the day these past few days? And how soundly do you think you've slept?

[Idub88]

How have you been feeling during the day these past few days?  And how soundly do you think you've slept?

I have felt better if only slightly. Monday night I did take a sleeping pill so it's hard to judge that night. I think I'm getting there.

Last night was decent but I was waking up when air was rushing into my mouth. The mouth tape is working for the most part I still need to get the tongue sucking technique down.

One other thing I wanted to mention was that when I would roll over last night, I would run out of breath and very despately want to breathe out of my mouth so it took me a little longer than usual to catch my breath. Could that be related to the congestion too? My average SpO2 level is 91% but I am 6000 feet above sea level so that's apparently normal and my doctor says I don't need oxygen.

[Dormeo]

I'm glad you're feeling at least a little better. That's change headed in the right direction. Your elevation does mean you're breathing less oxygen per measure of air than at sea level. With an average SpO2 level of 91% plus congestion it wouldn't take a lot for you to feel a little short of breath. If it happens a lot, you should talk with your doctor, but in your place I wouldn't worry about the occasional, brief one-off.

[Idub88]

If it happens a lot, you should talk with your doctor, but in your place I wouldn't worry about the occasional, brief one-off.

I just wonder if it might make sense to try APAP again for those rare instances? I'm going to up my humidity by one tonight to see if that helps with the congestion.

[Deborah K.]

You could switch to Apap with a narrow pressure range, something like 10-13.  That might help.

I have teeny and bad sinuses, so I have fought with congestion endlessly.  Moisture does help me, so I use a room humidifier and humidity with the pap machine.  They both help me to breathe better.  Another thing that helps is using a neti pot.  This helps to mechanically move the snot out regularly.  It helps with congestion and helps prevent infections.  Just something to consider. Good luck!

[Idub88]

You could switch to Apap with a narrow pressure range, something like 10-13.  That might help.

It just worries me because the pressure changes can wake me up but maybe I just need to suck it up and do APAP.

[Deborah K.]

It's worth trying, as the pressure range is not large.  If it feels a little better but the range still seems too large try 10-12 or 11-13.  Keep at it, and you will find the best pressure or pressure range for yourself.  

[Idub88]

I tried the small pressure range from 10-12 per your advice, Deborah and I think that went well.  The pressure changes didn't wake me but something else did. I think I need to switch back to the FFM.  Even the stronger tape, the Hypafix does not hold on my face and it keeps waking me up.  It's frustrating because the nasal pillows are way more comfortable but I need to be able to sleep.  Anyways, here's last night's data.  As usual, any advice is welcome.

   
   

[Idub88]

Last night I went back to the full face mask and a fixed pressure of 10.4.  I was able to sleep better because I wasn't fussing with the mouth tape but I still woke up more than I'd like.  The leaks have been reduced but those pesky flow limits are back.  I guess I should go back to the 10-12 range but I'm worried about it pushing the mask off and causing more leaks. Can I get your guys' thoughts?

   
   

[Dormeo]

I'd go back to the range if I were you. Also, did you remember to change the setting for your mask to FF?

In general, sleep varies a lot from one night to the next, often for reasons we don't understand. When you find settings that work, it's a good idea to stick with them.

It's normal to wake up during the night. For example, we often wake up after REM sleep. And brief arousals are normal too. So keep those points in mind as you evaluate your sleep. With good numbers, your best measure of the quality of your sleep is how you feel the next day.