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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
I forgot something important I wanted to post also. Sorry about that. Early on, I had a pattern kind of similar to yours: Ok for the 1st part of the night, then middle of night or morning, spo2 drops. I have recently seen an Allergist (recommended by my Pulmonologist). I would wake up and I could either barely breathe out of one nostril, or both nostrils seemed shut. That forced me to drop my jaw and mouth breathe to get air. Azelestine HCL spray (or you can try over the count Flonase, etc.) has helped keep the inflammation down in my nose and open it more (and therefore I don't have to resort to mouth breathing). This could be a contributing factor to your leaks also. Might again. Just another thought cmpman.
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(06-24-2023, 09:22 AM)Jay51 Wrote: I forgot something important I wanted to post also. Sorry about that. Early on, I had a pattern kind of similar to yours: Ok for the 1st part of the night, then middle of night or morning, spo2 drops. I have recently seen an Allergist (recommended by my Pulmonologist). I would wake up and I could either barely breathe out of one nostril, or both nostrils seemed shut. That forced me to drop my jaw and mouth breathe to get air. Azelestine HCL spray (or you can try over the count Flonase, etc.) has helped keep the inflammation down in my nose and open it more (and therefore I don't have to resort to mouth breathing). This could be a contributing factor to your leaks also. Might again. Just another thought cmpman.
Thanks for the feedback Jay. I use Flonase currently before bed and have for a while.
Yesterday I received my replacement RedMed VAuto machine. I suspected the old replacement machine had some malfunctioning leak sensor. It looks like I very well may have been right. HUGE reduction in leak rate with the new machine using the exact same mask set-up. The way the leaks escalated with the previous machine (same model/settings) was quite suspicious. The respiratory therapist agreed with me as well and was instrumental in getting the machine exchange.
SPO2 under 90% was a record low for me at 10 seconds last night. O2 score was 9.7. I'm usually at a 6-7 on the 10 rating. : At least it was one night with decent numbers.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
(06-27-2023, 07:57 PM)Sleeprider Wrote: Seems like the old machine may have been way out of calibration.
Yeah I will see how things look tonight, but I have to agree. It was throwing out leak rates of 100 L/min all the time. That's basically not wearing the mask. I had many times I put it on in the beginning of the night with a reported leak rate of 30L/min +. Impossible with my mask fit. Jaw drop would be the biggest reason I could think of later in the evening that would cause sporadic mask leaks. I imagine that occurs in REM - the very little I get.
I have went through the entire nine pages of in-network sleep medicine doctors anywhere near me. It's not looking encouraging to find one who will be interested in my case. I want a pulmonologist now more than a neurologist sleep medicine specialist. I'm finding the average wait to even see these places is 4-6 months. Absurd. The truth is these places just don't care to help people in need regardless of the situation. It wouldn't be so hard to be seen otherwise.
06-29-2023, 05:45 PM (This post was last modified: 06-29-2023, 05:46 PM by cmpman1974.)
RE: IVAPS vs Vauto BPAP - Tidal Volume Question
5 AM and all hell breaks loose with the mask leaks. Sigh... The baseline leak rate is lower with the replacement machine, but obviously something crazy is happening at times I can't detect. it's a losing battle when there is no consistency night to night and are clueless as to why. Can't get into a pulmonary specialist for eval for 60+ days. They are impossible to access quickly.
It is very obvious my breathing is a damn train wreck without the mask on. Scary to think about that.
07-01-2023, 08:55 AM (This post was last modified: 07-01-2023, 09:00 AM by cmpman1974.)
RE: IVAPS vs Vauto BPAP - Tidal Volume Question
Real winner of a night last night. Still lost as to why this crap occurs. All hell breaks loose for no reason. It never seems possible to get leaks this severe for so long during a night. I must sleep like a donkey with my mouth wide open for hours.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
(07-01-2023, 09:02 AM)Sleeprider Wrote: The picture of an ass sleeping with its mouth open.
You are back to square one with leaks. I guess you broke this machine too.
I don't know how one can solve an issue when not awake to see the problem. It's demoralizing. Video has not been helpful. One would need a very high resolution close-up shot to see details.
I feel for you, but have never personally experienced it. Different masks, chin-straps, soft cervical collars. It seems you have left no stone unturned.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
(07-01-2023, 09:18 AM)Sleeprider Wrote: I feel for you, but have never personally experienced it. Different masks, chin-straps, soft cervical collars. It seems you have left no stone unturned.
What would be the best chin strap available in your opinion? Anyone else have suggestions for an effective chin strap that doesn't completely get in the way of the mask straps? I don't know what else to do.
At least it was one night with decent numbers.
