Introduction, Leaks, Mask Differences and The Results

[captainsteubing]

Howdy Friends, 

I have been lurking on the board for a few months and now have a feel for the fantastic community here.

As a brief introduction, I was prescribed CPAP therapy back in 2007 with a Respironics REMStar M Series machine; used it for a number of years. Sadly I did not have any follow up from the Doctor, eventually stopped using it because of worn out masks & equipment. I had septoplasty surgery about 5 years ago in hopes that it would resolve snoring; alas here we are today and the surgery did not help. I've also tried numerous anti-snoring mouthpieces, but they are just too painful the next morning.

About 2 months ago I saw a Pulmonologist and did an initial at home sleep study which had all sorts of wires (EEG) etc. etc. which found an untreated AHI of 39, and severely fragmented sleep. Very minimal deep & REM sleep but lots of transitions between the other levels. No wonder I have always felt tired during the day.

After this diagnosis I did an in-lab titration study and given a ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet with a ResMed AirFit F20 full face mask. The F20 is a very comfortable mask, and I really like the way it feels, but fought with crazy high leaks until about a week ago. I finally had enough and was so frustrated with these leaks that I resurrected my old Swift FX (had a new set of pillows) but the same somewhat worn headgear & frame. Huge difference not only in leak rate, but in treated AHI rate.

Full Face Mask
[attachment=14279]

Nasal Pillows
[attachment=14278]

I'm on day 49 of my new treatment and am just now starting to feel less daytime drowsiness. Previously sometimes I would hide under my desk at work and nap in the afternoon. I believe that I was suffering from REM rebound (wish I could do another sleep test to see what my deep & REM sleep times are now).

I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery of a AirFit P30i mask, which should hopefully arrive on Friday. Very grateful for the very thorough Suppliers List on the forum which directed me to alternate sources other than my DME which does only has a few options.

My main concern now are the Flow Limitations, but am not sure if this is a valid concern or not.

Zoomed in Flow Limitation
[attachment=14280]

Thanks, 
Arthur

[SarcasticDave94]

Welcome aboard captainsteubing,

Glad to hear that you’re having reasonable success so far. Guru adjusters will give pointers soon enough.

We could have a virtual coffee if you want.



Oh yeah it’s been a while since you did that show I’m thinking.

[Gideon]

OK Arthur,
 set EPR = 3 
Pressure = 9

This will maintain your EPAP at 6 and you should see a difference in Flow Limitations.

Why are you in CPAP mode? Why are you not using Auto mode?

[Hydrangea]

Congrats on getting back onto treatment!!!!!!!

Your story is nice to hear - after 49 days of persevering, you are experiencing good symptom relief. That's so great!!!

I don't have expertise to add, besides: find a mask that you like, and that'll be the one that keeps you on the treatment!

[captainsteubing]

Welcome aboard captainsteubing,

Glad to hear that you’re having reasonable success so far. Guru adjusters will give pointers soon enough.

We could have a virtual coffee if you want.



Oh yeah it’s been a while since you did that show I’m thinking.

Thanks Dave. Indeed, a virtual coffee sounds good! I'll take mine "tea, Earl Grey, hot"! 

They just don't make good shows like they used to in spite of the cheese factor.

OK Arthur,
 set EPR = 3 
Pressure = 9

This will maintain your EPAP at 6 and you should see a difference in Flow Limitations.

Why are you in CPAP mode? Why are you not using Auto mode?

Thanks Bonjour. I'll give the adjustments a shot and hopefully see if the Flow Limitations change. I'm in CPAP mode based on the in-lab titration study which determined the optimum pressure to be 7. I tried APAP and the machine spent the majority of the time between 6 & 7 even with an upper limit of 10-12, so I just moved it back to CPAP fixed at 7. My plan once I'm comfortable with my new mask I'll move it to APAP again and see what the results are.

Congrats on getting back onto treatment!!!!!!!

Your story is nice to hear - after 49 days of persevering, you are experiencing good symptom relief. That's so great!!!

I don't have expertise to add, besides: find a mask that you like, and that'll be the one that keeps you on the treatment!

Thanks Hydrangea. It's been a long journey, and was truly hoping that the surgery would fix my issues. I think I am happier now with this round of CPAP because of the support that I get from my Doctor, this forum,as well as being able to see some data with myAir and full data with OSCAR. I feel like I am more educated thanks to lurking on the forum and increasing my knowledge thanks to the good folks here. Something my wife always says is that you have to be your own advocate for medical care, because you know more about your body than anyone else; and the way to be your best advocate is to increase your knowledge.

Thanks everyone.

[SarcasticDave94]

OK tea it is. Hope the suggestions from bonjour will help you out soon.

[captainsteubing]

OK tea it is. Hope the suggestions from bonjour will help you out soon.

Thank you kind sir! You are a gentleman and a scholar.

[trish6hundred]

Hi captainsteuving,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Good luck with CPAP therapy this time around.

[captainsteubing]

Hi captainsteuving,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Good luck with CPAP therapy this time around.

Thank you trish6hundred. Much appreciate the welcome and goodness.

[captainsteubing]

Yay! I can't believe I'm excited about a CPAP mask. 

I'm happy that my AirFit P30i just arrived, and it feels quite comfortably just quickly trying it on. Will find out how well it goes overnight. Hopefully it was worth it with the extra overseas shipping costs and customs duties. It ended up costing about the same as if I had bought directly from my local DME (if they actually stocked it). Supplier #33 was very efficient, ordered on Tuesday afternoon and the package traveled 2200 miles as the crow flies, arriving here today (although I did have to visit the DHL office in person to pick up since they're closed on weekends). 

   

Appreciate the existence of Apnea Board and the courteous welcome & support I've received.