RE: Low AHI, horrible sleep, OSCAR data
CPAP therapy is mainly trial and error. Even a titration test in a clinic is nothing more than trying a pressure and observing results, then trying the next pressure, and eventually choosing the settings from the best result. The specialists can all pretend it's somehow complex and only a doctor can change settings, but that's like saying only a professional cook can add salt to soup. If you can turn on the dynamic setting, do so, and let's look at the results. It's pretty hard to respect a so-called professional that does not use more detailed data beyond AHI and hours of use to help optimize therapy. That kind of intelligence is easily replaced.
09-28-2023, 08:15 AM
(This post was last modified: 09-28-2023, 08:33 AM by apneaHero.
Edit Reason: mistyping person mention
)
RE: Low AHI, horrible sleep, OSCAR data
So I am giving an update.
I have tried many adjustments. Not much have worked.
What I found works so far best for me:
1) Having pressure of min 7, max 12, in the APAP mode. Any higher pressure worsens my sleep - probably due to leaks which disrupt my sleep - and I tighten my mask more to not have leaks, I have problems falling asleep / sleeping well due to discomfort of the mask. Any tips for that?
2) Ensuring I sleep ONLY on side. If I turn to lie on my back while asleep my sleep is guaranteed to be horrible that night. Any tips for that? I have not found yet reliable way for me to sleep ONLY on side and not turn in sleep.
As my OSCAR graphs are not MUCH better than as posted lastly, I have been thinking of aquiring (on my own) a (used) BIPAP machine as you suggested might help.
On ebay I found this cheap used BIPAP unit. https://www.ebay.com/itm/175925225148?ha...R5CTlL7bYg
Might rise a question, but I am thinking to myself that even cheap BIPAP will still do its job, am I right? Any opinions in this Philips model? Is it worth giving it a try?
RE: Low AHI, horrible sleep, OSCAR data
I owned a phillps bipap and had terrible results, switched to a Resmed bipap and it was great - for me a night and day difference.
RE: Low AHI, horrible sleep, OSCAR data
(09-28-2023, 09:07 AM)staceyburke Wrote: I owned a phillps bipap and had terrible results, switched to a Resmed bipap and it was great - for me a night and day difference.
Thank you for sharing that experience. I will rethink that.
RE: Low AHI, horrible sleep, OSCAR data
I will second that warning of Philips though for APAP devices. Both Dreamstation 1 and 2 are equally crap (for me at least).
The Prisma Smart has 2 APAP modes: Standard and Dynamic.
Dynamic is a more agressive mode and standard is targeted at beginners.
You can see that on your Oscar screenshot: It says "PAP mode: APAP (std)". This is not related to SoftPAP.
It would at least be worth a shot...
See:
https://sleep.sante-group.com/frequently...questions/
Kind Regards,
clan
RE: Low AHI, horrible sleep, OSCAR data
Argh - I see that you know of dynamic mode. You do however not write if you have tested it?
And even reading the thread twice I did not see anyone suggesting at least:
https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=tennis+ball+back+sleep
RE: Low AHI, horrible sleep, OSCAR data
Yes, I have switched it to dynamic mode back then and stayed in it since then. I did NOT feel (on myself) or see (in OSCAR) any improvement however.
Thanks for the experience with Philips and tip with tenis ball. Will try this trick.
Would you have tips for affordable BIPAP models which are worth a try?
RE: Low AHI, horrible sleep, OSCAR data
Regarding the full face mask, it runs contrary to what we expect but quite often tightening of the mask only makes things worse from a comfort and leak perspective. The goal is to find the point at which it stops leaking without causing discomfort.
When I use an F30 mask, I put it on and keep the straps tight enough to hold it in place, but loose enough that it does not constrict. I start the pressure and allow the cushion to inflate, then tighten it down just enough that it does not shift around too much. I then get into my usual sleep position and check it again. If it does not leak I'm fine, but if I find an area with leaks I'll tighten it ever so slightly to stop them.
It takes a while to find the proper adjustments, which change over time as the headgear stretches out. Keep at it, you'll figure it out!
RE: Low AHI, horrible sleep, OSCAR data
Sorry, no. I am just another dumb APAP user. Even in doubt if i would be better of with Bilevel myself.
RE: Low AHI, horrible sleep, OSCAR data
So I tried CONTRARY experiment - lowering the pressure. And I sleep better (I set the max inhale pressure to 11).
With lower pressure I can have the mask not-so-tight and I have much less disrupted sleep. I am hovewer not sure it helps my obstructions well.
On another note, I found nearly new used ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet for really good price and its from a person in my country.
Does anyone know if this would possibly provide me better therapy than my existing Prisma machine? What exactly is the "AutoSet" feature of the Resmed? Wasnt able to find clear info on that.
|
