[Diagnosis] Would someone have time to analysis my Oscar charts.

[HairyBee]

Need some help Please.

I have been using a pap machine for a long time. About a year ago I started waking up feeling totally exhausted. I have been battling this ever since. I have been to 2 different pulmonologist, without any improvement. I have attached 3 Oscar charts and I can send additional if necessary.

Would someone please look at these graphs and give me your opinion as to what you think I need to change.

Thanks for any help you can give me.




   
   
   

[SarcasticDave94]

Welcome to Apnea Board,

Your first item of concern is leaking. The spikey leak chart indicates to me it's based on mask leaking. Have you replaced the cushion recently? If not, it's probably due. Otherwise, it's not fitting well, adjustments may be off, or possibly your pillow is pushing it.

Second, you will likely do better with more initial pressure than 4. You're likely starving for air starting that low.

[Sleeprider]

You have high leaks and positional apnea. Please read this wiki on how your head and neck alignment can cause clusters of obstruction that cause high AHI and poor feeling of restfulness. https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...onal_Apnea

Please provide more details on what full-face mask you are using, and any thoughts on why it becomes dislodged at the time of the apnea clusters.

[HairyBee]

Thanks for your quick response.

Yes I have just changed the mask/seal. I had been using pillows but when I saw the Oscar chart I started trying to diagnose the problem. I think that somewhere I started breathing through my mouth and switched to the full mask. I have also gotten a new pap machine. So equipment wise, as far as being in good shape I think I am ok there. I am not saying that I have it adjusted properly but I am, with the help of people like you, trying to establish a plan of attack.

[SarcasticDave94]

That's what we're here for, to help self advocate.

You will benefit from requesting your machine clinical manual in the link at the top of the page or in the menu "CPAP Setup Manual" and search for your ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto.

Which masks do you have? This might help with gathering pointers on adjusting it.

[HairyBee]

That's what we're here for, to help self advocate.

You will benefit from requesting your machine clinical manual in the link at the top of the page or in the menu "CPAP Setup Manual" and search for your ResMed AirCurve 10 VAuto.

Which masks do you have? This might help with gathering pointers on adjusting it.

I have the Fisher&Paykel Full mask.

[SarcasticDave94]

OK we're getting there. I've used the Fisher and Paykel Vitera and Simplus. Either of those sound like yours?

If so, for best fit especially with the Vitera, loosen all straps including 4 side and one top that crosses over your head.

Machine needs to be running standard therapy, and you should be reclined on your bed to help with the adjusting.

All straps loose but not undone just adjusted looser, hold mask up into position, which should be low towards the lowest area of your chin. Lock the top of the head strap to set the "depth". The idea here is that top of the head strap helps guide how far down the mask sits.

Next, the bottom side set, fairly loose but enough to hold it. Go to the top side set and bring those in enough to hold the mask over your nasal bridge.

You may need to redo the bottom and side sets, and you may have to pull mask straight off your face and reset, to help the seal unfold. Pay close attention to the nasal bridge and mouth corners, nasal bridge area tends to cause wrinkles/folds on the cushion with guaranteed leaks with no way to adjust unless you pull it away and reset the seal.

Simplus may be a similar fitting.

A pointer on the side sets, bottom set may leverage the nasal area, and the top side may leverage the bottom chin area, so don't cinch it too tight or it'll be pulled away.

[HairyBee]

Thanks for the input. I read the wiki article on positional apnea. I will try to readjust my mask tonight. I am thinking that there may be more than 1 contributing factor.