Need assistance. New CPAP User.

[sade115]

Hello everyone, recently I got diagnosed with sleep apnea with an AHI of 12. Symptoms included extreme brain fog and short term memory loss. 
I'm on day 5 of my CPAP, and it seems like my AHI is just getting worse the more I mess with everything. I included some screenshots of my data, maybe someone can help me out on what needs to be changed. I feel more tired than I ever did before starting CPAP and symptoms haven't changed. 

       

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[Sleeprider]

I have a strong preference to looking at OSCAR charts because there are a lot more respiratory statistics and particularly flow limitations. These two charts show different settings, and you had much higher event rate with pressure 8-20, EPR 1 compared to pressure 9-20 EPR 3. I think it's pretty clear, the settings of 9 to 20 with EPR 3 was superior, and your increasing event rate is due to changes you made. In addition, you are only using therapy 4 to 5.5 hours, so I wouldn't expect you to feel recovered with these short times in therapy. Get back to minimum pressure 9.0 maximum pressure 14.0 and EPR 3 and I think you can reinstate efficacy.

[sade115]

           

I attached the OSCAR data from the good day if that provides any more insight. I will switch back to the settings you recommended and give it a shot. I've been struggling with the mask, without fail I wake up and take it off in the middle of the night. Usually around the same time. Not sure why but I can't really control that. It's very comfortable to fall asleep in and it really doesn't bother me but for some reason I always take it off.

[Sleeprider]

You do very well with the EPAP 9.0 and EPR 3, and your maximum pressure was only 11.0. We could move pressure to a range of 8.0 to 11.0 with EPR 3 and see if the lower range makes your therapy more tolerable and longer.

It's important not to give yourself permission to remove the mask. That becomes a self-reinforcing behavior and can be a very hard habit to break. You could turn off Auto start so the machine continues blowing and nags you to put the mask back on, but I have seen plenty of people fall into this trap. Acceptance that "I can't really control that" is an excuse to fail. If you look at your results, you are removing the mask at the end of a long period of very good, quiet therapy. This does not look like there is a problem we need to solve other than your behavior or habit.

[Dormeo]

A couple of things you could try. (1) Put tape across a mask strap, anchoring it on both sides to your face. The tug on your skin will wake you up if you try to take the mask off. (2) Wear a cap that ties under your chin, putting it on over your mask. (3) Use your machine during the day or evening outside your bedroom while you read, watch TV, or use your devices. This helps your brain more rapidly adjust to the new experience. -- Whatever methods you use, you'll probably need them only for a limited time.

Your leak rate is amazingly low, and with EPR of 3, your flow limitations are well controlled. These are very encouraging signs.

[sade115]

Wow. Thank you so much for the insight. Will give this a shot tonight. I haven't even thought about turning off the auto start/stop feature but that would definitely prevent me from falling back asleep. 

Thank you so much 

[sade115]

Hi. Here is the data from last night with the updated settings. What do you think? 

           

[Dormeo]

It's good to see you going so long with your mask on -- well done!

Your FLs were better with a minimum of 9, which is not so surprising, but somewhat oddly your leaks were worse with a minimum of 8. Keep in mind that those factoids could just reflect random variability. Your CAs probably just reflect some arousals during the night.

I'd recommend you stick with the current settings for a few more nights to see how it goes. When you post next, let us know how you're feeling during the day. That's subjective, but it's a really important datum.

[sade115]

Thank you!!! 

I will give it a couple more days. I am probably messing with the settings too much and not giving the new configs enough time. I will report back in a couple days. Thank you for the help!

[sade115]

Taped my mask to my head and was finally able to sleep the whole night with it on. Was so happy to wake up this morning and realize I still had the mask on. 

Here is the data from last night: 

I'm thinking minimum pressure and maximum pressure needs to be upped? I seem to be getting more obstructive apneas instead of CA's now. What do you think?