[Diagnosis] Mild Sleep Apnea Diagnosis via Lofta - HELP!

[wildcatmama07]

I did not know whether to post in equipment or diagnosis.... so I hope I made the best choice!

40F/Normal weight/History of UC, Adrenal insufficiency / Bilateral sinuplasty
Insurance isn't part of the equation as we are HDHP and it will be paid for out of HSA either way

Symptoms: Bruxism (had a mouth guard prior to braces), holding breath while sleeping confirmed by spouse, daytime exhaustion, snoring, brain fog, daytime breathing issues (regularly holding breath during the day), difficulties staying asleep, waking up to urinate 1-3 times every night, lots of movement in my sleep, anxiety, ADHD, vivid dreams when I do fall into deeper sleep, still struggle to breathe through nose even after sinus surgery, diagnosed with PTSD

Diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Mild based on a pRDI=9.9 and O2 nadir of 87%. My AHI was only 1.8.
RX is for Auto-CPAP set 4-20 cm H2O with heated humidity and mask/interface fitting.


Questions:
1) Do you think CPAP will even help this mild of apnea?  I figured I would go with the AirSense 11 with Climate Line tubing since there is only like a $40 difference between it and the 10.  I figure supplies will be available longer since it is new, but I could be convinced to go with the 10 if it is a better machine. 
2) With this being mild, would you start with low settings and then use OSCAR to work your way up? Anyone have a ballpark at what might be a comfortable setup?
3) How do I choose mask versus nasal pillow versus cradle?  Based on how I sleep Lofta suggests the AirFit N30i nasal cradle or the AirFit P10 Nasal pillow. I have a size small nose based on their chart and I am between a medium and large on mask so I am hesitant to even try a mask.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR ANY INPUT PROVIDED!!  I am just desperately in search of quality sleep.

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

To your questions…

1) Do you think CPAP will even help this mild of apnea?  I figured I would go with the AirSense 11 with Climate Line tubing since there is only like a $40 difference between it and the 10.  I figure supplies will be available longer since it is new, but I could be convinced to go with the 10 if it is a better machine. 

Your AHI is low at 1.8 and would not be considered as medically requiring a CPAP. Your RDI is at 9.9 and puts you into the mild category. Whether you want to use a CPAP or not is your and your insurance companies choice. Whether it would help or not we will not know until you try it out. If they are willing to let you try it, then it is a worthwhile experiment, but understand it takes time to adjust to using a CPAP.

The ResMed Airsense 10 Autoset has been around a long time and is a proven device. The 11 version is newer with some subtle differences. Either way you are getting a good machine.

2) With this being mild, would you start with low settings and then use OSCAR to work your way up? Anyone have a ballpark at what might be a comfortable setup?

Mild AHI does not equal lower pressure settings. Pressure is based on your personal physiology and what is needed to provide therapy.

Start with the following:

Mode APAP
Min pressure 7
Max pressure 15
EPR 2 full-time
No ramp

We can adjust from there based on OSCAR data. 

3) How do I choose mask versus nasal pillow versus cradle?  Based on how I sleep Lofta suggests the AirFit N30i nasal cradle or the AirFit P10 Nasal pillow. I have a size small nose based on their chart and I am between a medium and large on mask so I am hesitant to even try a mask.

Mask choice is a personal preference. First, do you breathe through your mouth whilst asleep or do you wake up with a dry mouth? If so go with a full-face mask like a ResMed F20, F30, F40, or Fisher & Paykel Evora. If not, then start with the ResMed P10. Some like the N30i or P30i, but they may be difficult for new users to adjust to using. 

Most of us go through a few masks before finding what works. It is to be expected as you do not know how it will go without first trying it.

[wildcatmama07]

Thank you for the timely reply.  I went ahead and ordered the AirSense 11.  We have high deductible insurance, so I did not involve them.  I did not want to wait around for their shenanigans.  I will get OSCAR downloaded so I am ready to upload data after it arrives.   Do I use the regular AutoSet mode or the AutoSet for Her mode?