New to the Forum

[Dial222]

New forum member with, I rather suspect, lots to learn.

Diagnosed early November with 99.6 AHI which was a bit of a freakout moment tbh.

Started therapy a week ago with apparently lots of success.  AHI of 4, 8, 4, x, 4, 3, 2.  having missed the middle night of the week.  Initial pressures set by clinician at  6-16 on the Lowenstein prismSMART Max device.

However, lots of eye puffiness, and tho i feel much better I LOOK much worse  than i ever did!  Mask is clearly working tho allegedly with some leakage.  Mask is rather uncomfortable, tho i may not be fitting it well.  A review to follow on Monday with Clinician on fit and leakage.

Any pointers to FAQs more than welcome and i will try get software installed so i can pull the data.

Cheers

[gainerfull]

Welcome, I wouldn't fret too much about the severe sleep apnea diagnosis. Mine was near what yours is and I've been fine after using / tuning my cpap therapy.

Looking forward to seeing some of your OSCAR data! Are your eyes puffy because you're wearing your mask too tight up top? Do you sleep on your stomach?

[Old Steve]

My test 23 years ago was 104 AHI, welcome to the club...

Don't fret too much, if you get your CPAP set correctly you may be able to eliminate all the apneas...

[Dial222]

Thanks for the welcome!  

I'm a back and side sleeper.

SD Card reader ordered so I can play with OSCAR

[UnicornRider]

Welcome, You will find a lot of very friendly advice here. do not be afraid to ask for any help related to CPAP, equipment, therapy or side effects. Your participation adds to the collective knowledge.

While waiting for your SD card reader, you can get a jump start reading about OSCAR:

                        

• OSCAR - The Guide 
  

[Dial222]

Ok so a little over a week in and having leak issues, clinician has changed mask, most recent data set, and its worse. Using the CARA mask in Large size that came with the Lowenstein prismSmart Max package i purchased.  Wasn't prepared to wait for NHS to sort me something and not be able to drive for a protracted period.

Where can I go from here and what am i looking at.

I've come down from 99.6 AHI to sub 5 typically and have been signed off to drive again which is great but now I'm keeping the wife awake with leaks and waking to reset mask.  On the plus side, I can at least sleep in the same room so overall a win but still with undesired impact.

[UnicornRider]

First thing you need a SCC (Soft Cervical Collar) It will eliminate many of your Hypopnea, reduce your snoring  and possible Flow Limits to control the rise of your therapy pressure making mask leaks easier to control. Check your pillow for a low profile, it helps keep your airway open.

https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...cal_Collar

You have to get the leaks under control, the wife will love you for it, your therapy will improve and you can provide more meaningful OSCAR Reports. 

https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...ask_Primer

Be sure to read all the way through the Mask Primer. when you get to "How to achieve the perfect mask fit - GUARANTEED! by Jeffy1958"  that will tie together all the preceding information.

I refer back to Mask Primer often.

Review The Guide often.  https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph..._The_Guide

We are here, post back with OSCAR Reports, ask many questions.

Welcome Aboard..

[Dial222]

Thanks for the feedback. The mask fit / leak guide is great thanks for that pointer. Also changed up my pillow last night for a flatter firmer one so no squish to displace mask.

That made an immediate difference! AHI dropped to 1 but still with leaks. Trial and error from this point forth.

[UnicornRider]

Great news, we like to hear about success.

Post some more OSCAR Reports as you get settled in.

Keep reviewing the information on OSCAR to monitor your progress.

On your OSCAR Report, upper left corner under "Help", you will find a link to "Online Users Guide".

https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...OSCAR_Help

Easy access to all kinds of useful information, worthy of exploring.