Leaks, Mask Change... now increased obstructive apneas
After (almost) a year of not checking SleepyHead stats (instead using recording pulse oximeter to check success of CPAP settings), I decided to use SleepyHead to see what's "going on". Why? Recently had successfuly SVT ablation surgery, slept well, felt great - but haven't been sleeping soundly the past few weeks, so... I checked SleepyHead 10 days ago (while wearing the recording pulse oximeter). Oxygen levels fine... but I had a ton of leakage with frequent getting up and not getting back to sleep. SO... I decided to switch from the nasal pillows to a full face mask. Switched the mask settings on my ResMed S9, but left CPAP at 8.0 with EPR at 1. Leaks went down with the full face mask - but here's my question (finally): Why did my obstructive apneas shoot up from "almost zip" to 4, then 17, then 36, 16, 24 ... yipes! Clear airway apneas went up slightly from 1-2 every few nights to 3, 4 or 5 every night. What's going on? What should I try first? Thanks for any suggestions!
RE: Leaks, Mask Change... now increased obstructive apneas
The full face mask may require more pressure to keep the OA's away I suggest you post a daily graph here from SleepyHead so we can see what is going on
RE: Leaks, Mask Change... now increased obstructive apneas
Did you change setting im machine for ffm?
RE: Leaks, Mask Change... now increased obstructive apneas
I don't think SVT ablation is likely to be connected to the results. Anytime a change in therapy results occurs, I think it's time to look at the problem objectively and solve it using the same techniques and approach we use for a new user. Identifying the problem is the first step and as Jaswilliams suggests, posting some Sleepyhead data will go a long way to accomplish that.
Something else you might want to try, is taking your S9 Autoset out of CPAP mode and re-titrating.
RE: Leaks, Mask Change... now increased obstructive apneas
Hi, Jaswilliams, Thanks for the links to SleepyHead! I haven't updated SleepyHead to my MacBook Air, so I'm using a very ancient Windows program on a "Surface" computer. But now, thanks to your links, I'll be able to post charts and graphs as soon as I get a new MacBook Air (in a few weeks).
RE: Leaks, Mask Change... now increased obstructive apneas
Thanks, Gary 1of2, I checked and - yes - I had changed from nasal to FFM settings on the CPAP. Thanks for the reminder! As we all know, when we're not getting enough quality sleep.... we do strange things!
RE: Leaks, Mask Change... now increased obstructive apneas
Thanks, Sleepwalker! Before going to sleep last night I set my S9 to "APAP" mode (for the first time in 3 years or more) and set the range for 5-12. Slept ALL NIGHT LONG without waking up once or waking up with a headache! Here are the results: OA 0.93, CA 0.53 - and most came within the first hour of sleep. Oh, and I did switch back to the FFM and made certain I changed the settings to reflect the FFM. I think I'll stick with these settings for a week to see what happens - then go from there.
everyone who responded!!! What a great support group!! I'm now heading off to PayPal to make a donation to Apnea Board.
MAPNEA
RE: Leaks, Mask Change... now increased obstructive apneas
Sounds like APAP mode is working out well for you. The S9 is very good at meeting your pressure needs, and it sounds like Auto CPAP is where you need to be for now. Our needs change over time, so take note of your median and 90% pressure so you have a better idea what is working.
