New to the forum - Need help with CPAP

[mcparson]

Hello - I'm new here but have been using my CPAP for a number of years with good results overall. A little back story first then my current question.

For several years I used my CPAP quite successfully after the initial adjustment period. Last year about this time I lost 50 pounds which threw the CPAP therapy into a tailspin. After a couple of months of research and experimentation, I found my way back to a good night's sleep with the combination of a homemade chinstrap (which I had never had to use prior to that point) and a reduction in pressure. This got things back on track and was working well - until about a month ago. This time I can't point to any changes that might account for what's happening - no weight change, equipment change, etc. which is what brings me here. My prior issues from the weight loss was due to large leaks which I was able to get under control. This time I can't tell what's wrong so I would appreciate some help. I've attached the optimized screenshot of my daily graphs. Let me know if there's anything else I need to provide.

Thanks!

[attachment=5295]

[Walla Walla]

You need to turn on your event flags so we can see what type of events your having. Look at the bottom left of the charts to turn them on. They should all be green.

[Walla Walla]

Forgot to mention that with the flow limitations and snores your getting you need to increase your pressure.

[mcparson]

Thanks for the info on the Event Flags. I wondered why there wasn't anything showing there.

[attachment=5298]

[OpalRose]

As Walla Walla said, it appears you may need a higher pressure, but first turn on your events flags and repost, so that we can see what type of apnea events you are having.

[mcparson]

Yes, I reposted those in response to Walla. Thanks!

[OpalRose]

When you are using a straight pressure machine, it’s a little harder to find an optimal pressure setting compared to an Auto Cpap..... but not impossible.

I would start by raising the pressure to 13cm, then watch for a couple days to see what difference that makes. Then you can increase .5cm at a time, until you see better results.

You should aim for an AHI under 5.

[Walla Walla]

Along with the pressure increase you might want to pick up a soft cervical collar at your local drug store or online. It looks like you might have some positional issues caused by your chin tucking in and cutting off your airway. The collar helps prevent this by preventing your chin to drop down. They're cheap to buy and an easy fix to prevent having to increase pressure too high.

[mcparson]

Ok, thanks OpalRose, will do. 

Any thoughts on why the sudden change given no other discernible differences? When I lost weight last year it made some sense that things got wonky but my long term view of the data clearly shows that since my adjustments last year everything was great until this abrupt change that started a few weeks ago.

[mcparson]

Thanks Walla Walla!! This may actually be a big part of what's going on as I have, over the last few months, been working on my overall posture to help straighten myself up after years of desk oriented work. Perhaps I've failed to consider how those changes have impacted my sleeping posture.