New to the forum - Need help with CPAP

[Ron AKA]

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.

I agree 100% with OpalRose. Good advice. 

The good news is that your events, ignoring the hypopnea are 100% OA events, and those usually can be addressed with more pressure. More pressure often means less comfort though. You might want to consider upgrading to a new ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet. Then you can set a range in pressures, and hopefully you will not have to spend the whole night at the higher pressures.

[mcparson]

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.

I agree 100% with OpalRose. Good advice. 

The good news is that your events, ignoring the hypopnea are 100% OA events, and those usually can be addressed with more pressure. More pressure often means less comfort though. You might want to consider upgrading to a new ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet. Then you can set a range in pressures, and hopefully you will not have to spend the whole night at the higher pressures.

Thanks for the input Ron AKA! Since you mentioned this idea, I'm curious if you know whether it's possible to upgrade equipment without going back to the doctor. The doctor I used when I was first diagnosed used a DME that I really came to have a strong dislike of so the idea of starting over with another doc isn't all that appealing.

[Ron AKA]

Thanks for the input Ron AKA! Since you mentioned this idea, I'm curious if you know whether it's possible to upgrade equipment without going back to the doctor. The doctor I used when I was first diagnosed used a DME that I really came to have a strong dislike of so the idea of starting over with another doc isn't all that appealing.

That is a very country, insurance company, and jurisdiction specific question. I'm from Canada, and at least in our area, we have nothing like the DME system you have. I'll leave that question to the US folk. I'd guess it comes down to who pays. At some point machines need replacing, and it seems senseless to go back and do another sleep study. That would be common sense, but that seldom applies when you get into bureaucracies.

[mcparson]

Thanks for the input Ron AKA! Since you mentioned this idea, I'm curious if you know whether it's possible to upgrade equipment without going back to the doctor. The doctor I used when I was first diagnosed used a DME that I really came to have a strong dislike of so the idea of starting over with another doc isn't all that appealing.

That is a very country, insurance company, and jurisdiction specific question. I'm from Canada, and at least in our area, we have nothing like the DME system you have. I'll leave that question to the US folk. I'd guess it comes down to who pays. At some point machines need replacing, and it seems senseless to go back and do another sleep study. That would be common sense, but that seldom applies when you get into bureaucracies.

Ah, of course. I didn't think to look at your location. Yes, indeed. Things are very different between our respective countries in the healthcare arena. Thanks for the response.

[Howie51]

[attachment=6880]Hello,

I'm new to the forum & have been a sleep apnea sufferer for many years. Recently, I switched from a dental airway device to a CPAP machine and am experiencing difficulties with the mask and settings.

Initially, the mask fits comfortably and seals well, then after ramping up, it leaks around my lips and continuously wakes me up. I have dropped the max pressure from 20 to 18. I have tried to tighten and adjust the mask with limited results.

Can anyone suggest changes to my settings or mask?  Help!!! I am using SleepyHead software but a little unsure which file to attach. I do not have a health care provider to assist me as I'm going this on my own.

Cheers
Howie

[Walla Walla]

Howie51, You want to start your own thread so people will see your questions and offer advice without interfering with this post.

Also follow the instructions on the link below how how to post your sleepyhead charts. This will give us the most important data needed to see whats going on.

Welcome to Apnea Board!