New user trying to figure out Dreamstation & OSCAR

[spacewrench]

do you notice this breathing pattern if you try to sleep without the machine, like dozing for a nap?

Not at all.  In fact, after I took off the CPAP this morning, I slept for a couple hours!  Out like a light!

[sheepless]

it isn't determinitive, but that's an indication the ca is pressure induced. if so, it's a matter of getting used to pressure and the way to do that is low, slow and incremental. wear the mask and use the machine while reading or watching TV.
they say this kind of ca will dissipate in 30-90 days but you have to get to sleep first.

[spacewrench]

they say this kind of ca will dissipate in 30-90 days but you have to get to sleep first.

Yeah, I saw a post that said 30-90 days.  Ain't nobody got time for that, if you're not sleeping at all!

fingers crossed...

[Sleeprider]

Since you mentioned a concern with CPAP affecting respiratory drive by changing CO2, you might want to read the wiki article on Enhanced Expiratory Rebreathing Space EERS http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ace_(EERS)

What Flex setting are you using?

[spacewrench]

Since you mentioned a concern with CPAP affecting respiratory drive by changing CO2, you might want to read the wiki article on Enhanced Expiratory Rebreathing Space EERS [...]

Thanks, that's interesting!  I'll check with my doc & equipment guy to see if they have anything like it.  Otherwise, I could contact the Massachusetts people.

What Flex setting are you using?

I've tried high & low...as I understand the DreamStation, it never goes below 4.5 in any case, so Flex is only active at >4.5.

At 4.5, it feels like I have to exert more effort to inhale than with no CPAP at all.  I guess it's restriction through the nasal mask.  It actually is positive pressure, because if I open my mouth the machine blows air through.  But it feels like breathing through congestion.

It feels about neutral at around 5.0 or 5.5, and at 6.0 and above, I get overinflated and it wakes me up.

I only managed 2 (separate) hours on the machine last night, both showing about 40AHI.  I waited until I was sleepy, put on the machine at 4.5-8.0, and ended up completely awake in an hour.  Then sat around until I was sleepy again, ventilated at 4.5-6.5, and was totally awake after another hour.  Third time, I just went to sleep and was out until morning.

Curiously, when I was going to sleep the third time, I felt extremely twitchy.  Arms, legs, torso all twitching & jerking every 5-10 seconds.  It hadn't been happening earlier while I was on the machine, and this was the first time I completely gave up on CPAP for a night when there was still enough time to sleep.  Not sure what it was, but it was gone when I woke up this morning.

Incidentally, I really appreciate you taking the time to help!  I'm getting skeptical that this will work for me (maybe I need to try a jaw fixture instead) but if an Internet Stranger isn't ready to give up yet, I gotta keep trying too!

[spacewrench]

Finally, an all-around good night!  I can only tolerate pressure @ 5-6, but I mostly slept on my back, so my shoulders & back aren't sore this morning.

It still took a while to fall asleep, and my numbers are still high, but at least I have a tolerable and not terrible place to start incremental improvements from.

Thanks again, everybody!