Plmnb's Never Ending OSA Journey (Data)

[Plmnb]

What setting are you changing from 3 to 0, EPR? I think you need as much pressure support as you can get. I can't explain why you are having episodes of severe flow limits, snores, apnea and hypopnea while using the soft collar. Do you feel you are getting support at the back of the jaw or chin and no pressure on the front of the throat?

I see the difference between EPR of 0 and 3 as evidence for the need for a BiLevel (VAuto), nothing more. No question about EPR of 3 being a better therapy.

So, tonight I go back to EPR as on and at 3. (Unless I get my new machine today).

As to how i feel...interesting and I am glad you asked. The moment the first night I tried the collar on I thought wow, this feels sort of good. I can't fully explain it, but for some reason it just felt good having the support under my chin and it made my whole head feel like it was on straight? Not sure that makes sense to anyone. Unfortunately, in order to keep my chin up, I had to keep making the collar tighter. If the collar wasn't tight my chin kept dropping behind and into the collar. I had more trouble the second night with this for some reason. The second night was so uncomfortable that I eventually took the collar off at some point. I have the same issue with all my masks too. If I don't make them tight, they move all over the place. I keep reading how they should just barely sit upon your skin but I have tried this and it is useless...air leaks all over the place.

[Plmnb]

UPDATE:

I JUST got off phone with Dr. office.  They refuse to prescribe Bilevel unless I come in for another sleep study.  They say unless it can be shown why the CPAP is not working it is a no go.

Ya'll do NOT want to know what conversation just took place!  Not only that, but it turns out that my prior sleep study information may never have made it into their hands.  They are also wary of my statement that i will be bringing my OSCAR info.  They have made me an appointment with a different one of their doctors.

I also had to contact...again..the last dr. I saw regarding not only their sleep study reports, but the reports from the dr. prior to them which they refused to release to the current dr. because of "HIPPA" rules. I told them that they were MY records and I want them! I told them I would report them to the medical licensing board if I don't get them.  (The reports I want are the only copies because the original dr.s office destroyed the reports because they were over 7 years old.)

I also told the current office that I want a credit for the next co-pay since the current dr. I saw twice for about 5 minutes each time without a second of physical examination, while I was crying in his exam room, and it turns out not listening to me about any of my prior history.  Not to mention that even the DME office is aware of his reputation of not examining his patients.

Oooh, I am so ticked off at the moment I best take a break and calm down.

[sheepless]

while loose fitting seems to work for most, I find I have to wear both collar & my p10 nasal pillow mask pretty darn tight. what works for some, or even most, may not work for everyone. collars take some getting used to but most adapt after a short time. it helps me avoid event clusters & mouth leaks so I can't pap without it. if you feel better after a night with the collar, you have an incentive to persevere.

[Plmnb]

while loose fitting seems to work for most, I find I have to wear both collar & my p10 nasal pillow mask pretty darn tight. what works for some, or even most, may not work for everyone. collars take some getting used to but most adapt after a short time. it helps me avoid event clusters & mouth leaks so I can't pap without it. if you feel better after a night with the collar, you have an incentive to persevere.

Sheepless,

Do you feel like you have your mask still on your face during the day because you had to have it tight at night?

I do and it is very disconcerting.

[Gideon]

Ask for a lab test that documents flow limits!!! Most do not. Your AHI is good and does not justify a bilevel. Ask which doctor actually treats UARS. That doctor should at least understand flow limits.

[Plmnb]

Ask for a lab test that documents flow limits!!!  Most do not.  Your AHI is good and does not justify a bilevel.  Ask which doctor actually treats UARS.  That doctor should at least understand flow limits.

bonjour.  I REALLY REALLY appreciate your help.  However, you have me somewhat confused. 

One moment you advocate that I should be on bilevel machine and alternately in other replies you state I don't need one.  Now you are talking about UARS.  Have we talked about this for my situation?  I could check.  I do know that you have been concerned all along with my FLOW LIMITS , so I will DEFINITELY address this with any doctor I will be seeing.

Look forward to your clarifications if you desire to do so.

Plmnb

[JoeyWallaby]

They're right, your AHI (what they're looking at) does not justify BiLevel... because it's under the arbitrary threshold of 5. However, the flow limitations on your OSCAR data, strongly indicates, that you would be better treated with BiLevel. If you could get another sleep study covered under insurance or medicare that looked at flow limitations, that would be ideal.

[sheepless]

the nasal pillow mask is among the lightest & least intrusive of masks. I've been wearing the p10 for 3 years so I don't pay much attention to it. lately it has hurt one nostril a bit when removing the mask though, making me realize just how tight I have to have it. that & the fact that it's creating a bald spot in my mustache! IDK about red marks 'cause apparently I've never looked. or maybe I don't get them & would've noticed if I did. my sense is that we can adapt to almost anything if the result is better sleep.

[Gideon]

UARS is the medical name for Flow Limits. BiLevel is the best way to treat those. And you tend to bounce around so much I often get a bit confused.

[Plmnb]

UARS is the medical name for Flow Limits.  BiLevel is the best way to treat those.  And you tend to bounce around so much I often get a bit confused.

I’m sorry.  I have a tendency to bounce quite a bit.