[Pressure] New member and new OSCAR user

[squiddog]

   

Hi everyone!

Long time CPAP user (10+ years) having troubles at home with snoring and (according to this screenshot!) apparently I am having lots of apnea events. 

I started in the beginning with a nasal pillow but over time I felt that my allergies were making it difficult to use the pillow only, so I switched to a nose/mouth mask. 

Lately complaints of snoring have increased from my partner and therefore I found and downloaded OSCAR. Quite surprised at the high AHI from last night.

I have gained weight and my unit is not an auto-pressure unit so I figure I should start by increasing the pressure, but I would yield to any advice you all have for my situation.

I had stopped seeing a sleep doctor for a good 5 years as everything seemed fine, I did not even consult on the mask change. I have made an appt with a new doc but its a couple months out and would like to resolve this sooner, and also try to avoid a sleep study as its not covered by my insurance.

Thanks!
Dave

[Crimson Nape]

Hi squiddog! -

It appears that your pressure is too low. This is because OAs and Hypopneas are predominantly controlled by your EPAP pressure and sleeping position. Since you have your EPR set to 3, then I would increase your pressure setting to 11 cm. This will yield an EPAP pressure of 8 cm, up from the current 5 cm. Also, avoid sleeping on your back or chin tucking.

Take her for a snooze tonight and see if that helps.

- Red

[quiescence at last]

you can also do this in steps. pressure of 9, then 10, then 11. run at each step for a couple days. It is quite possible the OAs will require the highest step, since there are a lot of them and your snoring is predominant.

QAL

[Gideon]

The chin tucking comment is solid, look for a flatter pillow, use 1, vs 2, strive to keep your neck straight.
The increase in pressure is a solid suggestion and you may need to further increase it.
Get familiar with the Soft Cervical Collar link in my signature and the Positional Apnea it corrects.

S.Q.U.I.D. Did you serve? (MM1(SS)

[squiddog]

Thanks everyone. Definitely will try the pressure change to start and see what happens!