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03-07-2020, 03:17 PM (This post was last modified: 03-07-2020, 03:17 PM by NightOwl42.)
RE: Struggling to use CPAP, suggestions?
Hello,
Seeking further feedback on my stats.
Notes:
I can get 3-5 hours on CPAP, but then typically take it off, as I'm too congested/annoyed with it to continue. I've tried humidifier attachment, as well as humidifying the room, and Benadryl, but nothing seems to help. Haven't tried the Flonase route yet.
I seem to be waking up for no reason during the later hours of sleep. One sleep tech suggested that I might be opening my mouth to breathe, and waking myself in the process.
Tried chin strap, didn't like it. Had to keep it too tight to get any effect.
Your leak rate seems pretty constant and is perhaps just a little misfit where the P10 meets your nose. You might try one size up or down on the pillows and see how that goes.
With your current settings, you are seeing a bit less flow limitation. You might consider raising EPR to 3 and minimum pressure to 7. This also might be a little bit more comfortable.
Definitely try Flonase, and talk to your doctor about additional ways to relieve your symptoms. (For example, my stuffiness comes from allergies, and I use a prescription spray called montelukast in addition to Flonase.)
Finally, I'm puzzled that you report a diagnosis of central apnea. The kind of machine you have doesn't treat central apnea, and yet you are not seeing many centrals. Any chance you could post your sleep study (with identifying information removed)?
No worries! One other little thought: Lansinoh ointment (made for nursing mothers but great for sore noses) can be slightly adhesive if you apply just a tiny amount to the skin that touches your mask pillows. (Too much, though, and it’ll act as a lubricant.)