[Treatment] Low AHI, still tired/brain fog

[LowAHiProblems]

Hello all, I have been struggling with a poor nights rest for years, as well as brain fog. I forget what I'm about to type/do, can't hold things in my head, etc. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea with an AHI of 13. Not high, but my symptoms makes it feel like it'd be much higher. For the last month, I've been using a CPAP and trying to find a optimal setting. I've tried 6,7, 7-13, 8-14, 10. My AHI has been low during all of this. Yet I still wake up tired, not wanting to do anything etc. I will insert some screenshots of my Oscar data. What settings should I change? My leak rate is crazy and I've been trying to get it under control (bought a CPAP pillow, adjusting my mask) but it doesn't really help. Still high. I know that it contributes to my sleepiness since I remember waking up half asleep to fix my mask. I do have facial hair but just a little more than stubble. I do wash my face before bed. Please help, it's ruining my life.

           

[staceyburke]

I don't think you are that far off.  The only thing I would change right now is the EPR. you already have it set to full time now set your EPR to 3...  I think that will help you.

[LowAHiProblems]

Thank you will try tonight

[SeePak]

@lowahi

Your leak rate is pretty high.

Not sure if that is mouth breathing or mask issues.

If you get that under control, therapy may be better as is.

Also, your min. pressure probably needs to go up higher, especially if you increase EPR.

You have a number of OA, obstructive events.

Will see how your chart looks in next couple days.

[Deborah K.]

Besides raising EPR and working on leaks, you ought to raise your pressure numbers.  Raise them to 10.6 to 17.  Your median pressures range from over 10 to over 11, and you need more headroom as you often hit your top pressure.

[REMmi]

some folks use mask liners, what about trying an F20 air fit (silicone) , though I find the Air touch leaks less for me, seems like with a FFM, you should notice how and where it is leaking from?

I sympathize as I got the default 8-20 no EPR for the 1st year, AHI 1 , however not refreshed, so AHI just seems a very poor way to judge quality of sleep, so far I haven't figured it out , I slept 9-1am last night, then rest of the night all I know is , i probably am sleeping somewhere for the next 5 hours, but constantly re-awakening, laying there mask on,  sometimes on my back, so try to correct to side again, it's crazy , not real sleep