[Treatment] My first time logging CPAP Data

[dblock01]

Hi all,

Thank you for the opportunity to share my data and the great resource to learn more about my sleep apnea.

I've been a CPAP user since 2019, using a ResMed AirSense 10 with Dreamwear Full front mask after a sleep study for 32 AHI.

Generally, I am very tired when waking up, throughout the day, and do not feel recovered from sleep. 

I've tried different settings with the CPAP and I've not noticed any improvement.  

Recently I have had leaks, which doesn't help.  However, when I have had nights without leaks, I still feel pretty terrible.

I've replaced my face mask (new of the same) which usually resolves my leak issues, but I am hoping for more insight into the data.

I'm suspicious that I experience desaturation in a significant way.

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Edit: I realize I can't upload a csv or pdf of my data.  Any other ways I can share this info?

[staceyburke]

To add an oscar post - take a screenshot using the 12key on the top row of the keyboard.  Then attach it from the bottom of the post where it says add attachment. then post.  The charts we need to see is in my signature at the bottom of this post.

[Old Steve]

You will need to download OSCAR.  Go to the black ribbon near the top of this page where it says OSCAR click it and download. 

[dblock01]

Thank you, this was extremely helpful.  I've attached two recent screenshots and one from before I changed my settings, about 2 months ago.  I recently went back to those settings (last night.)  I don't think they ever made any improvement for me, but I was just fed up with feeling crumby after sleep and gave up on trying to improve this for a bit.

Please let me know if there's anything I can offer otherwise - I have many months of data at this point but never actually looked at it.

[SarcasticDave94]

You have frequent, basically uncontrolled leaks. The ResMed redline level for leaks is 24 L/Min, and you cross over that too often.

This level of leaking will affect your therapy by probably lots of sleep disruption. The machine cannot compensate for the leaks because of this rate of leak, so it's likely the sleep data regarding events is inaccurate.

How new is the mask cushion? Is the mask adjusted tight? Too tight is the reflex response to leaking CPAP masks, however it makes it leak more.

Look at the wiki for mask primer, see if there's anything to help.

https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...ask_Primer

[dblock01]

Thank you, I didn't realize the leaking was so consistent.  Looking back at my data for months, it's a consistent issue and explains a lot.

The mask is new as of a day ago but I still had leak indicator (red sad face) last night.

I wouldn't say it's very tight but I don't think overly loose.  I'm wondering if this is not the right mask for me.  I did prefer nasal pillows but I'm too much of a mouth breather and not a fan of tape.  Thanks for the guide, I will do a deep dive and try to determine the best next steps to get this resolved.

Appreciate all of your time, thanks again for multiple responses from the board.  Very excited there is an obvious issue to target.

[SarcasticDave94]

OK copy. How about a full face lower combined with nasal cradle upper? Look up the Fisher and Paykel Evora Full, a hybrid. My most recent attempt at Apnea therapy included that Evora Full. It works great. But for me the VAuto didn't do it.

Anyway give that some consideration, it's low strap tension was nice.

[dblock01]

Thanks Dave.  This is what I use at the moment: 

- Philips Respironics Philips DreamWear Full Face CPAP Mask

The Evora Full looks like a nice alternative and I'm going to pick one up to give it a try.  I really appreciate the suggestion.

You mentioned VAuto didn't work out for you.  Is this in reference to the CPAP machine that I have? Sorry, I'm a little new to the terminology.

[SarcasticDave94]

No, sorry, just my mumbling to myself.

Long long story. I'm a very complex case of something. Mixture of Complex Apnea and COPD makes for difficult to get anything right.

Your AutoSet might just be fine after you get hold of the leaking.

[dblock01]

Reporting back with an update here:

• I was originally using Dreamwear full face mask
  
• Experiencing significant leaks
  

I've always preferred the nasal pillow-only masks, but I breathe through my mouth and have not succeeded with mouth taping.

After reviewing the Mask Primer resource (Thank you SarcasticDave94), I decided on the following plan:

• Nasal-pillow only mask (Dreamwear)
  
• Cervical Collar (Caldera Releaf: Not truly a medical cervical collar but has been great)
  
  
  

I was surprised to find the collar comfortable and a good solution to mouth breathing.

Here are my results after 3 nights.  Any guidance is appreciated.  Wondering if I am on the right track, if this plan shows new issues in the data I'm unaware of, if we need more data, etc.

Thank you again for your help (and time.)  Please let me know if there is any information I can provide.