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08-22-2024, 03:19 AM (This post was last modified: 08-22-2024, 03:22 AM by abzcpap24. Edited 1 time in total.)
abzcpap24 - Therapy Thread
Hi,
I'm 29 years old and have been diagnosed with severe OSA (29 AHI). I was given a CPAP machine by the NHS (I'm based in the United Kingdom, England). The first few days felt like it was making a difference, but after that, things went downhill, and I'm not sure why. I changed the pressure settings in June. Some days, I feel full of energy, but most days, I need to nap multiple times and have no energy. I also experience brain fog. I’ve attached an OSCAR screenshot. Thank you for your help.
Machine: Lowenstein Luisa Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: Resmed Quattro FX Humidifier: separate F&P humidifier CPAP Pressure: Epap 4-20 PS 4-20; "auto" rate CPAP Software: Not using software
Other Comments: Using 45 degree angle upper body wedge (36"x36") and 4.5"soft cervical collar; 500 assured tidal vol
Your chart looks ok (decent) IMO. 0.07 95%tile flow limitations. This could improve possibly by turning on EPR. You have EPR off. You could 1st try EPR full time at 1. Then you could even try it later at 2 and even 3 to see how it affects your therapy and how you feel in the morning. Your could upload those OSCAR charts also.
Your tidal volume is a bit low at 380 median, but everything else does not look too bad.
Your median pressure is about 12 and peaks a 14 max. Not bad leaks.
My suggestion would be to try to use it more (with the EPR experiments also) and see if it improves your energy. Anyone with other suggestions for abzcpap24, feel free to post.
Advisory Members serve as an "Advisory Committee" to help shape Apnea Board's rules & policies.
Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
08-22-2024, 11:25 AM (This post was last modified: 08-22-2024, 11:27 AM by ohno.
Edit Reason: Adding CA advice
)
RE: Using CPAP for 5 months, still struggling
Hey there!
Your flow limitation is quite high at 0.07 (95%). Try enabling EPR at 3 and see if that helps.
Maybe you gonna get CA, going down to 2 or 1 helps with that.
Do you typically have large gaps in your sleeping? That alone would account for the tiredness. Do you take off your mask and sleep without it or maybe accidentally remove it during the night? Or do you wake up and then much later return to bed and therapy?
If you remove your mask and sleep a while without it, you should try to keep it on, even if you are awake, as you need you get into the habit of keeping it on. You'll probably fall asleep again.
If you accidentally remove it you could put some tape on each side of the mask, then tape it to your cheeks. If you reach to pull it off the tape will remind you to leave it alone. Those who try this find they don't have to do it for long.
Try your best to stay in bed the whole night. It will pay off in time.
Everyone thank you so much for the support I slept with EPR setting 2, omg today I was soo energetic and productive, it's been a while since I've felt like this, thanks again
Seeking Advice: Energy but Persistent Headaches? (OSCAR Screenshots/Data Provided)
Hello, fellow members
I’m reaching out for advice regarding my OSCAR data over a few nights. Overall, I’m incredibly happy with my CPAP therapy—I feel full of energy, my mind is clear, and it’s been life-changing in many ways. The only issue I’m facing is that I occasionally wake up with a headache, which persists throughout the day despite feeling energetic and alert.
I’ve attached screenshots of my OSCAR data for three nights and would appreciate it if someone could review them to help identify potential causes or adjustments I can make to eliminate the headaches.
abzcpap24 - Your 2 threads were related to your therapy. For this reason, I have merged them. This provides the reader a history of your past settings and results. Having the ability to see past attempts and their results will help to form better recommendations. Please use this thread for all your therapy related posts. I have changed the thread title to, "abzcpap24 - Therapy Thread" to be more inclusive.
- Red
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
Machine: Lowenstein Luisa Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: Resmed Quattro FX Humidifier: separate F&P humidifier CPAP Pressure: Epap 4-20 PS 4-20; "auto" rate CPAP Software: Not using software
Other Comments: Using 45 degree angle upper body wedge (36"x36") and 4.5"soft cervical collar; 500 assured tidal vol
12-14-2024, 11:17 AM (This post was last modified: 12-14-2024, 11:18 AM by Jay51.)
RE: abzcpap24 - Therapy Thread
Interesting how you seemed to have had very good therapy just a few short days ago, but now "feel like a zombie" - from PM. Not doubting you at all, just quite a quick turn for the worse.
In regards to your headaches: Nothing sticks out that could be causing your headaches. I got a headache using a nasal mask with very high pressures before, but your situation is different than mine (I have a ventilator).
Maybe someone who has solved the headache problem from pap therapy might post with a solution for you.
Advisory Members serve as an "Advisory Committee" to help shape Apnea Board's rules & policies.
Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
Thank you for commenting, this is the problem, I have a good therapy for a week or sometimes for few days then I don't feel the benefits anymore? Is this normal? When I say I don't feel benefits anymore I start to feel worse, headache etc.
