Why clustered in the AM hours

[brfoley]

I've been just on the early road to using my BiPap... about 6 weeks or so. I have the Aircurve 10 VAuto. The DME initially set it up in S mode with settings of 14 min and 19 max. I started using a Nasal Mask. I tried for the fist couple weeks trying to get good numbers, even using a chin strap and very tight mask fitting but I always seemed to be leaking excessively. So I moved to a fall face mask and saw a very good improvement but still often a lot of leakage. I decided to change my settings changing to VPap Auto Mode with min 10 and max 19 and ps of 5. With that change I started to get really good numbers and mask fitting was much more comfortable and no leaking.

With that all as prelude I am curious. With the same settings I have had some variation and in particular I noticed that most of my events happen in the early morning hours before I awake. I've included two charts to see. Just appreciate any insight as to how to be more consistent in results.

[OpalRose]

Your apneas in the first chart are minimal.  Sometimes we're not really asleep, maybe tossing and turning and holding our breath without realizing.  

The second chart shows "Positional Apnea" at the beginning and early morning hours.
You can see this on the graph where the apnea are "clustered" together.

This happens when you are either on your back or side, but are allowing your head to tilt forward into your chest, thus cutting your air supply, kind of like a kink in a hose.  

Yours is not too bad, just try to be aware of your "chin tucking". Be sure that you're not using pillows that are too tall as this can cause your head to tilt forward.

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

[brfoley]

Thanks for the insight! Actually I was thinking it might be positional.. but wanted someone more knowledgable to suggest that as well. Will try and focus on not chin tucking , because I do notice at times that I do do that.

[OpalRose]

Ok great! If you need any more help, feel free to post another chart.