dodger6768 - Therapy Thread

[dodger6768]

Bonjour, I have followed you for a while.  I can not figure out my issues.  I'm a 70 year old man and have been diagnosed with mild sleep apnea approximately 15 years ago.  I use my machine religiously always about 8 hours per night.  Some people improve immediately, me, not so much.  I formally used a System one BiPap with an Amara View mask.  No matter what the settings were, I never felt rested.  I have had many nights where my AHI was under 2.0, sometimes under 1.0.  Still not rested.  I decided to purchase a Dream Station auto BiPap out of my own pocket (You know, you would pay anything for a good nights sleep). I fiddled with it through a DME tech.  Not much help.  AHI was very high (7-8) for me and I felt worse.  I finally gave up and went back to my System one at 16 & 12.  AHI dropped significantly to under 2.0 immediately, but I still do not feel rested.  I went back to the Dream Station last night with the recommended default settings (Default Settings Mode: Auto-BiPAP, IPAP: 25 CM H2O, EPAP: 4 CM H2O, PS Min: 2, PS Max 8, Bi-Flex: On 2, SmartStart: Off, Ramp: 30 Minutes, Ramp Start Pressure: 4 CM H2O, BlueTooth: On, Humidification (if available): Adaptive, Heated Tubing Temperature Level (if Available): 3).  AHI was over 7, still don't feel rested.  I can't figure out why a auto BiPap wouldn't stop all apneas.  I am going to purchase a soft cervical collar, as you  suggested, today.  Will see if that improves my sleep tonight. ANY suggestions will be GREATLY appreciated.

[dodger6768]

Trying to add attachment. What file extension?  Won't let me use .csv as exported from Oscar

[jaswilliams]

Dodger,

Open a daily screen press F12 it will create a .png file look in my signature for tips and layouts

[dodger6768]

My laptop was a little different, but I figured it out.

[Gideon]

This helps a lot.

You have hypopneas, RERAs, Flow Limits, and Snores, all of these respond to PS so set your min PS =4, that should help.
I would like to completely eliminate the RERAs because each one indicates an arousal or sleep disturbance.

You can disable VS2 as it is just providing clutter, also turn off the right sidebar and the monthly calendar (the little triangle)  This will provide more info.
You are having some clustering of obstructive events,  this typically indicates that your chin is tucking and can be managed with a soft cervical collar.  I'd rather wait a night or two and see if this clears up but don't be surprised.

Try that and then let's see what we get.

[dodger6768]

Thanks!!! Will advise.

[Sleeprider]

I'm pretty sure the EPAP min needs to move to 7.0, but we can wait and see. The additional pressure support should help. Your current machine setup looks like it was done by someone that was guessing.

[dodger6768]

Rough night.....

[jaswilliams]

I would not raise the PS any more there are hints of an increase in CA’s and times of periodic breathing. But I would suggest raiding the min epap to 7

[dodger6768]

Last night a little better.  Took a nap earlier in the afternoon.