Advice please! (Newbie)

[valtos123]

Hi there, 

I recently had a Sleep Study done by a private respiratory doctor here in the UK. The main symptoms I was experiencing were waking up frequently throughout the night, bursts of shallow dream-like sleeping only and next day fatigue. I do not snore and sleep on my side. 

The doctor gave me a Home Study kit and I had a pretty awful night sleep-wise - I wasn't actually sure if I slept! However, the study showed sleep disordered breathing and, alarmingly, that my oxygen levels were consistently dropping into the 80's and causing me to wake up. 

In the Doctors opinion I have a case of UARS and he gave me a Resmed Autoset Spirit II and I have been trialling it for a few weeks. Although I have got used to wearing the mask and believe I have increased mild benefits, I am still suffering from the same symptoms (frequent arousals, no deep sleep, next day fatigue) I was suffering from prior to using machine. I recently tried wearing a soft collar and I really believe this has helped more. 

To cut a long story short, I haven't been overwhelmed with the service I have received from the doctor and feel I have been charged a rather extortionate amount for the Study and APAP trial. Therefore, I am reluctant to hand over any more money and am very close to ordering a AirCurve 10 Bilevel vauto and seeking the very helpful advice of those on this forum to better evaluate my sleep. 

It may be worth mentioning that I have recently had an MRI scan that indicates a hyper-mobility syndrome such as Ehlers Danlos. 

Would anyone recommend against me going ahead with ordering an AirCurve 10 Bilevel vAuto to see if I experience an improvement? Is there anything else I should try in the meantime?

Thank you!!!!!

ps - I am a 30 year old male with a slim physique - I am unable to upload my sleep study results as the dr is yet to provide them despite the study being some time ago

[Sleeprider]

The Vauto is the machine I use, and nothing is better to treat obstructive sleep apnea and upper airway resistance. Look for the best prices you can find, but also check with Supplier #2 who has shipped a lot of machines overseas and supported the warranties. They sell very lightly used machines for $799 USD and will quote the run hours if you give them a call. They sometimes have new machines in stock at a good discount.

I have seen hypermobility in some previous members and the most critical aspect is to find the most comfortable therapy that imposes minimal pressure on the face. If you tolerate nasal therapy, consider using nasal pillows like the Resmed Airfit P10 because it is the smallest, lightest mask available and only touches the bottom of your nose. Avoid masks with a bridge over the nose if possible. If you need a full-fact type mask, a hybrid that uses a soft covering of the mouth and nasal pillows may be better.

[valtos123]

Thank you for your reply. 

Is it straightforward to set up? ie. does it have an autoset default option? (similar to how the autoset spirit ii works)

If I have undiagnosed Central Sleep Apnea can a bilevel machine make things worse? 

Cheers

[valtos123]

One more question, sorry for any silly ones, are there any circumstances whereby APAP is specifically recommended over a Bi Level machine?

[Sleeprider]

A Vauto can run in CPAP, auto CPAP and of course bilevel mode. If you are prone to have central apnea, then bilevel therapy and EPR are probably not something you want as the pressure difference between inhale and exhale (pressure support or EPR) increases ventilation, decreases CO2 and can upset the your respiratory drive. What are your settings on your current Autoset, including minimum, maximum and EPR? Do you have problems using that machine?

[valtos123]

I am currently trialling this machine so it appears to have been set up in a patient mode whereby I am unable to view or modify settings. I am in Autoset mode and Settling is turned Off and appears to begin on pressure 4.0. 

The main issue I'm having with the machine is that it doesn't appear to be solving the issues re: frequent awakenings, lack of deep sleep and next day fatigue. I havent looked at tracking oxygen levels. I was keen to try Bi Level to see if I noticed an improvement before committing to a more thorough overnight sleep study to assess for Central Sleep Apnea.

[valtos123]

Or maybe you'll advise that I can do my own assessment for Central Sleep Apnea using the Air Curve vAuto and make a decision from there whether I need something else (e.g. ASV)

[Sleeprider]

Here is how to access settings https://www.apneaboard.com/resmed-airsen...setup-info

Even better, why not download the free OSCAR software and post a chart. It will tell us everything we need to know, including any problems. OSCAR

[astraith]

In the Doctors opinion I have a case of UARS and he gave me a Resmed Autoset Spirit II and I have been trialling it for a few weeks. Although I have got used to wearing the mask and believe I have increased mild benefits, I am still suffering from the same symptoms (frequent arousals, no deep sleep, next day fatigue) I was suffering from prior to using machine. I recently tried wearing a soft collar and I really believe this has helped.

Thank you!!!!!

ps - I am a 30 year old male with a slim physique - I am unable to upload my sleep study results as the dr is yet to provide them despite the study being some time ago

Sadly - I don’t know enough to help!! But I wanted to say I have used a Philips (I think that’s what you have) and I never liked mine. It didn’t even last more then five years. I feel ResMed is definitely better. But this is only based off my use of the two machines I’ve used so far. 

All I can say is - like you are now - ask questions and learn as much as you can! Try to figure out that software and hopefully these smart people can help you!!! Sleep is important and I hope you get some!!!

[SarcasticDave94]

If you're in fact dealing with pre-existing Central Apnea, the VAuto, a BPAP without backup breath rate, is likely to be the most wrong machine. ASV that has backup rate is best. Short of that, a CPAP or an AutoSet is OK. But anything short of ASV, you're avoiding CA not treating it. Only ASV treats the CA. Just info if it becomes applicable.