Self setup and feedback

[ddipinto]

Hi Everyone,

Last night I began using my wife's old bipap (Aircurve 10) as she has been getting increasingly worried about my snoring and gaps in breathing. She was diagnosed about 7 years ago with severe sleep apnea, roughly 160 events per hour so she wants me to see of this will help before I request a sleep study.

I have historically had terribly sleep hygiene and currently average about 6 hours of semi-restful sleep per night, partially on account of a puppy that wakes up early and my tendencies to stay up late. I am a side sleeper and have tried nasal dilators and various pillow configurations.

She tells me that I do go in phases where there is no snoring or issues and then will either snore or pause between breaths.

Here is the chart from my first night. I did not feel much different in the morning compared to sleeping without it, but I know that it can take time.
     

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

[Phaleronic]

It's good that you're trying it, but I'd start with straight cpap mode (if this machine can do that) at 15cmh2o and see if it feels more natural...

[ddipinto]

Thanks for the suggestion. Out of curiosity, why do you recommend the CPAP mode when the machine has automatic settings?

A week into my trial and with Auto settings I averaged about 1 to 2 AHI with one outlier night where I had terrible mask leaking.

I changed the sensitivity on the Vauto based on the notes on the Optimizing Therapy page to high from medium and got 0.1 AHI. 

I have requested a sleep study to get a professional assessment, but my wife has noted that I do not snore with the device which is one factor that has improved.