[Treatment] Advice for mask leak and clear airway apnea

[nathanvoltz]

           

Hello, last night I seemed to have an issue with my mask leaking, is there anything recommended to do based on my pressure settings? Also not sure if the clear airway episodes are easily treatable. TIA!

Sorry for the discrepancy in sleeping times, I'm referring to the second half of the graph. The first part is just from a nap I took yesterday

[Gideon]

For now, set EPR=1. Note that this may increase obstructive events.
Can you post a copy of your sleep studies so we can see what existed pre-CPAP

Also a 10-minute view of your centrals so we can see (maybe) what kind of centrals they are.

[nathanvoltz]

           

Sure can, thanks! Sorry, the graphs on the last image are slightly cut off, this is what they provided me with unfortunately

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And here is a 10-minute interval for the central apneas

             

[Gideon]

thanks, nothing to be concerned about, post your EPR=1 when you can

[nathanvoltz]

Hi, here is my EPR=1 data from last night. AHI looks good but seems like I had a lot of leakage. Anything you'd suggest? Thanks so much for your help!

           

[SarcasticDave94]

1. Please minimize OSCAR calendar, it's taking up screen space where therapy data can go. Look at the date line beginning, the black triangle/arrow, click it to minimize.

2A. There are leaks to be addressed as you had correctly noticed. Looking at your leak trace, there's 2 types of leaks you can see here. Find the spikey pattern, that's mask leaking. This means either the mask isn't the correct size, isn't adjusted correct, seal is worn, had slipped out of place, something similar. Take care in adjusting straps. Never tighten too much. If it is uncomfortable or painful, address leaks by changing size or model. Too tight ain't right. Too tight will likely distort the cushion, making leaks worse.

2B. The other leak pattern, flatter sections possibly with rounded ends, this is mouth leaks. You can look at the wiki for more detail, but you can practice the tongue suck sealing method which is the normal state of the tongue while awake. You can control mouth breathing this way. Is it easy to learn? Yes for some, no for others. There's chin straps to hold the jaw closed, and tape to seal off the mouth as well. Last resort is a full face mask that covers nose and mouth.

3. The Centrals lowered when EPR dropped, so that's a good sign. The bad news is this was a 1 night trend. See what happens another night.