[CPAP] Apex XT Auto--what do the numbers mean?

[reb621]

I recently ordered a travel CPAP (the Apex XT Auto) without humidifier for a December vacation. I wore it again last night and this morning I installed the "Easy Complaince" software and connected the CPAP so I could see how well I did with this travel CPAP. (I have worn a Respironics 10, I think it's called, for 2 years. My AHI at diagnosis was "11" and its range is 4-20, but with a diagnosed pressure of 9.

However, last night I had LOTS of leaks (more than with my Respironics) and many more "events." I bought the Apex used/refurbished from an online retailer and gave them my settings from my Respironics that they entered into the travel Apex, so I wouldn't think the therapy would be any different with this travel model. I'm wondering if it's just a bad mask: Maximum Comfort CPAP Mask with the blue comfort gel insert. This is the one that you can adjust just above the nose to angle the seal. It fits great when I'm standing, but as soon as I lie flat/supine, the mask leaks terribly into my eyes (not the exhalation so much, but the INhalation air).

So I am thinking it's all of the leaks that drove my numbers up so high. I also can't see which number is my AHI. If you have used this "Easy Compliance" software before, can you tell from the pics if it is the "37" number or is the "3.89" number that is the AHI? (I use the Sleepyhead software for my Respironics, so still learning the Easy Compliance software.)

There is a 4-month wait to see my sleep dr., so if I can adjust something in the mask and/or APEX settings myself, I will, especially since we're traveling again in the next few weeks.

Thanks!
   
   
   

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For the graph, the top pic is pressure, the middle is apnea (hypopnea) flags, and the bottom is leaks.

[Crimson Nape]

Hi reb621 -

From the best I can understand from your images, you are having 36 hypopnea events and 1 apnea event.  The time-at-pressure chart seems to indicate that you need to increase your starting pressure to at least 6 and probably 7.

What type of device is displaying the images that your are photographing?  If it is a PC, you could use the ALT+ Print Screen option to capture the images.
Here is how you use it:

1. Click the window that you want to copy.
   
2. Press ALT+PRINT SCREEN. This only captures the active program and not the complete screen.
   
3. Paste (CTRL+V) the image into an Office program or other image application, like Paint.
   

I hope this may help.

[Gideon]

You had ab AHI of 3.89, you did good. There is a constant designed mask leak and you had fairly small excursions from that, no problem.
Pressure, the machine did it's job

Fred

[reb621]

Ah, thank you both! I'll be sure to print screen and save to Paint as jpg next time. (I just took pics with my cell phone and emailed them to myself to upload which resulted in these grainy shots.)
Crimson Nape: I will have to search online to find out how to adjust the starting pressure as it didn't come with a manual or SD card since I bought it refurbished.
Bonjour: You said there's a "constant designed mask leak". Do you mean the manufacturer intentionally designs it to leak, or that it's just a poor design/fit for my face/nose?

Thanks again to both of you!

[Gideon]

All CPAP masks have a designed leak, That is what helps to flush our exhaled CO2 out of the system and maintain the proper CO2 balance in our blood to enable us to breathe

[reb621]

Ah, ok, that leak. Got it. Thanks again!