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Machine: DreamStation Auto CPAP Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: DreamWear Full Face (Medium) Humidifier: DreamStation CPAP Pressure: Min: 8.0 Max 20.0 (cmH2O) CPAP Software: OSCAR
Thanks to those that manage this forum and for the advice given.
I have been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea after an initial sleep study, which showed that I was stopping breathing for ~10 secs every 30 secs at times and my O2 levels were cycling between 84% and 90% during these times.
I have now completed a titration study using a nose mask and chin strap (once it was realised I was mouth breathing). With a pressure range of ~6 to ~15 mmH2O, varied depending on my sleeping position, my respiration rate was normal and my O2 levels were steady at 93%.
At home I've decided to use a DreamWear Full Face CPAP Mask to avoid needing to use a chin strap.
My first night's OSCAR results are attached (Note: the first 4 hours are missing as I only realised I didn't have the SD in when I got up to go to the bathroom during the night).
I would appreciate any feedback on these results and recommendations to change settings.
You have a lot of Flow Limits and RERAs happening. The definition of RERAs is a series of flow limits ending in arousal.
To resolve these I'd increase your min pressure to 10.
Ramp. Very few experienced users use a ramp. Set your ramp pressure somewhere in the 6-8 range an minimize the length of the ramp. Better, turn the ramp off. Events are not reported during the ramp and until you reach your therapeutic pressures you are not being fully treated.
Gideon - Project Manager and Lead Tester for OSCAR - Open Source CPAP Analysis Reporter
Machine: DreamStation Auto CPAP Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: DreamWear Full Face (Medium) Humidifier: DreamStation CPAP Pressure: Min: 8.0 Max 20.0 (cmH2O) CPAP Software: OSCAR
Machine: DreamStation Auto CPAP Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: DreamWear Full Face (Medium) Humidifier: DreamStation CPAP Pressure: Min: 8.0 Max 20.0 (cmH2O) CPAP Software: OSCAR
For a few nights I was having trouble keeping the mask in place and was walking up with leaks. I put this down to my mouth opening and moving the mask down from under my nose.
I tried a chin strap but found that interfered with the mask. So am now trying taping my mouth, which seems to be working well and I don't notice any leaks.
I've preferred side sleeping (at least to go to sleep), but before CPAP my wife would always wake me up if I was on my back and snoring (usually loud). I think I've been tucking my chin and have swapped to a lower height pillow, but may need to to try a neck brace.
My wife isn't noticing any snoring or at least it isn't waking her up.
I'm not aware of any disruptions to my sleep and am waking up feeling better than usual.
Saturday morning here, so I'll see how the next few nights go.
Machine: DreamStation Auto CPAP Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: DreamWear Full Face (Medium) Humidifier: DreamStation CPAP Pressure: Min: 8.0 Max 20.0 (cmH2O) CPAP Software: OSCAR
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