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[CPAP] Newbie DreamStation Auto
#1
Newbie DreamStation Auto
I was recently diagnosed with mild sleep apnea, mostly hypopnea events related to REM sleep. I have the DreamStation AutoCPAP, but I think its set for a constant pressure, not auto. I'm currently using the ResMed AirFit full face mask, but since it doesn't work well when sleeping on my side, they're sending me a nose pillow that should be here tomorrow. I've been using the machine for 9 days, but I don't feel any more rested than before, my AHI numbers are still above 5, usually at least 7. Doing a little bit of research, I learned that an AutoCPAP is better for oxygen levels dropping in relation to REM. 

I guess my question is, is it likely that I'm not feeling relief because of the mask, or the machine not being in Auto mode?

I also downloaded OSCAR, and holy cow does that have SOOOO much more information than the puny DreamMapper app! I attached last night's data. I also have a screenshot of the night before and the overview if that would be helpful. Thanks!


Attached Files Thumbnail(s)
   
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#2
RE: Newbie DreamStation Auto
Welcome to the forum.

What you have is a typical DreamStation issue of not enough pressure. We like auto mode because it makes it somewhat easier to pin down your optimum settings
Try 8-15 in auto mode or we can just step up in fixed mode, if so try 9,
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#3
RE: Newbie DreamStation Auto
I owned fa dream station and could never get good treatment and after 5 years it got worse. I asked to get a new ResMed VAUTO but was told I could not have another machine without the dream station being unusable so I purchased from supplier#2. It was used for a month before I bought it last night NO events at all.  If you can I would tell them this machine is not working for you and you want a ResMed. Just my 2 cents.
Apnea (80-100%) 10 seconds, Hypopnea (50-80%) 10 seconds, Flow Limits (0-50%) not timed  Cervical Collar - Dealing w DME - Chart Organizing
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#4
RE: Newbie DreamStation Auto
I started four years ago on a Dreamstation set at 7.0 and it worked reasonably well, then as my numbers weren't as low as I wanted I went to 8.0 but with little difference, and then went higher which actually increased my AHI.

My numbers again started to climb a while back, but also I had started to relax my jaw more in my sleep and was having mouth leaks using the F&P Eson nose mask.

Now with a new ResMed AirFit F20 full face mask, and after playing with auto settings for a bit, I'm now consistently under 0.9 (with a 0.3 the other night  Cool and usually 0.4 to 0.6)

Now I have a minimum of 8.0 and a maximum of 15.0 (20.0 kept waking me up on the odd occasions it would go that high)
I don't use ramp or EPR settings, but have Auto ON/OFF switched on so I don't have to reach under the edge of the bed to start or stop the machine.

It may take a little bit of time, but with some adjustments you will most likely achieve success.
- They are not spelling/grammar errors.. I live in Australia, we do it differently Down Under  Big Grin -
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#5
RE: Newbie DreamStation Auto
In addition to using Auto mode or a pressure of 9.0, I would suggest you either turn off ramp, or select a higher minimum pressure and use the auto ramp feature rather than the fixed 30 minutes. It's obvious you have many events during that 30 minute ramp, I count at least 9 events there alone which starts you off with an AHI of 18. Pretty awful start, don't you think? Here is a quick tutorial on accessing your clinical settings https://www.apneaboard.com/dreamstation-...structions
Sleeprider
Apnea Board Moderator
www.ApneaBoard.com

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