CPAP therapy doesn't seem to be working

[Michael4786]

I got my machine this past Friday, July 26 (ResMed AirCurve 10). I've used it every night, but each night my events per hour shoot up. Last night it was 60 (which is well over my initial diagnosis.) Something is wrong but I don't know what. I called my doctor yesterday but didn't hear back. Very frustrated (and I'm going out of town tomorrow for six days). I don't know what to do.

[Sleeprider]

Michael, it's unclear if you had 60 total event or have an AHI of 60. It is important to determine what kind of events you are having, as well as whether they occur as a pattern related to sleep position, sleep stage and other possible factors. The approach to resolve an AHI of 60 consisting of obstructive apneas will differ from what would be recommended if you are having predominately clear (central) apnea and hypopnea.

Since you are new to the forum, it will take several posts until you can attach images from your software. I also recommend you try Sleepyhead software as it provides much more detail. http://www.sleepfiles.com/SH2/

Given the very high event rate you are reporting, I suspect you may be experiencing CPAP induced complex apnea. It would be great if we could see some data to confirm that suspicion or point another direction. If true, then you're on the wrong machine. If false, we may be able to make some suggestions. It is very early on in your therapy, and your doctor will be interested in these results.

[Michael4786]

Thanks Sleeprider. I believe last night my AHI was 60.4 over a total of 6 hours. The previous day, it was in the upper 30s. It's been high every night, but I don't have a record of past reports that I can see. I'm not really sure what software I have. It's transmitted directly from my machine. Something seems to be wrong.

[Mosquitobait]

My first question is How do you feel? It could be that there is something wrong with the machine and not you. My brand new Airsense For Her machine worked, but gave off an odor and stopped recording partway through the night. So, I think these things get damaged in shipping sometimes.

[MobileBasset]

I have that machine and the first time I used it I had a very bad night. It turned out to be the PS setting, which was too high and was disruptive and causing a high number of CAs. I lowered the PS setting and everything calmed down nicely. Don't know if that is your issue but I agree, data evaluation is called for.

[Michael4786]

My first question is How do you feel? It could be that there is something wrong with the machine and not you. My brand new Airsense For Her machine worked, but gave off an odor and stopped recording partway through the night. So, I think these things get damaged in shipping sometimes.

I don't feel so well this morning. My breathing is very shallow.

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I have that machine and the first time I used it I had a very bad night. It turned out to be the PS setting, which was too high and was disruptive and causing a high number of CAs. I lowered the PS setting and everything calmed down nicely. Don't know if that is your issue but I agree, data evaluation is called for.

I wish my doctor would call! Thanks for the tip.

[Sleeprider]

Do try downloading the software linked at the top of the forum. It's free and will give you and the rest of us the missing information. http://www.sleepfiles.com/SH2/

If you want to post charts, here is a tutorial on how to get them on our screens. http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...pnea_Board

You are using a bilevel machine and it can cause some CA in some people, but an AHI of 30 to 60 is excessive. If you can look at the breakdown of AHI events (OA, H, CA) it would be helpful, although posting a chart would be best.

[tedburnsIII]

In the meantime, call a supervisory clinician at your DME and relay this information.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Michael4786,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more suggestions and answers to your questions and much success to you with your CPAP therapy and getting it fine tuned to work for you.

[Michael4786]

In the meantime, call a supervisory clinician at your DME and relay this information.

I talked to my respiratory therapist at my medical device company. She is also very concerned about my readings.