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Need advice on how to improve results
#1
Wink 
Need advice on how to improve results
Trying to figure out best settings for my new dreamstation cpap.  Been on cpap over 20 years and now trying to learn how to understand the data. ahi number has been from just over 4 to 15  Going to try to attach data for any help I can get.  Will watch my replies to see if I am even posting this correctly.  Thanks  Bill
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#2
RE: need advice on how to improve results
Welcome to the forum. The clustering of your apneas suggests positional apneas resulting from tucking your chin to your chest. This is usually resolved by using a soft cervical collar. They can be purchased at any pharmacy for around $10. i like the OTC collar sold on Amazon since it comes in a good selection of sizes.
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#3
RE: need advice on how to improve results
You have a very strong indication of Positional Apnea.  In addition to the loose-fitting Soft Cervical collar an anti-snoring collar or wedge will also do the job.
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#4
RE: need advice on how to improve results
Melman was the same when he joined the forum. You're in good hand with someone that has had your same experience. A soft cervical collar will not only reduce your apnea, it's gong to lower your pressure requirements.
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INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#5
RE: need advice on how to improve results
Welcome to Apnea Board ybcold.

I agree with the above suggestion, try the soft collar. I would stay away from the spike designed versions though. Oh, there's other items you can consider trying, such as special pillows, etc., but let's keep it simple and get the collar to see the results.

Best to ya on your successful treatment.

Coffee
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEBSITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#6
RE: need advice on how to improve results
Thanks Thanks to everyone who replied to my post.  Very grateful for the advice.  I did go dig a old pillow out of the closet that is 2 inch foam
and that helped.  Still had some clustering showing this morning but now have a thin sculptured memory foam pillow to try for tonight and also got a soft collar to try tonight as well.  I have learned a lot from sleepyhead and will stick with it.  Just need more practice using it. Will make a donation today as a way of saying thanks.  Bill
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#7
RE: need advice on how to improve results
I started out with a buckwheat chaff pillow which can be configured to keep my head in the same position and prevent chin tucking. It immediately took care of my positional apneas. The disadvantages are that it requires sleeping in the same position all night and costs $50 or more. I find that the soft collar allows me to use any pillow and to sleep in various positions with no positional apnea clusters. It also prevents my mouth from opening and sometimes breaking the bottom seal of my F20 FF mask.

As soon as you see improvement in the event clusters I suggest you post more Sleepyhead charts so some of the chart gurus like Sleeprider can advise you on optimizing your pressure settings.
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INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.

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#8
advice??
From previous post advice was to try a cervical collar. I did. First two nights were not good and now this is third night and have no idea what this indicates.  Your advice is appreciated.
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#9
RE: advice??
Sorry for the slow response but I reviewed your previous thread. (Always a good idea to keep things in one thread so your history is all together).
Well done on resolving your positional apnea.  The issue here is RERA (Respiratory Effort Related Arousals) also known as also known as Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS).
Assuming this is a typical night I would raise your minimum pressure by 1 cmw and see if this is reduced.

Fred
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#10
RE: Need advice on how to improve results
Moderator note: the two threads have been merged.
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INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.  ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA.  INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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