New Member having big problems

[Peter_C]

Remember, the machine won't do you any good if you keep ripping the mask off

I would sincerely suggest wearing it while reading or watching TV for a few hours at a time (on, and everything) to help you get used to it. Mask issues can only be improved by trial and error it seems. Personally, I have tried more masks than I can count, most won't work at all, some takes a few hours to see that they fail for one reason or another, I've been fooled twice - where I thought a mask was perfect only to find it wouldn't work for one reason or another, and lastly, only two maks in some 12 years have been perfect from the first moment in time (most recently is the "Wisp").

[OzzieMatt]

Hi Peter. Thanks for the reply.

I appreciate what you are saying. The problem for me is the last few times I've woken up without the mask on and don't have any recollection of either waking up to remove it...or of actually removing it. I wake up...and it's off. And that's all she wrote!!

The good news is I managed nearly 3 hours sleep with it last night. I'm improving

I visited my therapist today and he was happy with the results, given me newbie status. It appears like I may have a high pressure setting around 18, which is great considering I was concerned 20 might not be enough and I was having fears I'd need to go over to BiPAP.

It appears as though my main issue at the moment is keeping my mask on. I'm sure I can overcome this.

[zonk]

I visited my therapist today and he was happy with the results, given me newbie status. It appears like I may have a high pressure setting around 18, which is great considering I was concerned 20 might not be enough and I was having fears I'd need to go over to BiPAP.

I cannot keep full face mask on at pressure higher than 10, let alone 18 or 20. You,re doing great

You've download the software, whats AHI, pressure/leaks stats (median, 95% percentile, maximum)
If 18 is 95% percentile, does not mean the machine been at that number all night long , actually means ... pressure was at or below that number for 95% of the time during the night (hours used)

[OzzieMatt]

OK. If I'm reading the summary out of ResScan correctly, my figures for last night were:

AHI 2.9

Pressure; Median 17, 95% 19.6, Max 19.9

The good news is from my stats I spent quite a while between 15 and 18 for pressure.

Leaks remain my big problem, driving my pressure numbers up. During the period when my mask wasn't leaking, pressure dropped noticeably.

I also recorded just the one noticeable apnoea event (10 seconds) during the period when everything was working ok.

Getting the mask worked out looks key to my success. Which is a relief. It could have been a lot more complicated

[zonk]

I wish I had, as some have suggested, gone for my second sleep study to ascertain my CPAP requirements. My doctor just cut straight to treatment saying my case was serious enough to warrant that short cut!

I would consider asking the doctor for the titration study, the machine is not going find the right pressure if not getting enough hours of sleep with the mask on and leaks within acceptable range .... high leaks can distort data readings

[OzzieMatt]

I'm going to persist with the current pressure settings and treatment. At least for the short term. The follow-up study is always there as an option but my therapist was quite encouraged by the readings last night.

I'm aware I'm still very new to this treatment and it's quite a challenge wearing a full face mask, with high pressures. Mask anxiety/claustrophobia will just need to be conquered

[vsheline]

It appears like I may have a high pressure setting around 18, which is great considering I was concerned 20 might not be enough and I was having fears I'd need to go over to BiPAP.

Hi OzzieMatt, welcome to the forum!

Don't be afraid to get bi-level machine.

I think most people with high pressure (over 14) prefer bi-level, if given the chance to try both and choose their preference.

Take care,
--- Vaughn

[DeepBreathing]

Don't be afraid to get bi-level machine.

I think most people with high pressure (over 14) prefer bi-level, if given the chance to try both and choose their preference.

I've certainly found the bi-level (ASV) machine a lot easier to live with than the APAP, with markedly better results. The problem is the market distortion here in Oz makes them hellish expensive - nearly twice the price of an APAP. For this reason the therapists try every permutation of CPAP and APAP before going to a VPAP type device.

[OzzieMatt]

[quote='vsheline' pid='48868' dateline='1383986778']
The problem is the market distortion here in Oz makes them hellish expensive - nearly twice the price of an APAP. For this reason the therapists try every permutation of CPAP and APAP before going to a VPAP type device.

True!

---

[quote='OzzieMatt' pid='48848' dateline='1383962612']
Don't be afraid to get bi-level machine.

Hi Vaughn.

Not so much "afraid" as reluctant. I'm already struggling to contain mask leaks with pressures between 15-20. I don't really want to go any higher. I'm worried my face will blow off!!! haha

[OzzieMatt]

Great news!!

Last night I managed to achieve the 'Compliance Threshold' (>4 hours).

I achieved 4 hours 45 minutes before a leaking mask interrupted my session.

I'm very excited.

However, there's a downside (isn't there almost always!). Like an idiot, I forgot to insert the SD card before turning in for the night last night, so can only retrieve basic data this morning. D'oh!

It's ok, though, because that data confirms what has become an obvious pattern and key to my ongoing success: mask leak!!!

Despite the human error, I'm buzzed. I actually feel like I'm getting somewhere. Just gotta nail down this mask issue.

So excited!