New user- 2 week CPAC results + sleep study

[DeepBreathing]

I think that you should follow the trial protocol, otherwise the results might be invalidated. On the other hand I would not be happy with somebody remotely changing the settings without prior discussion.

[kiwi man]

I went into the clinic but they changed them and never explained why.

Attached is my last night graph- anything interesting aside from needing the pressure raised?

[DeepBreathing]

Looking at this chart and your prior ones, my guess is that they are limiting the maximum pressure to try and keep the central (clear airway) apneas under control. Which raises an important question - did your diagnostic sleep study show central apneas, or have they emerged once you started treatment? If they only emerged once you went on the hose there is a chance they will resolve themselves over time with some careful attention to pressure. One thing that should be done is to turn off the "flex" as that can often contribute to centrals.

Time, I think, for a deep and meaningful conversation with your doctor / technician to find out exactly what their strategy is. You may be "just a dumb patient who wouldn't understand these things" but you're paying their wages and it's your right to be a fully informed and involved patient.

[SarcasticDave94]

My advice is similar to Deep Breathing. When you talk with the doc. ask why the pressure was changed. Maybe suggest they don't change it unless they can explain what and why they're changing it. You're free to state to the doc. treatment is worse than before because you see the chart info, maybe it's also how you feel, etc. Hope you get the treatment you need.

[kiwi man]

Thank you for everyone response. It sounds like I need to get hold of my initial sleep study and post it. I see them next Tuesday.

I understand in the simplest terms the different between OSA and Centrals but if someone had an AHI of 12 (which I did in the sleep study) made of the following (made up numbers below). Does that mean they are mixed in a normal Auto CPAP machine will not work?
Obstructive Index 4
Hypopnea Index 4
Clear Airway Index 4

[SarcasticDave94]

The answer right now is likely to be maybe. Since your numbers are divided equally between 3 parameters, it doesn’t meet the criteria of half being central, as I understand it that is. At least with just that info. Trying the machine and creating usage/sleep data helps decide whether or not you can claim need for ASV. Typically insurance requirements state trial and failure on both CPAP and BPAP before graduating to ASV. Include a sleep study and titration for each machine as possible as well.

[kiwi man]

thanks Dave- just a note the 1/3 split of numbers was just an example

[SarcasticDave94]

thanks Dave- just a note the 1/3 split of numbers was just an example

That’s OK. Here’s my actual obstructive vs central numbers on the last sleep study: 24 OSA 124 CSA

[pholynyk]

You haven't mentioned which province you live in - every province has different rules for supplying machines. Saskatchewan will loan you a machine, Ontario will pay 75% except nothing for ASV, the others seem to be 'you are on your own'.

With the mix of centrals and hypopnea that you are showing, looking at the sleep study would tell us a lot about which machine would be most appropriate for you.

Have you looked at background information in the wiki? http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki

[kiwi man]

Hi All!  Thanks for the FANTASTIC forum  

I have attached my sleep study and two trial on the CPAC machine. Unfortunately its not going too well.

It seems like I am a central guy- would the typical machine even help?

The doc dropped down the pressure about 1 week in (not sure why)

My GF say I mouth breathe during the night but I can't see that in the leaks? or can I?

Any words of wisdom? I lover to turn around my results.

Kriwi Man.