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+--- Thread: Newbie here. Question about chinstrap and sleepyhead (/Thread-Newbie-here-Question-about-chinstrap-and-sleepyhead)
Newbie here. Question about chinstrap and sleepyhead - Laser - 04-24-2013
I've been using my CPAP for all of a week and I've been waking up in the morning with a sorethroat so I downloaded my data with sleepyhead and see that I'm having a bunch of clear airway events especially near 3am(AHI for the night is 6.8 but it peaks at 10-12 during these times). I've read that these may be central events but I don't think I had many central events during my sleep study (35 AHI mostly obstructive hypneas). Is it possible that these are times when I breath through my mouth (my leak rate stays really low through the whole night (9 or 10 leaks btwn 5-10 l/min?) If I'm opening my mouth, what kind of chinstrap seems to be the best (I'm at my out of pocket max and my Doc seems willing to prescribe whatever I ask for so cost isn't an issue). I'm feeling better sleepwise but this sore throat is killing me. Thanks for your help. I've been trolling on this site for a month or so and it helped me get my ResMed S9 Autoset since the DME wanted to give me an Escape but the posters here set me straight on how to get what I want/need.
RE: Newbie here. Question about chinstrap and sleepyhead - zonk - 04-24-2013
Hi Laser ... I don,t use SleepyHead
Try Biotene mouthwash for the dry throat
Chinstrap can helps keep mouth closed and prevent mouth breathing
A bit more humidity might help and nasal washes too
I use chinstrap and set the climate line on auto, no rainout on auto
RE: Newbie here. Question about chinstrap and sleepyhead - Shastzi - 04-24-2013
Hi Laser!
The 3 am cluster effect:
I know it well. Always between 2:30 am and 4 am.
I was able to beat that by wearing a small back pack with 3 tubes of tennis balls packed in it. (still in the tubes)
Works like a charm.
I was rolling over on my back and getting in all kinds of trouble that way.
Leaks:
#1.
You can try the chin strap. I did but it was no help for me because it kept ending up on the floor.
Be advised that you might still leak if pressure gets past your lips.
#2. start trying full face masks. With a little work you can get them to seal up tight. (unless your face is really non-standard size / shape)
You might still get a dry mouth but then you can turn up the humidity.
Good luck!
RE: Newbie here. Question about chinstrap and sleepyhead - JudgeMental - 04-24-2013
Hello Laser...Don/t know your location, but if you are still up north where its still cold or you are "down under" where it might start getting cold, I am more inclined to think..."humidity".. would cause dryness and sore throat symtems more then leaking. Just an increase in the volumn of air that is now going down your airway is going to take some time to toughen the membranes. Then again, a lot of my centrals seem to come shortly after I have gotten up to go to the bathroom, say about 2- 4am. Maybe I am also, going back to bed and laying on my back causing them..
I think I would raise the heat a notch or two and see if that helps. Also, just getting started on the CPAP may just take some more adjusting to it. Hope it goes away soon.
RE: Newbie here. Question about chinstrap and sleepyhead - trish6hundred - 04-24-2013
Hi Laser,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
There are several chinstraps out there. When I use one, I use the Puresom Rubie, (I think that's how you spell that, Ha-Ha,) chinstrap. there are fixed models and adjustable models of that particular brand.
How high do you have your humidity set?
Best of luck.
RE: Newbie here. Question about chinstrap and sleepyhead - Sleepster - 04-24-2013
Laser, the issue with the different types of chin straps is their ability to slide off versus their comfort. You can get one that has one simple strap that may slip off your head, or you can get a more elaborate one that has several straps going over your head and will never slip off. I've tried them both and can use either. I currently use the simpler single strap under my mask, and the mask straps help hold it in place.
As to those central events, they are normal for beginners. They will fade away in a week or two. If they don't, or if you're concerned, discuss the issue with your doctor. He may recommend a slightly lower pressure to reduce them, but that can be a risky move because it may increase your obstructive apnea index.
RE: Newbie here. Question about chinstrap and sleepyhead - Laser - 04-24-2013
Thanks for the help. I live in the desert so humidity is always an issue. I have mine set at 4. I can try bumping it up a notch or two. Is it worth getting the climatline hose for the S9? If so, what do I need to tell the Doc so that he will prescribe it (so the insurance will cover it).
RE: Newbie here. Question about chinstrap and sleepyhead - zonk - 04-25-2013
(04-24-2013, 10:35 PM)Laser Wrote: Is it worth getting the climatline hose for the S9? If so, what do I need to tell the Doc so that he will prescribe it (so the insurance will cover it).Climate control in auto mode, allows you to select temp to preference and automatically adjust humidity level to maintain constant 80% relative humidity and protect against rainout. So you can set temp as high as you prefer with no rainout
Tell the doc you,re getting dry throat and the climate line (heated hose) designed to prevent dryness of the nose and mouth
I pay $49 for climate line from Supplier #10 delivered to my home .... otherwise I would have to pay $99 in Australia
RE: Newbie here. Question about chinstrap and sleepyhead - archangle - 04-25-2013
Look at the graphs and see how long and how complete those centrals are.
RE: Newbie here. Question about chinstrap and sleepyhead - vsheline - 04-29-2013
(04-24-2013, 06:10 PM)Laser Wrote: I'm having a bunch of clear airway events especially near 3am(AHI for the night is 6.8 but it peaks at 10-12 during these times). I've read that these may be central events but I don't think I had many central events during my sleep study (35 AHI mostly obstructive hypneas). Is it possible that these are times when I breath through my mouth (my leak rate stays really low through the whole night (9 or 10 leaks btwn 5-10 l/min?)
Hi Laser, welcome to the forum!
If your leaks stay low during these clear airway events, then I think it is highly unlikely that you are mouth breathing during these times.
Further, mouth breathing tends to cause loss of airway pressure and increases likelihood of obstructive events, not clear airway events.
Most likely these are true central apneas. But as Sleepster mentioned, often centrals gradually disappear over the first few months as your body adapts to treatment. If the events are short (less than 30 seconds), then I think they are probably not too concerning, but of course it would be good to bring ResScan reports to your doctor during your follow-ups, showing these events and how long they are lasting.
If the central apneas are lasting longer than 30 seconds then I would let my doctor know this right away and I would at least get a recording Pulse Oximeter to verify my oxygen saturation is staying above 89 during these times. In the US these are usually not prescription items, so I think Pulse-Oximeters are usually not reimbursable by medical insurance.
Supplier 19 in the Supplier List (link is at top of most forum pages) has a good reputation for supplying fairly economical recording Pulse-Oximeters. The wrist-worn ones with separate sensor cup are more expensive but are less uncomfortable to wear all night, especially if using many nights in a row, as you may want to do from time to time.
Take care,
--- Vaughn