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[CPAP] [Settings Review] CPAP for 6+ months but I'm not feeling that restorative sleep - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: [CPAP] [Settings Review] CPAP for 6+ months but I'm not feeling that restorative sleep (/Thread-CPAP-Settings-Review-CPAP-for-6-months-but-I-m-not-feeling-that-restorative-sleep)

[Settings Review] CPAP for 6+ months but I'm not feeling that restorative sleep - CaTMaNiii - 10-12-2021

Hi All, 

I'm a newbie to this forum and have been using my Resmed Airsense 10 machine with (airfit p30i Nasal pillows) since about February of this year. While I have seem some minor improvements in my sleep (my partner says I rarely snore anymore) I don't feel that there has been a significant improvement in my sleep. 

Here is my initial diagnosis:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (G47.33) - Mild based on an pAHI=9.8, pRDI=19.7 and O2 nadir of 87%

I've been googling and making changes to my settings on my own but I wanted to see if there were any recommendations that you may have. 

My current issues are as follows:
  1. I feel stuffy at night and have increased my min pressure setting from 4 - 9. This has helped with any shortness of breath that I was initially feeling when I went to sleep. 
  2. The other night I was feeling extra stuffy so I increased the pressure to 10 but woke up the next morning with what I believe were symptoms of aerophagia. 
  3. I do feel like as the night progresses that I have to work harder to breath. I don't necessarily have shortness of breath but rather I am breathing harder and faster than I think I should be. 
Anyway here is my screenshot for your review. I hope I did this right and thanks in advance.

[attachment=36375]

RE: [Settings Review] CPAP for 6+ months but I'm not feeling that restorative sleep - Geer1 - 10-12-2021

Overall your data looks pretty decent but you could try turning EPR on. EPR at the max of 3 is what people usually find to be the most comfortable.

If the nasal congestion is worse with CPAP then adjusting humidity settings might help. If you feel airways are dry then try bumping humidity up a notch.

RE: [Settings Review] CPAP for 6+ months but I'm not feeling that restorative sleep - CaTMaNiii - 10-13-2021

Thank you I will adjust the EPR and see how it works. I used to have it on but I was reading that having it on is what could lead to breathlessness. 

I don’t know if humidity is the problem. I don’t really wake up feeling dry. In fact i have noticed that sometimes I wake up and pull my mask off to go to the bathroom and I my airways feel wide open and it’s so much easier to breath.

RE: [Settings Review] CPAP for 6+ months but I'm not feeling that restorative sleep - CaTMaNiii - 10-13-2021

Any thoughts on why it might feel that the air is feeling restrictive through the mask?

RE: [Settings Review] CPAP for 6+ months but I'm not feeling that restorative sleep - staceyburke - 10-13-2021

If it is on inhale raise the min pressure

If on exhale raise EPR

RE: [Settings Review] CPAP for 6+ months but I'm not feeling that restorative sleep - pholynyk - 10-13-2021

(10-13-2021, 02:03 PM)CaTMaNiii Wrote: Any thoughts on why it might feel that the air is feeling restrictive through the mask?

Many peole using nasal pillows (airfit p30i Nasal pillows) report that one or two sizes large gives better airflow. If you are using 'smal' try 'medium'... The right size will allow you to breathe freely with just the mask and it's shorty hose.

RE: [Settings Review] CPAP for 6+ months but I'm not feeling that restorative sleep - Deborah K. - 10-13-2021

The P30i is a great mask, but it's odd to fit.  I have small nostrils, but I eventually found, through trying the three sizes that the large was by far more comfortable than the small or medium.  It didn't make any sense to me, but my body knew what felt best.

RE: [Settings Review] CPAP for 6+ months but I'm not feeling that restorative sleep - Geer1 - 10-13-2021

EPR is the likely reason. Do a test, put mask on, turn machine on and then set EPR to 3. Turn EPR on and off while continuing to use the machine and you will notice the difference EPR makes.

One other thing to be aware of is to regularly change filters. A plugged filter can make a surprising difference.