Data comparison
I'm a first-time CPAP user. I started using my new Philips Respironics DreamStation Pro about a month ago.
My average usage is 5:30 hours with almost 7 hours last night. My average AHI is 5.8. (6.7 last night) My average Mask Fit is 87% (82% last night). I've had trouble with mask fit the last few nights. I don't know why. How do these numbers compare with other first-time users?
RE: Data comparison
Hi SamStamport,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for answers to your question.
Much success to you with your CPAP therapy.
trish6hundred
RE: Data comparison
I am on my third week with a Dreamstation (new to CPAP). My mask fit has been 100% as reported in DreamMapper and on the machine. I have had quite a lot of small leaks and pulling the mask off to re-position it. So 87% seems like you have a lot of large leaks that should be addressed. I'd go back and ask to be fitted for some other masks or to learn how to fit this one better.
I started on a pressure of 6 and my average AHI was between 8 and 11. I then had my pressure adjusted up to 9 (reported as my 90% level on APAP) and now my AHI is below 2 most night, getting above three some nights.
I think a better mask fit would result in better AHI numbers. How do you feel after using the machine?
RE: Data comparison
Thanks so much for your insight.
I'll check into the mask problem.
My pressure is set at 10. I have a "ramp" button that I push when I first put the mask on. It starts at 4 and gradually goes up to 10.
I had great expectations that I would immediately feel much better. At this point I feel about 60% better than before, but still deal with some hangover symptoms in the morning. Morning is the worst time of day for me. I usually feel much better in the afternoons.
RE: Data comparison
Hmmm. Chin strap. I'll keep that in mind.
Meanwhile I contacted my support person. She is sending another mask. Maybe I'm too rough with it and it just wore out?
RE: Data comparison
I am a newbie also. Been using CPAP for a little over a month now. I have used it every night so far, with probably around 6:30 - 7 hrs of usage per night. My AHI has varied but always been below 1. I started out with a chinstrap as my Fiance told me I sleep with my mouth open. The one night I tried without it, I got an email from Resmed or my DME telling me I had some excessive leaking during the night, possible due to my mouth being open. Would like to resolve that issue but want to make sure everything else is going well for a while first. BTW, for a "chinstrap" I have just been using a winter style headband I had laying around. It is soft and comfortable and seems to be the right size to apply a small amount of tension.
Not sure what the mask fit % is, but my leak level has been "good" every night with most nights having an average of 0 leak. Looking at data in SleepyHead, I see small leaks here and there but they don't seem to amount to anything.
Hopefully it is helpful to hear about other's experience.
RE: Data comparison
Based on your post & a previous post it sounds like I sleep with my mouth open as well. I thought that might be the case. That's why I opted for a triangular face mask that covers mouth & nose, but I guess that's not enough to break a very old habit.
Since I live in a warm climate could you post a picture of the winter style headband. Where can I get this? Wal Mart or a drugstore?
Thanks!
RE: Data comparison
your "support" person at the DME should be able to provide you with one.
