[CPAP] New to CPAP, need help with where to start with data

[restingquietly]

Hi all,

Thanks for this forum and the resources. I've spent some time reading through the oscar-related wikis, which has been very helpful. I usually try to find what I'm looking for in a new forum before posting, and I have poked around a bit, but I am feeling a bit lost as to where to start.

I started CPAP a couple of weeks ago after an in-lab sleep study showing mild apnea, 16 AHI. I have been experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, brain fog, memory issues, etc. I am a 39-year old woman and I am not overweight.

Using the CPAP has brought down my AHI. I think it's too soon to say if it's helping with my daytime symptoms, as it's early days. But I am being woken up frequently by the CPAP, usually because of a mouth leak. It is also waking up my partner. I will try a chin strap, but would also appreciate a quick look at my chart from someone familiar, to let me know of anything that jumps out at you and/or any data points or patterns I should be particularly tuned into. Also happy to be pointed to other threads/resources as homework.

Thank you!
   

[jdougc]

Welcome to the forum,
Make sure that the chin strap goes under the chin and pulls straight up, not back at all, pulling the jaw back would mak your apnea worse.
Your minimum pressure is too low for an adult, you need at least 7cm or 8 cm.
Your flow limits are too high , EPR is used to treat these, set EPR to 3.

Try that for a few nights and post back.

It may take weeks or even months to feel normal after having untreated apnea for a long time

[restingquietly]

Thank you! I will try this and report back.

[sandman98]

I haven't tried a chin strap, but i've found that the Caldera Releaf neck rest pillow is very effective at curbing mouth leaks. i know some people also use a soft cervical collar to help keep the mouth closed with CPAP therapy.