EtheB - Therapy Thread

[Dormeo]

Just had to chime in to say how wonderful it is to hear from someone who is doing so well with PAP therapy! And kudos for landing your own machine and accessories, for using Oscar, and for coming here to check whether all is well.

[EtheB]

Sleeprider,

Thanks for the confirmation - I’m very happy that the apneaboard has been able to get me sorted and happy so quickly!

All the best,

EtheB

[EtheB]

Thanks Dormeo ?

[EtheB]

    After one night less than as successful as others I persevered with the same settings (I think!) and last night was really excellent.

Only thing that I'd possibly like to alter is - when I first put the pillow mask on I feel that I have to exhale a little more forcefully than is ideal. This sometimes results in my mouth inadvertently opening and I exhale that way. Is there anything I could alter to compensate for this?

One other observation - the AirFit N30i nasal pillow has a 'patterned' area just where it fits into the right angle hose adaptor and this 'leaks' air during operation, is this normal?

[Sleeprider]

You are using a ramp at minimum pressure so that first exhale is against the minimum pressure possible. Not much more we can do, but feel free to exhale orally if you want. Most of us learn to speak or even drink water with a straw with the nasal pillows on. You will learn air control soon enough.
The patterned area is a mask vent and is designed to leak so you don't rebreathe exhaled air. You leak rate looks good. If you want a mask where the vent is unnoticeable try the Airfit P10.

[EtheB]

Thanks Sleeprider, no real problem either way - and as I said, I'm getting some real quality sleep now!

[OpalRose]

EtheB,
Do you think you could tolerate turning the ramp off? A ramp at 4 is pretty low.

It might be less of a struggle if you were starting at your therapy pressure, then EPR would kick in to help with exhale.

[EtheB]

OpalRose,

I'll certainly give that a try tonight - thanks!

EtheB

[Dormeo]

Same recommendation as OpalRose. A pressure of 4 leaves many people (including) feeling starved for air.

[fly by night]

Same recommendation as OpalRose. A pressure of 4 leaves many people (including) feeling starved for air.

That was certainly my case. Pressure of 7, EPR 3 full-time, and no ramp, together made a huge difference for me.

It almost seems like those should be default, as much as people end up there ...