Help with APAP settings

[pendergast]

Hey,

Just tried my first night of APAP using a Resmed Airsense 11. My sleep study indicated an AHI of 15.5.

My machine is set to a range of 5-15 cm H20. I'm using a nasal pillow cushion with a F&P Solo. 

I guess I feel ok the next day (but then again, my only symptom of sleep apnea was snoring). Should I be worried about any of the results? I see that the leak rate is high - any recommendations for that?

Should I be changing my max pressure to help with that?


   

Thanks!

[pendergast]

Also, I have a Samsung watch I use for sleep tracking - it showed that while my O2 levels were better (the typical lowest recorded is 81%), it was now 89%. Anything I should be changing to help with that? Also, I see that I wasn't able to stay in deep sleep, I kept falling between deep sleep and light sleep - is that just because I'm getting used to a CPAP?

[staceyburke]

I would make 2 changes.  Min 8 and EPR 3.  Please post again with those settings.

[pendergast]

   

I tried that - that definitely reduced leak and felt more comfortable. Should I try any other changes?

Thanks for the pointers!

[G. Szabo]

I suggest to increase your minium further to 9.6 cm

[Dormeo]

You could certainly try inching up your minimum to see whether that will reduce your flow limitations and obstructive events. I'd suggest doing that gradually, maybe just .2 or .4 at a time, with multiple days at each new minimum.

I'd also suggest either turning the ramp off or setting your ramp minimum to 7. That way you can get your full EPR of 3 right from the beginning. Also, many people feel somewhat air-starved at a pressure of 4.

Do you spend only 5 to 5.5 hours in bed at night? Or are you taking your mask off and sleeping without it?

[pendergast]

I wore the mask for around 7 hours - but I'm finding it difficult to fall asleep (typically takes me 1.5 hrs or so vs 20 minutes before using a CPAP) - I just excluded that from the Oscar data as I assumed the data from when I'm awake wouldn't be useful. 

I'm guessing it just takes a while to get used to wearing a CPAP and overtime I'll acclimate...if anyone has any tips for this, I would be highly appreciative

[Dormeo]

I think you may find it easier to fall asleep with either no ramp or a ramp min of 7.

A really good way to speed up the process of getting used to the new experience is to set your machine up outside your bedroom during the day or evening and use it while you read, watch TV, or use your devices. (The reason for doing this outside the bedroom is so that you will associate being in your bedroom with going to sleep.)

There are a few lucky souls who report being gloriously rested after their first night, but for the rest of us, it takes some time to get there. I'd say you're off to a good start and just need a bit of perseverance and patience to start feeling the benefits.

Keep us posted!

[G. Szabo]

 I'm finding it difficult to fall asleep (typically takes me 1.5 hrs or so vs 20 minutes before using a CPAP)

Take 2.5- 5 mg melatonin 1-2 hours before bedtime. It helps.

[pendergast]

So it's been a good 3 weeks+ into my CPAP journey. Wanted to share some of my recent data to see if anyone has recommendations on changes I should be making.

Two things I've been noticing:

1) sometimes I just take off the mask at night (F&P Solo w/ Cushions) for a bit of time and then I'll wake up and reattach it... I'm hoping this is just growing pains
2) Some instances of high leak - I don't know if this is significant / not - and if so what best to do to address it...