New to c/apap, low AHI and I'm struggling

[Dormeo]

It's very good to hear that you felt somewhat better today, and it's very good to see that you used the machine the whole time you were in bed.

I agree that it makes sense for you to stick with these settings for at least a few more night, so you can get a better sense of how well they work for you.

CAs that come right as you're falling asleep may be sleep-wake transition events. They reflect the hand-off between neurochemical systems that control your breathing when you're awake and when you're asleep. They're likely to go away with time.

I wish you were seeing fewer O2 readings under 90. If that might reflect your sleep position, I'd definitely recommend doing what you can to stay off your back. Sometimes simply hugging a pillow while on your side can do the trick. People also try wearing a pocket t-shirt turned backward with a tennis ball in the pocket. Or you can get gear that works that way via Amazon.

[placeau]

Hey, I've just read this entire thread because I relate to strugglebus' situation so much.
Dear Dormeo, I also just posted a thread about my own situation with a sleep HQ link, maybe you could share your insight on it? Of course absolutely no pressure

Also re side sleeping for strugglebus.
I've been using the woodyknows sleeping backpack for 4-5 months now & I strongly recommend it. 
Keeps me off my back 100% of the night. Although, of course wearing one of these may be a little awkward if you're sharing your bed with a partner.

I wish you the very best of luck, it sounds like you might be on the right track!

[StruggleBus]

Dormeo, 
Thanks again for taking time to lend me your expertise. I am truly grateful.

>I wish you were seeing fewer O2 readings under 90. If that might reflect your sleep position, 
>I'd definitely recommend doing what you can to stay off your back.
Looking back through previous nights, I suspect supine sleeping might be coincident with some/most of my lowest, longest o2 periods. I consistently have periods of low o2 each night dipping into 80's sometime in the 70s. I looked back at a sampling of Garmin data before c/apap and I don't see these same long, low periods as I do now.

Presently, I sleep with a large-ish pillow between my knees when I side sleep. I have a fanny pack style positional device which proved more disruptive than helpful when I attempted using it before cpap. I'll try to work it back in after a couple more nights. I'd like to keep my situation somewhat stable for a couple more nights.

I ordered a pillow cube side cube and coop adjustable side pillow to (hopefully) improve my ability to side sleep.

This is a many layered onion.



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Placeau,
Thanks for the kind words and recommendations. Good luck to you!