2 months in and looking for feedback

Hey all,

Been on therapy for about 2 months at this point. I've gone through probably 6 different masks and finally settled on the AirTouch N20. I've noticed that my AHI is definitely lower than pre-therapy (I was at a 56). However, I notice my machine doesn't really flag all my events and my graphs still look pretty bad. This was last night: https://sleephq.com/public/b6f6c930-7a8 ... bb9385edb and it really only was smooth at around 3:30 to 4am. Is my minimum pressure too high? I notice that block had a decent leak.

I've tried all sorts of things, even ramping up pressure but it still seems that I can't get a consistently smooth night out of it.

I'm really looking for any suggestions here to make it better.

Thanks!

mja00 wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 14, 2024 11:19 am

I notice my machine doesn't really flag all my events and my graphs still look pretty bad.

Where????....are you aware that there are certain requirements needed to earn a flag and all requirements have to be met to get that flag. The most common requirement not met...duration of the event. It must last at least 10 seconds.
Second most common requirement not met...amount of air flow reduction has to be at a minimum level to earn a flag.

How's your sleep quality? Waking very often? Your flow rate graphs seem to show a lot of arousal/awake breathing.

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 14, 2024 11:38 am

How's your sleep quality? Waking very often? Your flow rate graphs seem to show a lot of arousal/awake breathing.

Yeah, I'm waking up pretty often every night. Maybe once a week do I actually sleep through the night completely.

Your flow rate will smooth out a lot once you are sleeping more soundly.
All that irregular breathing....just means you weren't sleeping so soundly.
The machine can only evaluate air flow or breathing. It can't tell if you are asleep or not but if you aren't asleep when something gets flagged or comes close to getting flagged then it doesn't really matter what you do because the problem is your sleep quality and not your apnea events that are real causing problems.

Sleep quality is the problem and that problem is NOT an easy problem to fix. Been there and done that myself.

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 14, 2024 11:45 am

Sleep quality is the problem and that problem is NOT an easy problem to fix. Been there and done that myself.

Okay, I kinda had a hunch that it was my sleep quality causing it. I'm slowly working on that. I appreciate the input. The machine has definitely helped, on the days I sleep fine I feel absolutely amazing in the morning.

Did your sleep study show restless leg or periodic limb movement issues?

As time goes by, you may start sleeping better just by getting more used to the PAP experience. For some of us, this can take a while.

Take a look at these guidelines for good sleep and ask yourself which ones you aren't so consistent in following. Changing some habits can help!

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule. Get up at the same time every day, even on weekends or during vacations.
• Set a bedtime that is early enough for you to get at least 7 hours of sleep.
• Don’t go to bed unless you are sleepy.
• If you don’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed.
• Establish a relaxing bedtime routine.
• Use your bed only for sleep and sex.
• Make your bedroom quiet and relaxing. Keep the room at a comfortable, cool temperature.
• Limit exposure to bright light in the evenings.
• Turn off electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
• Don’t eat a large meal before bedtime. If you are hungry at night, eat a light, healthy snack.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.
• Avoid consuming caffeine in the late afternoon or evening.
• Avoid consuming alcohol before bedtime.
• Reduce your fluid intake before bedtime.

Miss Emerita wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 14, 2024 12:01 pm

Did your sleep study show restless leg or periodic limb movement issues?

I took an at home one so sadly no info on that. However, before I got sheet clips, I'd wake up to my sheets completely removed every night, so I know I move a LOT during sleep.

I'd suggest you first follow those guidelines and give yourself some more time getting used to the PAP experience. That's probably all you need. But if you still have a lot of arousals and a tangle of sheets, you might consider filming yourself at night to see what's going on. (Mind you, I've never done this, and it actually sounds a little creepy to me. But I know some people have found it quite informative.)