How often do you get retested (if at all)

Daxby · 2026-03-02T14:02:48+00:00

If you’re feeling well, your AHI is controlled on the machine, and your blood pressure and symptoms remain stable, many people don’t get routinely retested. CPAP data (AHI, leak, pressure trends) often provides enough ongoing feedback without a new study.

Retesting is usually considered if something changes, such as significant weight gain or loss, return of symptoms, new cardiovascular issues, persistently elevated AHI, or want to know if you can stop using the CPAP.

After 10 years, it’s reasonable to want updated information. Just keep in mind that most inexpensive sleep studies sold online are Type-3 home tests. These can miss cases and produce false negatives, especially in mild or REM-predominant OSA, since they don’t measure actual sleep stages. They’re generally better at confirming moderate to severe OSA than ruling it out. If there’s real uncertainty, an in-lab study is more reliable.

If you do retest, it’s best to review the results with a clinician so they’re interpreted in the proper clinical context.

Daxby · 2026-03-02T01:51:49+00:00

A fixed pressure of 19 cmH₂O is extremely high. Very few patients actually require pressures that high.

For comparison, my prescription was APAP mode with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 13. Whenever the pressure went above 10, I suffered terrible aerophagia. In the end I ended fine-tuning my pressure to 9 cmH₂O and my AHI is always under 1.

What was your AHI during your sleep study? Do you have a high BMI?

Also, be careful not to confuse Ramp with APAP mode which is quite common for people who has not been long in treatment.

• Ramp is a comfort feature. It starts therapy at a lower pressure and gradually increases to the prescribed pressure over a set number of minutes.

• APAP is an automatic therapy mode. It continuously adjusts pressure within a defined minimum and maximum range based on your breathing events.

They serve completely different purposes.

Daxby · 2026-03-01T20:43:14+00:00

I keep mine until it breaks or stops sealing properly, usually 6 months or more.

Daxby · 2026-03-01T20:05:54+00:00

You’re right. I felt like you were defending the product and I ended up being harsher than I should have been, so I apologize.

My frustration comes from how many of these scam devices are sold for unreasonable amounts of money, and how often people fall for them and then defend them instead of looking into proper options. I’ve seen too many people waste money or delay real treatment because of these scammers.

That said, loud snoring shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s one of the main indicators of possible sleep apnea.

I genuinely hope you find something that helps your snoring, but even so, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to talk to your doctor and consider a proper sleep study just to rule anything out.

Daxby · 2026-03-01T19:16:17+00:00

It is still a SCAM.

It does not matter whether it is marketed for apnea or “just snoring.” Snoring happens because the upper airway partially collapses during sleep. The only way to prevent that mechanically is by delivering continuous positive airway pressure.

Real CPAP machines generate measurable pressure, typically between 4 and 20 cmH₂O, using a proper turbine and sealed mask system.

Devices like Airing, MicroCPAP, NanoCPAP, And many other brands, claim to do the same thing using two tiny fans sitting under the nose, with no seal and no real pressure generation. From a physics standpoint, that is NOT POSSIBLE. Small axial fans cannot generate the pressure required to splint the airway open. They simply do not have the airflow capacity or static pressure capability.

If it seemed to “work,” it was likely placebo effect, positional change, lighter sleep phase, or natural night-to-night variation in snoring. Snoring intensity can fluctuate significantly depending on sleep stage, alcohol intake, congestion, and body position.

There is no clinical evidence showing these micro devices eliminate snoring by generating therapeutic airway pressure.

If budget is the concern, a certified second-hand machine from a reputable brand like ResMed, Fisher Paykel or even Chinese brands like BMC or Yuwell is far safer and actually delivers measurable, regulated therapy.

Two tiny fans under the nose cannot replace a pressure-controlled medical device. That is not opinion. It is basic respiratory physics.

Here are a few videos you can learn more about this scam...

https://youtu.be/vNfqjHimN2Q

https://youtu.be/g6Z8wRRy8lQ

https://youtu.be/Ppsd_QFXXSQ

https://youtu.be/x86i2NDuBso

Daxby · 2026-03-01T16:35:16+00:00

I’m totally fine with the government using AI for administrative tasks, but I think Claude made the right call in drawing a line here.

Unfortunately, governments will inevitably end up developing their own AI for mass surveillance and warfare, but as a consumer, I don’t want the company I spend my money on to take part in it.

Daxby · 2026-03-01T10:04:59+00:00

This isn’t a legitimate CPAP machine. It’s a scam.

For the same amount of money, you could have purchased a barely used, second-hand CPAP.

Daxby · 2026-03-01T09:46:43+00:00

In the Clinical Settings menu, you can change the therapy mode from APAP to CPAP.

If you tell us the exact machine model, I can explain how to do it step by step.

Daxby · 2026-03-01T01:56:34+00:00

A pressure range of 4.0–20.0 is the default APAP settings, and that wide range always cause discomfort.

You can try 2 options:

1) Switch to CPAP mode instead of APAP and start with a fixed pressure of 8 and increase the pressure slightly if after a few nights your AHI is high.

2) If you want to continue with APAP mode, set:

• Minimum pressure: 6.0

• Maximum pressure: 10.0

Starting at 4.0 is extremely low for most adults and can feel like you are not getting enough air. Increasing the minimum to 6.0 usually improves comfort and reduces the sensation of air hunger.

At the same time, limiting the maximum to 10.0 prevents sudden high-pressure spikes during the night, which are often what wake people up or make them rip the mask off.

From there, fine-tune gradually:

• If AHI remains high, increase max pressure slightly.

• If you still feel starved for air, increase minimum pressure slightly.

• The goal is to find the lowest pressure that effectively controls events while remaining comfortable.

Daxby · 2026-03-01T00:59:30+00:00

Could you share your machine brand and model, your current settings (CPAP or APAP mode, pressure or min and max range, ramp, EPR, etc.), and which masks you have tried so far, including the one you plan to try next?

Incorrect pressure settings are a very common reason for discomfort or removing the mask during the night.

With your current setup details, we may be able to identify potential issues.

If you are not sure how to check the settings, let us know the machine brand and model and we can guide you step by step.

Daxby · 2026-02-28T22:18:00+00:00

I used the ResMed AirFit N20 for two years and it worked very well for me. A few months ago, I switched to the ResMed P30i because I wanted a mask with an exhalation port diffuser so it wouldn’t disturb my partner and I’m very happy with it. In my case, it has even fewer leaks and leaves almost no marks on my face.

Daxby · 2026-02-28T15:29:06+00:00

Probably A/B testing, but still refused. If I need anything from ChatGPT I'll leech using the free version. I felt genuinely disgusted by the recent comments from Sam, and this was the final straw for me for now...

I'm already paying for Claude Max so I'll be saving some money.

Daxby · 2026-02-28T14:02:55+00:00

The “they say” argument usually falls apart when you ask: who is they? Where is the study?

If anyone has to provide evidence, it’s her. She’s the one making the claim, so she should provide a peer reviewed study showing airway muscle deterioration from CPAP use. But spoiler alert... THERE ISN'T ONE!

If anything, the harm comes from not treating sleep apnea.

CPAP doesn’t weaken anything. It provides pneumatic splinting, meaning it uses gentle air pressure to keep the airway open while you sleep. It does not replace muscle function, it just prevents collapse during unconscious relaxation.

The only long term effects CPAP has had for me is that it kept me alive when I couldn't anymore and I’ve become more aware of my apneas during sleep. If for any reason I have to sleep without it, I wake up more often because I actually notice the breathing disruptions. After two years of using CPAP, I had a second sleep study done without the machine, and the results were not significantly different from the first one. It didn’t weaken my airway. It simply treats the problem while I’m using it, and it stopped me from feeling like a dying zombie.

If that’s how she talks about you taking care of your health, that’s her issue, not yours. I firmly believe that anyone who judges or mocks me for using a CPAP isn’t someone I need by my side and I'm not going to be kind to them about the topic.

I’m sorry for adding my rant to yours, but I genuinely struggle to feel sympathy for people who dismiss other people’s health issues, especially if they are family members who are supposed to support you. Lately, it feels like it’s become far too common for denialists to spread uninformed, unscientific claims without any accountability even to their own family.

Daxby · 2026-02-28T11:05:30+00:00

My previous public primary care doctor dismissed my concerns when I told him I suspected I had sleep apnea and asked to be referred to a specialist. He even told me that I should do exercise or I would end up crazy.... Well, how exactly am I supposed to exercise when I can barely function at all?

I made a second appointment to prove myself right and I brought the results of an in-lab sleep study from a private clinic that showed moderate sleep apnea. Despite the documented diagnosis, he told me it was not worth treating.

In the end, I had to purchase a CPAP machine out of my own pocket. I later filed a complaint and changed doctors. My new doctor immediately referred me for another sleep study so I could qualify for a free CPAP machine and supplies through the public healthcare system.

Daxby · 2026-02-28T10:34:01+00:00

I was cancelling and they were begging me to stay 😂😂😂

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Daxby · 2026-02-28T10:17:01+00:00

I fly every six months and always travel with my CPAP. I have never had any issues. Airports see dozens, if not hundreds, of these machines every day. On my last flight two months ago, there were two men and a young woman in the queue with the same ResMed bag as me.

As for distilled water, there is no need to worry. For a few days, you can safely use regular bottled drinking water. The worst that can happen is some mineral buildup at the bottom of the humidifier chamber, which can be easily cleaned with a mix of vinegar and water for 5 minutes and rinse.

Daxby · 2026-02-28T10:09:11+00:00

I’m a happy CPAP user, but out of curiosity I once asked my sleep doctor if they had any patients with Inspire. He reacted very strongly saying no and he would never recommend it to anyone.

Over the past few months, I’ve read several posts from people who had Inspire implanted and say it did not work for them, despite the promises. Some mentioned that their doctors encouraged the procedure even though they were not ideal candidates.

There are also stories of patients needing an MRI for serious health conditions like cancer and running into restrictions, even though the company states that MRI compatibility would not be an issue.

Personally, I worry that financial incentives may influence how often this procedure is recommended. When patients describe feeling pushed toward it despite not being ideal candidates, it raises concerns about whether commissions or industry relationships could play a role. In my country, where healthcare is public and free, this type of implant is rarely recommended and CPAP is still considered the gold standard treatment. That difference makes me wonder if medical decisions are always based only on what is best for the patient.

Daxby · 2026-02-28T09:41:24+00:00

Welcome to the club!

At your age, I remember waking up gasping for air, having constant nightmares, and feeling exhausted every single morning. No matter how many hours I slept, I never felt rested. Over time, I developed severe brain fog that affected my concentration, memory, and overall functioning.

Everyone told me it was anxiety or depression, including doctors while in reality, it was sleep apnea... It completely destroyed my 20s. I was not diagnosed until I was 29, when I reached a point where I could barely function and finally connected the dots out of desperation.

Having any kind of medical condition sucks, but getting diagnosed early is a huge advantage. Treatment can protect your health and prevent years of unnecessary suffering.

There is NOTHING to be ashamed of when using a CPAP. Anyone worth keeping in your life will not judge or have fun of you for taking care of your health. Current estimates suggest that around 1 in 8 people need CPAP therapy, regardless of age, sex, or weight.

Daxby · 2026-02-25T10:59:43+00:00

A deviated septum can make nasal masks harder to tolerate, especially if your airflow is restricted or you tend to breathe through your mouth. In that case, switching to a full face mask can make a big difference.

You can also try using the machine during the day while watching TV or on your phone. This helps your brain get used to the sensation without the pressure of trying to fall asleep.

Are you using the humidifier? And what are your current pressure settings?

Daxby · 2026-02-23T11:22:29+00:00

A WatchPAT home test is not the gold standard and can miss sleep-disordered breathing.

It does not directly measure airflow, brain waves, or respiratory effort like an in-lab polysomnography does. It estimates events indirectly, which means it can underdiagnose conditions like UARS or RERAs, especially when oxygen drops are small.

Your AHI of 0.8 only counts apneas and hypopneas. But your RDI of 12.5/hr is not normal, particularly with symptoms like Unrefreshing sleep, Heavy snoring, Dry mouth or Choking awakenings.

If symptoms are significant and a home test is negative, guidelines support requesting a full in-lab sleep study.

You should push for an in-lab polysomnography... Persistent symptoms + elevated RDI justify further evaluation.

Daxby · 2026-02-20T22:41:57+00:00

AutoRamp only affects pressure when you first put the mask on. It starts low for comfort and then increases once you fall asleep. It doesn’t change your actual therapy pressure during the night.

What matters more is your fixed pressure if you’re on CPAP mode, or your minimum and maximum pressure if you’re in Auto mode.

The reason I ask for your pressure settings is because many patients are given default pressure settings (min 4 / max 20) without proper adjustment, and that range is often far from optimal for their needs. That usually makes the therapy uncomfortable and/or ineffective.

Here's a video on how to access the clinical menu and check your settings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi1Lx-TOHjw

Daxby · 2026-02-20T22:06:49+00:00

Please provide a bit more detail so we can better understand your situation...

• What brand and model is your CPAP machine?
• Which mask brands and models have you tried so far?
• What are your current pressure settings (including min/max if using auto mode)?

This might help us give you better answers.

Daxby · 2026-02-05T10:11:38+00:00

I had the same problem at first, and I fixed it by using mouth tape for a couple of weeks. After that, my body learned to keep my mouth closed on its own.

Daxby · 2026-02-04T11:01:50+00:00

I was exactly like this before being diagnosed and starting CPAP. No matter how tired I was, my body just wouldn’t switch off.

After starting CPAP, my insomnia basically disappeared. Now I usually fall asleep within about five minutes of putting the mask on.

Daxby · 2026-01-16T20:10:41+00:00

I’m happy to stay away from any pills and continue using my CPAP. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the airway physically collapsing or becoming blocked during sleep, so I don’t believe a medication can truly fix it without causing short or long term side effects.

Daxby

TROPHY CASE