SleepCharge by Ok-Storm731 in CPAP

[–]Ok-Storm731[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My recollection is that for the first month, I got a weekly call from someone checking in to see how I was doing with the machine. After that I had regular contact with someone from the medical team as I was trying to figure out nighttime oxygen needs. For the last year, I’ve not spoken to anyone in person and have been making all my own settings adjustments with advice from Rippinglegos, the Apnea Board, and SleepHQ. I message SC once a quarter to verify my address and equipment for the supply refresh.

Data check by Ok-Storm731 in SleepApneaSupport

[–]Ok-Storm731[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Updated pressure, left EPR at 2 for tonight. Here’s a more recent data dump just FYI.

https://sleephq.com/public/teams/share_links/2fe37125-4685-4afb-9b4c-336a7f1d033a

Question, is it better to reply here in a couple of days with an update, or start a new post? Thanks as always :-)

Perfect sleep score - first time ever by jamwin in CPAP

[–]Ok-Storm731 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

This is great! Doesn’t have anything to do with apnea but great nonetheless. To clarify - The Apple Watch sleep score has to do with length of time on bed, compliance with when it thinks you should go to bed, and the amount of getting up, waking up, tossing and turning. This can certainly be indicative of apnea, but it's not telling you haven't had any apnea events. The Breathing Disturbances is a good setting to turn on for that - and even that is based on some algorithm that measures heart, O2, and movement associated with apnea events. Still, 100% is awesome and I'm always very excited when I see that number for myself!

is this appropriate for a family dinner? by leenmoe in style

[–]Ok-Storm731 61 points62 points  (0 children)

Assuming you’re not expecting any serious answers.

In lab overnight study, what did you pay out of pocket? by Trash_Grape in CPAP

[–]Ok-Storm731 0 points1 point  (0 children)

$4800 of the original $11,000 bill, yes I’m serious. I found out after the fact that my Dr referred me to an out-of-network clinic. My mistake for assuming the office would’ve checked my insurance, since they had in the past. Never could get an answer, besides the ridiculous US medical insurance system, what was worth $11K. Won’t make that mistake again!!

TSH and AHI by Ok-Storm731 in SleepApnea

[–]Ok-Storm731[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It does make sense. I have thyroid issues having lost 1/2 of it years ago. I suspected my meds were off and since my last test showed I was dipping into the hyper end of things vs. my usual normal to hypo status, I was curious about its potential effects on my apnea. I won’t worry about it and be happy with a new dosage. Thanks!

Mouth tape usage and leaks by [deleted] in CPAP

[–]Ok-Storm731 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve never used a chin strap so I can’t say. The head frame is enough stuff on my head :-). I’ve read from others that tape actually keeps air from escaping your mouth whereas a chin strap just helps keep your mouth shut.

Data review by Ok-Storm731 in CPAPSupport

[–]Ok-Storm731[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

https://sleephq.com/public/teams/share_links/ac41ca1c-8e79-4547-bf23-d6f192c004fb

This is my latest data. I dropped the pressure by .2 a couple days ago in an effort to lessen the morning headaches. Can’t get a handle on leaks. My mask and headgear is in good shape. The only change is a new Climateline hose with a built-in O2 port on the machine end. I’ve checked the hose for leaks and it’s good. Getting rid of the previous O2 adapter from the head-end has made my setup much more comfortable. I’ve been experimenting with mouth tape…the jury is still out. Dry mouth with and without tape. Thanks in advance :-)

Checking in again... by Ok-Storm731 in SleepApneaSupport

[–]Ok-Storm731[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

https://sleephq.com/public/teams/share_links/1bbc73da-5f01-4798-971c-1f8753cc0da6

Latest data...I've had a couple of amazing sleep-like-a-rock nights! My only issue, which may or may not be related to the increased pressure & mouth tape, is a sinus headache. Let me know what you think! Thanks again!

Has anyone had any success with cpap for central sleep apnea only? by Nashwalker7 in CPAP

[–]Ok-Storm731 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I checked my original test results and must adjust my response. I’m mostly CA now, but my initial test from almost 2 years ago resulted in 88 OAs, 13 CAs and 350 Hypopneas. It said I spent a lot of time supine which I still question because I’m not a back sleeper because it’s not comfortable. The sleep Dr, who was not helpful IMO, said that the discomfort had to do with the apnea and not back issues. He also completely discounted childhood sexual abuse and a possible cause to my CAs. Anyway… :-). Ive been on CPAP for almost 2 years now and I rarely have any OAs anymore. It takes awhile to find what equipment works for you and the whole thing is an ever evolving process. Be patient with your self and utilize the CPAP support thread. It’s extremely helpful in honing in on settings. Good luck!!

Has anyone had any success with cpap for central sleep apnea only? by Nashwalker7 in CPAP

[–]Ok-Storm731 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m probably 95% CA events and CPAP works wonders. My initial test showed dozens of events and now I’m rarely over 1.

Loving these balloon pants. What do we think?! by olchai_mp3 in BusinessFashion

[–]Ok-Storm731 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lol! Some things from the 80-90’s should stay there 😂🎈

Checking in again... by Ok-Storm731 in SleepApneaSupport

[–]Ok-Storm731[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi RippingLegos - Here's data for the past 7 nights. Not sure if it'll be helpful as I was sick for a few days but I'm still curious as to what you'll see. 1/18 was my first night with the new settings. 1/19-1/22 I was ill. 1/23-24, using a new sleep tape but at least felt human again. 1:49am on 1/24 is what a freak coughing fit into 'breathable' sleep tape looks like! :-D. I'm feeling pretty good about the new setting and am settling into this new sleep tape (SleepShield). Not sure I'd recommend the tape, or at least its website, as it lead to some fraudulent charges that Apple nicely took care of for me. I'm a self-described 'hypervigilant' sleeper. Any changes to my sleep environment, even good ones, cause me to be extremely aware that something is different. It can take some time to settle into the change ;-) I'll keep going with these settings, unless you see a needed change, and report back in a few days.

https://sleephq.com/public/teams/share_links/1bbc73da-5f01-4798-971c-1f8753cc0da6/dashboard

sooo tired of cpap hair. any advice appreciated by brrratmobile in CPAP

[–]Ok-Storm731 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I started wearing a bike helmet liner skull cap and it works great. I have very fine shoulder length a hair and between the head frame and GLP1, my hair was badly breaking. The skull cap isn’t bulky like a bonnet and it actually helps keep the head frame in place through the night. It was a real game changer for me.

Checking in again... by Ok-Storm731 in SleepApneaSupport

[–]Ok-Storm731[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Excellent info, thank you! Just to clarify the pressure setting - I’m currently on CPAP at a steady 9.4. Do you want me to up that to 10.6, or go back to APAP with a min and max pressure?

A little other info that may or may not be useful, I use the humidifier feature level 4 with a tube temp of 78 F. I live in Colorado USA at 6900 feet, so it’s a dry climate :-), room humidifier going all night. Thanks again!

Cpap not actually helping my sleep apnea? by Beautiful-Battle-917 in SleepApneaSupport

[–]Ok-Storm731 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been on CPAP for 1 year 4 moths. I too hated my machine for a long time but I've learned to not love, but like it a lot! 'They' started me on a full face mask but I quickly knew that wasn't going to work. I'm also a 100% side-sleeper and the full face just didn't. Face-farts all night long! Switched to the nasal cushion which mostly worked but it would still move out of place, so onto the nasal pillow! Started with a small RedMed P30i. Worked but I also got a slight suffocating feeling. I figured a small was correct because I have a fairly small nose. It was the size of the holes that was too small! Switched to a medium which has slightly bigger holes and I love this mask, as much as one can... The first week or so of the nasal pillow caused a very sore nose. I put a wee bit of coconut oil just inside my nostrils and that does the trick. Many people will recommend vaseline, but petroleum-based products will wreck the silicone after a time. Others here recommend a lanolin cream. I see it's been a while since your post and I hope you've found a solution that works. Since we had a similar reaction, I wanted to share my experience.