u/Appropriate-Meet-783

I want to try a nasal mask, but I can’t keep my mouth closed.

Chin strap - does nothing, mouth opens anyway
Neck brace - keeps neck straight, but mouth opens anyway, and can’t fall asleep with it
Mouth taping - might be the only option, but can’t get used to the feeling

Anyone have recommendations?

This is probably super obvious to more experienced people, but it’s new to me.

When I started CPAP I got a lot of leaks along with flow limitation/events. I assumed leaks were causing the problem.

Eventually I raised EPAP, which cut down on breath spikes, and leaks went down.

Turns out it was the events causing leaks. I was probably struggling for breath, moving my head, and knocking the mask loose.

I’ve been trying to soak up all the info I can on Bipap titration from these forums. Can anyone let me know if this is broadly correct or if you recommend anything different?

1. Start at a baseline - say EPAP 5/6 with PS 3 - either with IPAP = EPAP + PS or with a narrow range
2. For apneas/hypopneas/etc, raise EPAP and IPAP slowly. Take a few days to adjust to each pressure.
3. Once apneas are resolved, raise PS slowly until flow limitation is resolved.

One issue I have is that I get ambiguous apneas. Sometimes Oscar flags them as OAs, sometimes as (post-arousal) CAs, sometimes it’s just random arousal breaths. I usually get these every 10 minutes during REM. I don’t know whether EPAP or PS would work better for those.

I use a Wellue O2 ring to track my pulse in Oscar alongside my PAP data.

I average 30-40 pulse change events per hour. PAP has managed to cut down on some of the big pulse spikes from apneas, but my pulse throughout the night is still super spiky, even when the breathing data looks normal.

I had a friend without apnea try the ring and they averaged 8 PC/hour.

Anyone have experience tracking pulse change events? Has your pulse calmed down after treatment?

Breathing experts - is this loop gain? I've heard about it, but I don't feel confident enough in the definition. This is on Bipap.

https://preview.redd.it/jpr8xjrijk6h1.png?width=1592&format=png&auto=webp&s=f5a521781623482b2011cc362ed0ba8f14d371d2

If it is, how much loop gain is a problem? I get some, but not throughout the night.

Who would you recommend for an Oscar data consultation? Some names I’ve seen are Lanky Lefty, Ken Hooks, and CPAPFriend, although I’m not sure if the latter two do them anymore.

Looking for someone knowledgeable about UARS and flow limitations, of course.

I finally got my own BiPAP (an Aircurve 11)after using a loaner (Aircurve 10) for a week. For that week, I had close to zero flow limitation and improving sleep overall.

On my first night with my new machine, I got tons of flow limitation and skyrocketing pressure. The only difference in settings was Ti max was set to 2 on my new machine vs 3 on my old one. Could that be causing such a huge difference?

For those of you who’ve done both WatchPat and in-lab studies, how similar were the results? Were RDI and AHI higher in one?

I got offered an in lab sleep study through Kaiser (my insurance). Already did a WatchPAT study that confirmed UARS.

Anyone have experience with Kaiser’s sleep lab? Do they score RERAs, use AASM 1A? They’ve been vague about that when I asked.

I'm planning to get a MAD for sleep apnea/UARS. I can get a Somnomed partially covered through my insurance, but I don't get to choose the dentist. Or I can pay $3K for one out of pocket with an experienced dentist in my area who I trust.

Does it really matter who the dentist is? Is it worth the extra money?

Appreciate any insights.

My doctor is giving me a prescription for CPAP, but I want to try BIPAP. Anyone know of websites that will let you buy a BIPAP with a CPAP prescription? I’ve considered the secondhand market but I can’t find anyone in my area selling one.