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It makes perfect sense. Simply using O2 without CPAP won't work. The patient is still having events which won't allow the O2 into the airway. There are however many patients with severe OSA that are on 02 with CPAP to bring their oxygen saturation up to a safe level.
Joe
First the nasal pillow problem. It's possible you have it adjusted too tight, a problem for most new users. Try loosening the head gear just a bit. A good idea is to put the pillows on an hour be fore bedtime and adjust. For irritation there is a product called "Ayres" (spelling might be wrong) that you can use to lubricate the contact area on your nose. I've also used Neosporin. As far as 14.3 AHI, it's not that bad. Patients with an AHI of 5 aren't even offered CPAP use in most cases. My own AHI was 37 with an 02 desaturation to 80%. What was your 02 saturation? I ran an AWAKE group for 5 years, worked as a chat host at "Talkaboutsleep.com" for about 10 years. I've been on CPAP then AutoPAP since August 1999. My wife is also a Sleep Tech. So I've probably heard most of the patient complaints. Since I started on CPAP I have beta tested more than 60 interfaces, you may want to try a different one.
YES, there have been many improvements in machines and in interfaces(masks, nasal pillows). I got my first machine in1999, I was given a Renstar Pro and a Gold Seal mask. Since then I have tested over 60 interfaces and used 3 different autopaps. I now use an S9 Resmed AutoPAP and either Phillips gel nasal pillows or F&P Eson nasal mask. The S9 is amazing, very quiet and I have the Heated hose on it. The heated hose eliminates "rainout" (the condensation buildup when using a heated humidifier. You can also find the program online to download the memory card from the S9 and see graphs of pressure changes and events during your sleep. So, YES the new machines are quieter and superior to the old beast you are using. The interfaces are greatly improved and much more comfortable. I think interfaces should be changed every 6 months as the soft rubber hardens over time, requiring tightening the mask more and causing a loss in comfort. Nasal pillows absolutely need humidification and in fact require higher humidification than a nasal mask.
