I have some questions: my AHI is usually around 2 per hour, or less. I am wondering if I need to continue to use my CPAP? It has been recommended that I try an overnight oximeter device (without the CPAP), to make sure that the oxygen level in my blood doesn't get too low, while I'm sleeping. Does such a device have a special name (I already have an oximeter that is just for occasional measuring of blood oxygen level)? Where can such a device be "rented"? Where would the data from the device go? Thanks for any advice --Judy B
Affectionate, try to get your doctor to lower your pressure to, say, 10 or less and see if that works for you. I, too, could not sleep at all at 20 lbs. pressure, but was just fine at 10. All the best, JudyBj
Courteous...., I think you might best off just going with strap marks (rather than the pain of pillows). I use a nasal pillow and still have strap marks from its modest head gear, even though it does have some pads that came with it. I just ignore the strap marks, hoping they blend in with my skin wrinkles! If people notice them, no one has ever said anything. Someone at church also uses a CPAP and if I concentrate, I think I can see some faint strap marks on her cheeks, but if I'm not making the effort, I don't notice them. Have you tried going on line to purchase some larger or different pads for the straps? All the best, JudyBj
CommunicativeGoldFox4076, I also have a pacemaker and AFib, and have a ResMed AirSense10. When I first got it (on Medicare), my pulmonologist set the pressure at maximum (20 lbs.) -- I could not sleep at all and had air bubbles coming into my mouth and also out of the corner of my eye. Neither this doctor nor anyone in his office nor in the equipment place were of any help. The doc said he had never heard of any such thing, but finally, after I sent him some examples I googled off the internet, he re-set the pressure to 10 lbs., and I began sleeping fine. But he was so unhelpful that I switched to a different medical group, had another sleep study done and was re-set to 6 lbs., which also works fine. Apparently, to change the pressure, a doctor has to do it. Ask your primary care doctor to see if he/she can get you another CPAP machine, and lower your pressure until you are able to sleep. After that, you can work on the oxygen matter. You are NOT expecting too much, to have your sleep doctor answer your questions in a prompt manner, especially since you have severe obstructive sleep apnea which is definitely bad for those with atrial fibrillation. Ask your primary care doctor to recommend a better sleep doctor, or if you can just work with him/her, go with that. BTW, are you signed up on the great free forum for those with AFib, StopAfib.org. Lots of Afib help there, and also some on sleep apnea. Hang in there! JudyBj
LOVE2Sleep, I hope you've found a solution to your problem with the nasal pillows. I just improved my breathing style by switching to a medium (rather than extra-small) size pillow. I don't know why I chose the XS size in the first place, since I don't have an extra-small nose! But the medium is so much better. Make sure that bad air-flow is not due to the angle of the hose from the CPAP. If it gets kinked, even somewhat, it may be affecting your air-flow. All the best!
I am currently using nasal pillows with my ResMed AirSense 10. I find I can put my glasses back on, after fitting the head-gear, etc., on, and it is comfortable. Do not get the head gear for nasal pillows that has no adjustable features. I found that useless. JudyBj
LOVE2Sleep, try the ResMed nasal pillows (not the ones with headgear that cannot be adjusted). I have used mine successfully for several months. If you really think your nose shape is a problem, use a full-face mask. When I did that, it was successful, but I just wanted to try the pillows. I am not surprised that your RT was of no help --- I think this is generally the case. All the best!
Verne7, get a different sleep "doctor"! Your regular doctor and cardiologist are right. The connection between having sleep apnea and its negative effect on Afib (and your heart) are well-known. I practically had to force my former sleep doctor (a pulmonologist) to lower the pressure on my CPAP machine so I could use it at all. The man and his office staff were all very nice but useless in terms of helpfulness.
