Sierra

Not likely to work. The machine is designed to compensate for quite large leaks.

I don't think it is dead. However I believe there has been an ongoing dispute over control of the project for some time now. Mark Watkins, who was the originator of the software has said he wants nothing to do with it any longer as a result of the dispute. It is an unfortunate situation, but I sure hope the product continues in some form.

There is an easy way to reduce pressure to zero. Just don't use the machine! The machines I know about all have a minimum limit of 4 cm. Not totally sure why they do that, but they may want to ensure there is always flow and no reverse flow. Also when taking deep breaths the machine always lags behind the demand for air. They perhaps do not want to see the pressure go negative. ResMed machines show mask pressure which is an estimate of the actual pressure at the mask. When you zoom in with SleepyHead you can see how much pressure fluctuates when it is set for a constant value. It can be significant.

There is one possible way you could get a lower pressure, but I don't know how safe it would be. The machine measures pressure at the machine and estimates pressure in the mask using pressure drop flow calculations. If you were to use a longer and/or smaller hose the pressure drop would increase and as a result you would get lower pressure at the mask. Not sure about the Respironics machines but the ResMed ones have a setting for the hose type. If your machine has that, you could perhaps set it for a larger hose than the one you really have. Your indicated pressure would then be no longer correct, and would be lower than indicated.

My suggestion is to ensure you have a SD card in your machine and then download SleepyHead to view the data. Here is a link to a basic manual.

If you still have the SD card from your S9 machine it should have some data on it. It wouldn't hurt to transfer that data to SleepyHead first and then transfer the data from the newer A10 machine next. That way you will see how your old machine was set up in comparison to your new machine. The A10 can do anything the S9 could do, and if set up the same should perform the same.

There may be a slight difference in pressure requirements for a nasal mask vs a full face mask, but it is unlikely to be significant, and I couldn't even guess which one might be higher. It may depend on the machine and the mask model. These machines do not measure the pressure right at the mask. They measure the pressure at the machine, and use algorithms to estimate the pressure at the mask, considering the hose type used, and intentional vent air required by the mask. If there are differences in pressures need due to the mask it is most likely due to errors in the estimation of the mask pressure.

The real pressure requirement is determined by the degree and type of apnea you are suffering from, and should be quite independent of the mask type. The most common mistake in setting the machine up is to have the pressure too low at the start of the ramp up. The DreamStation has a SmartRamp feature which will hold the pressure at a comfortable level until you go to sleep. I would ask your supplier to set it up for you with a ramp start pressure of about 7-8 cm. They should know how to do that.

How do you get the data of your machine?

Most new machines use the cell phone network to send information to the machine provider and to the machine company cloud storage (ResMed for example). The data is very limited and mainly intended to monitor and encourage compliance (with using it). The real detailed data is only stored on the machine SD card. This is an example of what is stored where with a ResMed machine.

Why do you need it? Curiosity? Insurance? Do you give it to your doctor? Or use it yourself (it seems bloody complex!)?

Those who monitor their apnea closely need the data to see how well the machine is working and if there are any opportunities for improvement. Some insurance companies use the compliance data to determine if they will take the machine away if compliance is low. No I don't give the data to my doctor. It takes quite a bit of time to review the detailed data, so I expect most doctors just want to look at the summary data. Yes, I look at my detailed data daily to see how well I am doing, what type of apnea I am having, how well my mask is working for leaks. I can also tell if I am opening my mouth in the night causing leaks. The machine will also tell you if anything out of the ordinary is happening -- like Cheyne-Stokes respiration.

And finally is the data you are getting enough?

Yes, when one uses an applications like SleepyHead you can pretty much see all the data you want. If you just use a lightweight application like MyAir, you are pretty much in the dark. But if the AHI is good, and the machine is comfortable, then perhaps that is good enough. For some PAP treatment works very well, and is easy to maintain. For others it can be difficult, and requires pretty constant monitoring..

The main reason for confusion on the part of users is that many sleep clinics try to keep the data from the user, and are not very forthcoming on how it should be set up for comfort. Some even pull the SD card out of the machine before the patient is sent home with the machine. I suspect most sleep clinic technicians do not suffer from sleep apnea and don't use a PAP machine personally. Just my opinion...

Mouth breathing is quite common, and considered by some to have detrimental effects on your sleep. See this video which is directed at the general population.

How to mouth tape for a better sleep

Snoring is common for those with apnea. Apnea and snoring tend to be worst when you sleep on your back, so perhaps that is why you may be avoiding it most nights. Have not heard about the yawning issue during the day. Do you feel rested during the day, or are you tired?

What was your AHI at diagnosis? If you have any say in what kind of machine they give you I would lobby for an Auto machine that adjusts your pressure automatically during the night. And if they push you into a fixed pressure machine ask for one that captures detailed data on a SD memory card in the machine. And if you have a choice in brand of machine, ResMed and DreamStation are the most popular and best. The ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her, is a particularly good on for women, (and also men that have lower pressure needs).

And with respect to a mask, it may be difficult to get one that allows you to sleep on your tummy. Something to discuss with your sleep technician.

In your first post you said:

"I’m also able to change my own pressure I know the little trick to do it. Even so with my prescribe pressure it’s not cutting it. I used a humidifier and the tube as well with or without it still same results. I tried messing with flex nothing helps. I miss waking up refresh and it’s a hit or miss hit thing. But I feel more tired than refresh more than anything. My ahi levels are good and no leaks either."

If your AHI is good and your leaks are good, what would you accomplish by changing the pressure? As was mentioned before if you post your SleepyHead results we may be able to help you better understand what the machine is doing or not doing.

Going without shaving did not work last night. I had a tape blowout at about 4:00 AM. Will try shaving again tonight. I don't think one know what flimsy headgear is until one tries the AirFit P10. In comparison the Swift FX headgear is excellent. Yes, the back strap tends to slip upwards a bit, but it is quite tolerable. I have another mod in mind, if this becomes an issue. The FX headgear is adjustable in two dimensions. The P10 is not adjustable in any direction by any other way than by cutting it and sewing it up again, which I did.

The big issue with the Swift FX is the terrible design of the air vent. It is simply ridiculous, while the P10 is almost perfect. That is the big attraction of the P10 - the air vent design.

I am on mask #7 now, and this hybrid is the closest thing to being perfect for me. For sure the mouth opening issue is my issue not that of the mask. It remains to be seen whether or not I can get away without a chin strap. I have zero interest in using a full face mask. I have an F20 sitting the in closet and I would have to be pretty desperate to use it.