Sierra

I think the basic issue is that the SoClean is not really necessary. The advertisements on TV make it sound like you will get sick and die if you don't buy the SoClean machine. The problem is that even if the SoClean sterilizes your equipment, it is going to be just as contaminated as it was before you cleaned it, just a few minutes after you put the machine on. All that is necessary is to follow the instructions for cleaning that your CPAP machine recommends.

Welcome to the forum.

I use the ResMed AirSense 10 machine and have only seen the red sad face once. That was when I was trying a new mask and I did not have it adjusted tight enough to seal. The leaks were really quite bad.

As a first thought is there any chance that your mask type is not selected properly in your machine? There should be three settings; Full Face, Nasal, and Nasal Pillow. The machine uses this to compensate for the intentional mask leakage. A large mask will have a larger purge leakage than a small one.

If you are using a nasal, or nasal pillow mask, is there any chance you are opening your mouth in your sleep?

Is your machine set up to display the more detailed sleep report? And, if so what leakage rate is displayed when you go to the detailed sleep report? If you don't have that option enabled but want it, just post again and I can tell you how to display it.

And, last it may be something defective with the machine. I am not sure if ResMed will answer calls directly, or if you have to go through your supplier. Unfortunately, I believe the warranty is 3 years...

If that is the only problem with the machine, there may be other ways to get around it, if it is only a happy face/sad face issue. I generally do not use the machine to get my data, and instead use a free software program called SleepyHead to display the detailed sleep data. If you have any interest in that, just post. It does need a PC, or Mac, and an SD card reader. It may also help you diagnose the mask leakage issue.

Hope that helps some,

After you have collected some more data, I think the next step I would take is to increase the minimum pressure to 9.5 cm. Seeing no central events over this night is a good sign.

I found the link below that has comments by four doctors on what might be causing morning headaches when being treated with CPAP. A pressure that is unnecessarily high was mentioned, as I suggested earlier. Also some comments about optimizing the air humidity and temperature to minimize any sinus congestion/pressure issues. Are you using the optional heated tube humidifier?

Why is my CPAP giving me headaches?

Here is one link to try.

https://www.eu-pap.co.uk/cpap-sleep-apnoea-products/cpap-masks.html

My understanding in the UK the NHS requires manufacturers to sell at least machines direct to customers? If so, would you be able to get a mask direct at perhaps a lower price?

You may want to try Amazon.co.uk as well. They seem to be kind of hit and miss, but sometimes over here in Canada they have good prices.

SecondWindcpap.com is a US company that sells both new and used CPAP machines. I would think they would have some pretty good practical experience in how long CPAP machines actually lost. This is how they answer the question in a FAQ section of their website:

Second Wind CPAP

"How long will my CPAP last?

The average life expectancy of a CPAP or BIPAP machine is approximately 20,000 hours, or about seven to eight years full time use. That said, many times, if properly cared for, these devices will last much longer. Many properly maintained machines will last upwards of 50,000 hours."

For personal experience my wife's machine is about 3 1/2 years old. It is a S9 ResMed and currently has 12,014 hours on it. It is working fine, and I have no reason to believe at this point that it will not last at least 20,000 hours. Neither of us has insurance so we will just replace it when it needs to be. Many years ago I came to the conclusion that it does not make sense to buy extended warranty, so I never buy it on anything. I feel I am way ahead of the game and if something does fail early, but off warranty, I am self insured. i.e. I eat the cost.

Also keep in mind that some parts are replaceable on a CPAP so there may also be the option of repairing it at a modest cost. Perhaps your insurance company covers replacement masks and parts?

Hope that helps some,

The other thing to look for on cpap.com is the sales ranking for each mask. This website in the description of each mask gives the % of masks sold of this specific one compared to all masks they sell of that type. It lets you know how popular each mask is. However, at the end of the day the mask that is the most popular may not be the best for you. We tend to be all different. The proof is in the pudding.

Sounds like sleep time is not a problem. I assume your machine is the Phillips Respironics System One. If so it should be compatible with SleepyHead. The amount of data that can be kept on the SD card varies by machine, but I believe it just starts to overwrite old data when it fill up, and should continue to collect new data.

The only thought would be whether or not there is room to back off the pressure and gain some comfort. Your AHI is so low that may be a possibility. I also find that these machines work best when the pressure is confined to a narrow range, or even at a fixed pressure. And there are some comfort options on how it ramps up to pressure which can help if utilized.

You also mentioned you had asthma. I believe in some cases asthma can be helped with some breathing assistance provided by a BiLevel machine. That is one which uses a higher pressure on inhale compared to exhale. The difference is pressure support. I have no experience with that though.

Hi Brando. Welcome to the forum.

Some comments on your post:

• An AHI of 12 is in the mild category. You should be able to improve it with a CPAP, but a dental appliance may be another option.

• To my knowledge there is no such thing as a non humidified AirSense 10 because the humidifier is built in. You have to pay an optional extra cost to put a cover on the humidifier to use the machine without a water reservoir. That said the heated hose is an option extra. Not essential but it can be a convenience and comfort benefit.

• You are correct in that the ResMed Airsense 10 AutoSet is probably the best machine on the market.

• I can't help you much with the US DME system as I am Canadian.

• The difference between a fixed pressure CPAP and an auto APAP is about 10%. You are correct in that it makes no sense to buy a fixed pressure CPAP. even though you may end up using it in fixed pressure mode, and that is quite possible. The AirSense 10 AutoSet for sure can do auto mode or fixed pressure mode.

• Again to my knowledge there is no option to buy the AirSense without a humidifier. The ClimateLine heated hose is a $30-$40 option but the humidifier is not an option. The price for this machine with humidifier is about $800-$900 depending on whether it includes a mask and heated hose.

• A prescription is required to buy a new machine in the US, but not a used machine. A prescription is required to buy a complete mask, but not mask parts from which you can make a complete mask. Second Wind sells both used and new machines. Prices seem to be higher in the US than Canada, from my limited look in the US, SecondWind seems to have good prices.

• Getting a mask that works is very personal and is influenced by the pressure you need, and other factors such as ability to keep your mouth closed when sleeping, having a beard, etc. What mask are you using now, and what are your concerns?

• SleepyHead is software used to monitor you progress. It is well worthwhile to use. Just make sure that you buy a machine that is supported by SleepyHead. The AirSense 10 AutoSet is.

Hope that helps some. If any more questions just ask. I understand when you are new to this, it can be quite intimidating, and the sleep clinics can try and take advantage of you, if you are not informed.

Edit: The comments you make about buying the machine without a humidifier and it being an extra $180 for one sounds like the Respironics DreamStation machine. That is the way it is sold. It is a good machine but IMHO an inferior machine to the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet.

I wish you luck and I hope it works. I tried it and failed. That was before I found the tape stuck better when you wash your face thoroughly before putting the tape on. So try that. It may depend on the mask pressure you need. I was failing with about 13-15 cm. With lower pressure, tape alone might work. You only know when you try it...