Sierra

I do not recognize the name or model of "airbase". Could it be AirSense? If so, that is the latest model of the ResMed machines from Australia. The complete name would be AirSense 10 AutoSet if it is the automatic version.

First, what country are you in? That could make a difference in what machines are available to you and what the cost might be.

My experience is with the ResMed machines, and in my humble opinion, they are the best ones. Depending on whether you are buying new or used, I would suggest two models to consider:

A Used Machine

ResMed S9 AutoSet with H5i Humidifier:

This is not the current model and you would be unlikely to find it new, but they could be on the used market. If you buy used be sure to ask the seller how many hours are on the machine. You do not want to buy one that is already worn out. The machine was sold alone, or complete with a detachable humidifier. My wife uses one and it is a very good machine again in my opinion. You should ideally get a heated Climate Line hose with it as well. It allows you to use more humidity without getting into water in the hose problems (rainout). Here is a link to read about the machine:

ResMed S9 AutoSet with H5i Humidifier

A New Machine

ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet:

There is ResMed's latest Auto CPAP and if you are able to buy new, the one I would recommend. The humidifier is built in. And again I would recommend the heated Climate Line hose. Here is a link to more information on the machine:

ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet

The price will depend on where you are located. If in the US I understand that they are sometimes available at a good price on Amazon, and there should be many other on line stores where you can buy it. I am from Canada, and more familiar with the market here. Here is a link to one Canadian supplier. The complete package including the machine is $845 Canadian.

ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet

In Canada you will need a prescription from your doctor, and I suspect the same in the US.

Hope that helps some,

Edit: I had suggested the For Her version of the machine, and then I remembered that you will need at least 15 cm pressure, and the For Her version is really only suitable for less than 12 cm pressure. Also the standard machine is likely easier to find.

See the link below for some assistance in understanding the sleep study report and the severity classifications.

Sleep Apnea Report - Understanding the Results

On my sleep report it indicated that a CPAP is the preferred therapy, and dental appliances should only be considered if the AHI is <15 (mild), and there is no other co-morbidity.

You may want to consider using some of the tools and techniques of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. You may not have technical insomnia, but could gain some tips on how to get a more effective sleep. Here is a link. There are quite a few things to check out at the site that are worthwhile. As far as I can see they are not trying to sell anything.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia

I believe the For Her version of the Swift FX headgear has a shorter back strap, but the same length on the top strap.

I have similar issues with central apnea. I seem to go in stretches when my AHI and CA's are low. Then I go on a stretch where I get an AHI over 5. Last night I actually hit 7.5. I don't think they are going to get very concerned about it until you start to average over 5 for AHI.

On trying EPR off, I would focus on the obstructive events. Compare the number of OAs you get with and without EPR. My thoughts are that if I can get OA down then I can live with higher CA.

Yes, I understand that Flex uses the flow rate, and set pressure to determine how much and when to cut back or increase EPAP during the exhale portion of the cycle. What I am talking about is the "decision" by the machine to make the switch from EPAP to IPAP or back. I believe Flex tries to predict using timing when you are going to breath out or in, while ResMed uses flow rate. I didn't see flow change for 1 sec so it is time to switch kind of logic.

I used a Fisher and Paykel machine in my trial period, and while they are not very forthcoming on how they do the switch from IPAP to EPAP, I strongly suspect it is a timing based logic similar to Flex. I often found the machine trying to force me to start a new breath when I really didn't want to. It wasn't a major effect, but it was noticeable. I complained about it, and I think all they did was turn down the EPR. I find the ResMed AirSense to be totally unobtrusive in making the switch when EPR is on and even set at 3.

I have noticed something like this, but not exactly the same. What I have experienced is a dizzy feeling about 1 hour after I get up. It goes away in about another hour. I did some searching on this issue and came up with an article about Otic Barotrama Resulting from CPAP Treatment. This sounds quite a bit more serious than what I was experiencing as there was a significant hearing loss with this individual. What it does indicate however is that spending significant hours on a CPAP every day can cause a pressurization of the middle ear. That article is very technical and I don't pretend to understand all the physiology of it. But, what needs to be kept in mind is that while it is a bit similar to flying in an airplane or going up and down a mountain, it is in one essential part different. In the airplane situation you get a pressure change on the outside of the ear, and eventually on the inside of the ear after things equalize. However with a CPAP there is no equalization until the time you get up and take away the pressure. The pressure acts inside your nasal passages all night, while the pressure outside of the ear remains unchanged. So while it kind of like the airplane experience, the pressure differential lasts for hours, instead of being equalized by chewing gum or swallowing in the plane situation. Also the individual in the article had increased treatment pressure up to 20 cm. I maintain 12 cm. But many do treat at 20 cm and some up to 25 cm.

My thoughts would be to ask for a referral to an eye, ear, and nose specialist to get their opinion. I am monitoring my symptoms and have resolved that if there are no lasting effects more than an hour or so, I am not going to worry about it. I do strongly suspect that it is a pressure issue in the ear, and it slowly resolves itself each day after I get up.

I've tried 4 different chin straps: one home made with Tensor bandage and some sewing, one an on line generic that sells for $10 or less, one that I bought locally at 2 for $6 (hole cut out for the ear), and most recently the Breathewear Halo. It is probably the most secure of them all. For me putting the chin strap on last works the best. You could try taping the straps with some paper type medical or first aid tape (3M Nexcare). I use it to tape my mouth shut. It is not too hard on the skin.

Does the Respironics bipap machines have the equivalent of ResMed's Triggering and Cycling adjustments; TiControl and Rise Time?