AI all over the map

Over the past couple of months I’ve noticed that my AI is not consistent. I tried a new mask but that seemed to make the matter worse so I went back to my old one. The first night was amazing: 0 AI; pressure around 8.5; and, leakage of 0. The next night it was in what used to be the normal range: AI ~ 3; pressure around 11; and, leakage around 12. Last night I was back to the same old routine: AI = 17.8; pressure = 10.3; and, leakage = 16.

I have an AirSense 10 and I’m using a ResMed Airfit N20. The new mask was a Resperonics Dreamwear. I reallly liked that mask as it was the most comfortable I’ve ever worn.

Anyone out there have similar experiences or a possible explanation?

It's really hard to say without full download data from your machine. Even then it may not be clear. If your leak level is the same or better with the DreamWear you may as well keep using it. You may need another study with your machine to nail down what is happening. It shouldn't be a position related thing as you obviously have an auto and it should compensate. Do you get restless legs?

It's too bad about the Respironics Dreamwear… Lots of folks are very happy with it because it's so comfortable, but many report the leakage problems as you also experienced. It appears that with the lack of the more familiar "pillars" that rest inside the nostrils it's a bit harder to get an effective seal against the mask. You might really like the Resmed Swift FX nasal pillows mask. You have to get the right fit in small, extra small, medium or large. We all have different sized nostrils independent of our weight or height.

With your inconsistent Al using the Resmed Airfit N20, it seems safe to assume that this mask is not working for you. Try a different mask. You like the nasal pillows, so pick among them. The newest model is not necessarily the best.

If you don't already have the Sleepyhead application (free online), consider getting it so that you can review full data from your sleep sessions. You will be able to "see" how your mask choice is performing and get a feel for what is driving your AHI inconsistencies. You may need to get your own SD card to place in your machine, if you don't now have one, and an SD card reader. At the front, left-hand side of your Airsense 10 is a dual "cabinet" Open the upper cabinet. Insert your SD card which is in the unlocked position (the little lever on the side of the SD card is pushed up towards the inserted end of the card) into the slot. Your nights' sleep will now automatically be recorded. When your sleep session is over, remove the SD card from your machine and push the little lever downwards into the locked position. With your Sleepy head application up and running on your computer, insert the SD card into your SD card reader and then insert the whole shebang into your computer. Click "import data" and a message will appear asking whether you want to point the data to a particular drive. Click "yes" and voila...you have data! This is exceeding great fun and also quite interesting. So, go see what you've got!

Keep up the good work.

Make sure you changed your settings from nasal mask to pillows. I don't know if it would make any difference in the reading, but it might effect how the machine is interpreting the average leaks every mask has.

One factor that helps with leakage for the DreamWear is having both the correct headframe and nasal cushion. I had to go down to a small head frame and small nasal cushion because the medium frame (standard) was too loose. I really prefer the medium width cushion but the opening went beyond my nares. On CPAP.com, they have really good videos on fitting the head frame...DreamWear also comes in a Large head frame as well.

I now use the DreamWear FFM because my pressure would blow my mouth open with my apnea and wake me up. I love the full face mask. Exactly like the nasal cushion, but with the cushion coming further down over my mouth. I still mostly breath through my nose, but the FFM makes sure my airway gets the pressure, not my mouth. And I've been able to go back to sleep on my stomach for the first time in almost a year! AHI <2 most nights.

It takes time. I've been diligently working at this for about 11 months. Have tried at least 6 different masks in that time until I found one that worked the best. For me, it's the DreamWear FFM. Anything over my nose caused too many leaks & broke down my skin. Try to be patient! And learn all you can!