Many Questions

I just started CPAP therapy last weekend. I had a machine several years ago but was unsuccessful. I think it was because I did not have a doctor following my progress. My primary sent me for a sleep study and that was the end of her involvement. Now I think I'm set with a ResMed AirSense 10 and P10 for her nasal pillows. I got my first score of 80, then it has gone downhill to 75, and last night 69. I have not had more than three incidences per night but have had two indications of air leak. How do I fix that? My provider suggested training my mouth to stay closed by using it during the day for about an hour. Any other suggestions?

Another question on cleaning: This may sound like a stupid question but I will probably have a lot of those. I put the hose in the mild soapy water but what about the end with the prongs that go into the machine? I was afraid to get those wet. I just left those outside the sink until I get an answer.

Since my husband died six years ago, I have packed on 60 pounds hoping to fill up that hole. We all know food does not solve anything. Has anybody else had to lose a significant amount of weight when they started this project?

Thanks for all your help. I think it is easier to go to a forum of actual users than call the provider with questions.

That is a good machine, I would suggest better, more detailed data. That would indicate the cause of the leakage. That would require you to download Software, for now, SleepyHead [https://www.apneaboard.com/sleepyhead/] shortly (This month, March) OSCAR. Post the daily charts and those here will help you to understand them.

I believe your doctor thinks you are "Mouth Breathing". If this is the case hold your tongue on the roof of your mouth during the daytime and breath through your nose, over time, it took me months, that will fix that problem. The easy solution is to tape your lips with medical tape, many use 3M Micropore 1.5 to 2-inch tape works well.

on your hose, don't worry about getting the contacts wet, just rinse well and hang the hose up to dry. You want the contacts dry before use, otherwise you are ok.

[http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mask_Primer] Mask Primer - a lot of info on Mask usage is here [https://www.apneaboard.com/sleepyhead/] Download SleepyHead - the way to see the detail of what goes on at night [http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=SleepyHead_Chart_Organization] Organize Charts because not all the charts are as important as others

Welcome to the forum. A few suggestions and questions for you?

• Do you know what component of the MyAir scoring system is bringing your total score down? The MyAir system puts high emphasis on hours of use.
• If it is mask leaks You may want to consider mouth taping. I use the P10 mask and was initially adverse to trying mouth taping, but finally did it and have not looked back. This is a good video to watch. My wife who also uses a CPAP and a nasal pillow mask was also reluctant to try it, but when she did, it resulted in a significant reduction in her obstructive apnea events as well as reducing mouth leaks. See this thread on it here.
• You may want to consider downloading SleepyHead and copying your SD card data to your computer. It requires a Mac or PC and a SD card reader. The software is free and can be downloaded here. It gives you a display for example of your leaks throughout the night which is much more informative.
• On cleaning I use straight vinegar first on the hose and mask, then Dawn dish soap and water, and last a final rinse of just water. There is no risk of damaging the complete mask and hose with water. I try to do it in the morning and let it hang to dry during the day.
• I would like to find an easy solution to the weight problem too. I believe it is a matter of diet (calories) and exercise. I have the exercise part down well, but not so much on the total calorie intake. Reducing weight can make CPAP treatment more effective.

If you have any other questions, just ask.

Hey, PhylissK from the Show Me state, welcome aboard. Anyone interested in intermittent fasting but wondering which of the hundreds of books to trust? I highly recommend you read "the IF diet robert skinner" ASIN: B00B0CQXGM along with your CPAP therapy and the great people on this Forum. Right now it's free from Amazon as an Ebook. Everybody should read this to understand how our body works with what we put into it. I just started this week. (And HIIT - high interval intermittent training. (Starting tomorrow.)

Went to the Sleep Show in Houston twice this w/e. (More later on new topic.) Talked to Dr. David Neubauer, who made several presentations, (authored "Understanding Sleeplessness: Perspectives on Insomnia" ASIN: B07BVF1Z6Z) and we discussed intermittent fasting, the critical point about understanding eating and when. He recommended "The Circadian Code: Lose Weight, Supercharge Your Energy, and Transform Your Health from Morning to Midnight" by Satchin Panda. WOW!!! This is now on my reading list.

I'm an overweight newbie too, BiPAP since Jan 31! So much to learn...