How to reduce my events while using my Cpap

Hi @novaeva, Welcome to Connect. That is a great question - how can you reduce the per hour events when using your CPAP. I think we've all been there. I started using a CPAP about 4 years ago and when I started my AHI was averaging between 8 and 10 but sometimes went higher. For me, I think the biggest impact was finding a mask that was fairly comfortable and making sure I got 7 to 8 hours of sleep using the CPAP. My AHI is now normally between .5 - 2.5 and I try not to sleep on my back which makes my numbers higher.

@thankful, @alanbruce and others may also have suggestions to help reduce your events. It's good to hear your sleep has improved. That's the goal. What type of CPAP mask do you use, is it comfortable?

Thanks so much John. I started my CPAP on 3/17/22. The mask I use is the air fit F 20. If pretty comfortable, but at times I can hear air leaks. I usually sleep on my back. I will try to sleep on my side tonight. I must say my sleep has improved since using the Air sense 11 CPAP. I just need to reduce my events. Thanks again.

I also use the ResMed AirFit F20 full face mask. Mine probably leaks a little also but I have cloth comfort cover over the silicone so it feels a little better on my face and is more comfortable - https://cpapcomfortcover.com/fits-airfit-and-airtouch-f20-full-face-mask/

I think the longer you use the mask the more the events will start decreasing. Just keep working at it and pretty soon you will have them down to your target number.

Thanks John, the comfort cover over the silicone sound great. I will order one. Last night my event was still high, but I will continue to work on my target #. Thanks so much.

I am building confidence. My wife did wake me up to say adjust your mask. She heard air leakage, but events # were down last night. The best events # since joining Mayo Clinic. I will do a better job adjusting, my mask before going to bed. Thanks for your support.

Have you checked whether the events are obstructive or central? You may need to take out the memory card and input it to OSCAR or another program.
I usually have close to zero obstructive events - most of my events are centrals, which can have (in my case) multiple causes:

Noise from traffic (we live near a highway).

Whether I eat late in the evening (I try not to eat anything after 8).

Whether I spent the evening looking at my computer screen or phone,

Whether the evening was pleasant (talking to the wife and kids) or included aggravating things (like "Why is the electricity bill so high this month?" - I try to deal with these during the day).

Whether I spent at least an hour exercising during the day (but no strenuous exercise in the evening).

Good luck!

Make sure you are managing GERD/reflux. I like the webmd info on GERD triggers. My husband also was making noise with his CPAP and his was an issue with low oxygen levels. They tie the oxygen into the CPAP tube. Also, we have cats who tend to chew the tubes...

My events are still high, I started my c-pap over 2 months. I twist and turn at times during my sleep, and I think I have air lose. I will continue to use my c-pap. I must say I sleep longer since using the c-pap.

I switched to Vario equipment and now hardly ever have leakage and my nightly episodes have gone way down.

Thanks so much, trish32. I have a appt. with my sleep doctor next week. I will look into the Vario equipment.