Increasing pressure

[strdsbrg]

I've been using a CPAP machine for over a year now.  I wake up several times a night - more than I did before having the machine - but often attribute it to just being uncomfortable with the mask since I generally do feel better and think that the quality of my sleep time is better.   There are times, however, that I feel like I had been experiencing apneas and it makes me wonder whether the pressure is optimal.  

I can see why a low pressure wouldn't be good, but I understand a pressure that is too high is ineffective also.  Is that correct?  Why would this be?  Also, is it true that since I dream more I must be getting more recuperative sleep because it is proof that I have reached REM?  Is there a way to determine that I am still having apneas without having to endure another sleep study?

[Steven Y Park, MD]

phoebe368 is right. The newer models had data recording capabilities and can give you a readout on your total usage time, leaks, and AHI. These are generally issues that should be discussed with your sleep doctor on a routine follow-up visit. Getting full benefit is a process, with continuous monitoring and incremental adjustments. Good luck.

[phoebe368]

Does your cpap machine have data recording abilities?  The newer models come with data cards that can be read by a card reader which is connected to your computer via a USB port.  You can review all sorts of info. such as leak rates, AHI etc.  I would tweak my pressure settings to find the lowest AHI.