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Permalink Reply by Mike on April 9, 2009 at 12:06pm

How long have you been using the machine and is it data capable?

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Permalink Reply by Mike on April 9, 2009 at 2:00pm

DDnight, how are you arriving at your efficacy data without having the benefit of the Encore software?

DDNight said:

I think it's just a symptom of sleep apnea. I had a killer headache yesterday...I mean real bad. Today, I'm okay. I think it's a part of the process...some days will be okay, others not so much.

I have been using a CPAP since December and I still am not getting the FULL effects of treatment. I do feel better, but some days I just don't feel 100%. My numbers look good: AHI around 1, Leak rate at 25 (Optilife Nasal pillow), and am getting 6.4 hours (average) a night.

Not sure what I need to do to feel better though.

I haven't committed in purchasing the Encore Viewer software yet....maybe I need to invest in it to be more proactive in my treatment.

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Permalink Reply by DIMPLES on April 10, 2009 at 11:08am

Can I adjust the pressure myself of do i have to have the doctor adjust it

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Permalink Reply by Mike on April 11, 2009 at 4:51pm

sorry not to have responded earlier to this, DDNight. The Encore Viewer software will give you access to detailed data on an hour by hour, day by day basis. So, say, if you had a few drinks on a Friday night, and your AHI was higher on Friday night, you can assume that the alcohol had an effect, and try to avoid alcohol the next night and see the difference. That's just one example of the kind of more accurate deductions you can make if you have access to day by day efficacy data. Also, if you have an auto-adjusting machine, the software will tell you what part of the night you spent at which pressure setting, so that if you're "maxing out" on your pressure settings, and spending much of the night at the highest setting, you can understand that it might be time to have the pressure settings bumped up a notch or two and see whether that improves your overall performance.

DDNight said:

I take a look at the LCD screen every few days.....

When I first got the Optilife Nasal Pillow, my numbers were higher......AHI of 5-6, leak rate hovering around 30.....

I decided to bump up the pressure from 8 to 9 and then my averages started to decrease.....AHI of around 1 and leak rate of around 25 this morning.

What other numbers are necessary? What does the Encore Viewer software tell me that I would need to know?

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Permalink Reply by Mike on April 11, 2009 at 4:54pm

Like j n k says, it's a very good idea to work with your physician with pressure adjustments. that said, i'm not aware of any legal reason why you're not able to adjust it yourself.

DIMPLES said:

Can I adjust the pressure myself of do i have to have the doctor adjust it

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