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Would Most CPAP Machines Have This Mode And What Would It Be Useful For?
Question: Hi,
I have been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea with an AHI of around 20.
I have started to use a CPAP machine from Resmed, the Airflow Sense 10.
I noted that there is an airplane mode. Would most CPAP machines have this mode and what would it be useful for? I noted on the sleep report from the machine that the AHI is 12, would this usually refer to the AHI achieved while using the machine?
Although meant for use during sleep can using a CPAP while awake also be beneficial for those with sleep apnea?
Thank you,
Regards.
I have been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea with an AHI of around 20.
I have started to use a CPAP machine from Resmed, the Airflow Sense 10.
I noted that there is an airplane mode. Would most CPAP machines have this mode and what would it be useful for? I noted on the sleep report from the machine that the AHI is 12, would this usually refer to the AHI achieved while using the machine?
Although meant for use during sleep can using a CPAP while awake also be beneficial for those with sleep apnea?
Thank you,
Regards.
Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The airplane mode shuts off the wireless connectivity of the device as it does on a during a flight. Hence online connectivity and / web-based apps will not work. This avoids any possible interference with aircraft avionics. In addition, the humidifier should be empty to avoid water inhalation during any turbulence. The airplane mode can be used at home, however, wireless connectivity will not work and tracking /reports cannot be generated.
2. AHI of 12 on using the machine denotes a mild sleep apnea severity as compared to the earlier AHI of 20 which denotes moderately severe sleep apnea. Ideally, this AHI should be less than 5 or 6 on using the machine. Kindly contact and inform the company/dealer representatives to check the setting, type of mask, leakages, and any other reasons, or settings.
3. Sleep apnea like breathing symptoms severe enough to require daytime support will mean very severe conditions that will require further evaluation and may be due to many other causes too. Theoretically, this thought may be interesting, but it suggests that urgent evaluation is necessary.
I hope that I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The airplane mode shuts off the wireless connectivity of the device as it does on a during a flight. Hence online connectivity and / web-based apps will not work. This avoids any possible interference with aircraft avionics. In addition, the humidifier should be empty to avoid water inhalation during any turbulence. The airplane mode can be used at home, however, wireless connectivity will not work and tracking /reports cannot be generated.
2. AHI of 12 on using the machine denotes a mild sleep apnea severity as compared to the earlier AHI of 20 which denotes moderately severe sleep apnea. Ideally, this AHI should be less than 5 or 6 on using the machine. Kindly contact and inform the company/dealer representatives to check the setting, type of mask, leakages, and any other reasons, or settings.
3. Sleep apnea like breathing symptoms severe enough to require daytime support will mean very severe conditions that will require further evaluation and may be due to many other causes too. Theoretically, this thought may be interesting, but it suggests that urgent evaluation is necessary.
I hope that I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dear Dr. Bhatti,
Thank you for the information.
Noted regarding the airplane mode on the device.
The AHI appears to have fallen back to around 6 on the device. However, I do not think I am feeling more refreshed as if often reported by users of CPAPs. Is this normal and should I wait a while to see how I am feeling over time?
For machine usage during the day, I was just wondering if the CPAP could help to potentially even further improve breathing at certain times during the day for sleep apnea patients and lead to better energy during the day due to overall increased oxygen intake perhaps.
I noted that the machine requires daily cleaning but this is quite difficult to achieve. Are there any particular areas to focus on for cleaning? I am noticing a slightly irritated throat after two days of use. Can usage of a CPAP lead to bacterial or viral infections of the throat or sinuses even if the machine is cleaned or if the machine is not cleaned well?
Thank you,
Regards.
Thank you for the information.
Noted regarding the airplane mode on the device.
The AHI appears to have fallen back to around 6 on the device. However, I do not think I am feeling more refreshed as if often reported by users of CPAPs. Is this normal and should I wait a while to see how I am feeling over time?
For machine usage during the day, I was just wondering if the CPAP could help to potentially even further improve breathing at certain times during the day for sleep apnea patients and lead to better energy during the day due to overall increased oxygen intake perhaps.
I noted that the machine requires daily cleaning but this is quite difficult to achieve. Are there any particular areas to focus on for cleaning? I am noticing a slightly irritated throat after two days of use. Can usage of a CPAP lead to bacterial or viral infections of the throat or sinuses even if the machine is cleaned or if the machine is not cleaned well?
Thank you,
Regards.
Brief Answer:
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your following up..
1. It will take some time for the full benefits of using a CPAP machine. Further evaluation can be done after a few months. Is your BMI within the normal range? That will impact your relief in time.
2. . As explained in my previous answer, theoretically, yes for very severe problems. However it is impractical and cumbersome to use during daytime. For extremely severe patients, daytime masks and permanent tracheotomy is an option.
3. A clean machine will not cause infections. Minor infections can be handled by the immune system.
I hope that I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Details as discussed below:
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your following up..
1. It will take some time for the full benefits of using a CPAP machine. Further evaluation can be done after a few months. Is your BMI within the normal range? That will impact your relief in time.
2. . As explained in my previous answer, theoretically, yes for very severe problems. However it is impractical and cumbersome to use during daytime. For extremely severe patients, daytime masks and permanent tracheotomy is an option.
3. A clean machine will not cause infections. Minor infections can be handled by the immune system.
I hope that I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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