[CPAP] How do I adjust CPAP for CSA?

[SleepingFish]

Is there a general path to using CPAP to treat central sleep apnea? Do I want more pressure? Less pressure? Lower EPR?

Before I started any CPAP, I only had obstructed apnea (to the best of my knowledge). A CPAP at a pressure of 7 or 8 seems to stop obstructed apnea, but makes me experience tons of clear airway events. My brain just forgets to breath, and I often wake up terrified I am drowning.

My Dr. ordered a titration sleep study to get my CPAP dialed in, but its in like 8 weeks. Willing to play around some more to try and get this better. So curious if anyone else has found general idea (more or less pressure) to treat CSA?

[staceyburke]

It is very hard to help with out any data.  We use OSCAR charts for this data.  It totally free download and to use, it can be downloaded from the top of the site.

[SleepingFish]

data attached, but my question still stands for where to start.

[staceyburke]

Many people have central apnea when they 1st start and as the body gets use to Cpap the centrals deminish with use. You did not have any central events until the last hour.

We usually lower EPR until you get use to the therapy. You could try turning EPR OFF while you adjust. The thing to look for is if flow limits increase without EPR.

[SleepingFish]

Many people have central apnea when they 1st start and as the body gets use to Cpap the centrals deminish with use. You did not have any central events until the last hour.

We usually lower EPR until you get use to the therapy.  You could try turning EPR OFF while you adjust.  The thing to look for is if flow limits increase without EPR.

More time is fine.

I am cranked to 3 EPR. Do I jump all the way to 0, or try 2, then 1?

[pholynyk]

I would suggest reducing the EPR in steps, giving about a week to get used to each step. Your CA should reduce, and flow limits and hypopnea may increase. At the moment, those are both low, and I wouldn't expect much increase.