[CPAP] Suggestions? New User

[blueskies65]

I had a sleep study about 2 years ago. They found mild supine-predominant OSA. I don't have the actual report but I know my AHI was less than 5 overall and 12 on my back. My RDI was around 15 I believe. I had a titration study done and though my AHI was lowered to almost zero, my RDI was unchanged (and the doctor was uninterested in improving that). I couldn't tolerate CPAP due to my stuffy nose and found breathing through my mouth too uncomfortable. For the last year I have used a wedge pillow and Philips Smartsleep band to keep me off my back. Still I was waking up with a headache every morning that disappeared within an hour of waking, waking once or twice to pee at night, having brain fog, trouble concentrating and feeling so exhausted each day was hard to get through. More fatigue than sleepiness, though.

I had a septoplasty at the end of November 2021 and just this month have been able to sleep with my machine all night using nasal pillows. I'm looking for any suggestions on tweaking my settings (if they need tweaking at all). The past 4 nights of using CPAP all night have resulted in less of a morning headache, but it's still there. I understand it could take months of consistent use before I feel significantly better. Here's some OSCAR data: 

   

   

   

Any suggestions? My apologies if any formatting is wonky. TIA!

[OpalRose]

Welcome to Apnea Board!  

Your numbers look fairly decent, but how you feel is more important.  

The one thing I would change is the EPR setting.  Lower EPR from 3 to 1.  
This may help bring down the clear airways.  Be aware that in turn, you may see an increase in Hypopnea and/or Obstructives.  

Make this one change for now and make note of your numbers and how you feel.

Also, when posting a chart, use the Organizing link in my signature line for guidance.  Leave the pie chart and calendar off so that the graphs fit.   Be sure the Events graph picks up Obstructives and Clear Airway events.

[blueskies65]

Thank you! I've noted the organizing link and I'll try lowering my EPR for tonight.

[Ratchick]

Yep, I was going to suggest what Opal said - try reducing your EPR and see how that goes with the balance of central to obstructive/hypops.

Do you know if you had any central events on your sleep study? If you know for sure you didn't, then hopefully these will get better the longer you are on the CPAP consistently, as you get used to the better ventilation. That said, they aren't super frequent, it's just something to keep an eye on.

Also,