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Referring back to the collar, I am not a collar guy but do have some info that may help you.
As I understand it, the preference is for a soft foam cervical 2.5 to 3 inches tall with a comfortable loose fit to put light pressure on the back of the jaw may help keep the mouth closed, helping dry mouth and positional apnea. There are several sizes (heights) so pick the one that fits. Some users cover the collar with McKesson “stockinette” to keep perspiration odor under control. Collar brands include coreflex, coreline, and perhaps other brands of which I am unaware. No overwhelming brand preference to my knowledge. BTW, props to you on creating a DIY collar.
May I suggest obtaining a second SD card. When you remove one for data importing, immediately insert the other card in the CPAP. That way you will always have a card in the machine. The only downside to this approach is all your data will be spread over 2 cards. Also, instead of a direct import of the data into OSCAR from the card, create a dedicated directory on your computer for the SD's data. You will then use this directory to import the data into OSCAR. This will provide an archive of your older data and a safe backup if a card should go south. (Note to self; why don't bad things that happen, go north? )
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
The Futuro collar (post DIY) wasn't comfortable and not tall enough even though it was advertised as adjustable from 2.5" to 5". The best I could get was 3.5" and I even tried it upside down. I ordered the Coreflex at 4.5" which does keep my mouth shut and stopped the CSR-like patterns. What I don't like about it is it pushes on the Airfit straps on the back of my neck which leaves welts. I will have to research other mask options. I'm wondering if the collar would keep my mouth closed enough to use a nose mask.
Can anyone tell me what is gaining on during this pattern? It happens all night, but isn't flagged. The pressure does change though. Should I make any changes to the settings?
The pattern is a form of Periodic Breathing. I'm not seeing a reason for it.
Are you sure you're breathing this way "the whole night"? You are showing us 10-15 minute segment.
Can you take a look at other times of the night where there are no events and show a 3-4 minute time frame. For your own peace of mind, go through the flow rate from start to end and document if that pattern of breathing is all night.
Also, how do you sleep? Were you awake during this time frame you posted?
I recommend that you turn off the ramp, and start your min. pressure at 9 or 10 with
EPR 3 for a night or two.
If anyone else has advice for paulauf, please chime in!
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
My theory, based on some things Gideon said about apneac threshold, is that mild periodic breathing may be caused by slightly too much ventilation, just as we see CA's when there is too much EPR or pressure support.
So my theory suggests backing off the EPR by 1 and see if the tidal volume smooths out. Try it for a few days and report back. Remember, it's a theory, and you are my (first?) guinea pig
PS - your CA may decrease as well. If so, bonus!
Apnea Board Monitors are members who help oversee the smooth functioning of the Board. They are also members of the Advisory Committee which helps shape Apnea Board's rules & policies. Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
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