Feeling Bad Over Good Scores: Help Please

[SarcasticDave94]

I'd think the plan needed to get onto a VAuto is discussing need for higher pressure support. And in part it can be based on requiring treatment that the AutoSet isn't providing. EPR on an AutoSet is the equal to pressure support on bilevel in reverse, as PS adds to EPAP while EPR reduces EPAP. And most doctors aren't likely to understand or enact a plan involving EPR on the AutoSet. When you're talking about a VAuto, EPR is replaced with the larger range of pressure support. And no it doesn't have variable Auto ranging PS. My ASV can do that, but you don't need a Central Apnea therapy device.

[TiredOne789]

    Stacey,
Here's what the EPR set at 3 looked like.  See first half of Oscar report until 2:30 a.m. and .33 FL. Did I set something wrong? I felt like it was hurrying me up to exhale before I was ready to. I was uncomfortable. I will try EPR at 2 again tonight, and give it another chance. 

Thank you.
Still TiredOne.

[TiredOne789]

I mean, I will try EPR at 3 again tonight.

Still TiredOne.

[Hydrangea]

If I relied on my DME for setting my machine, I'd still be at a fixed pressure of 5 and without a heated hose. Thank goodness for this board - I'm no longer getting rainout and air hunger.

[TiredOne789]

I have changed the EPR to 3 to lower flow limits. Currently my minimum pressure is 7. Should I have changed the minimum to 8? I feel a little resistance pressure when I exhale?
Thank you.
Still TiredOne

[staceyburke]

You should not feel any more resistance to exhale. Again 4 is the lowest the machine can go. And min 7 and epr (3) would give exhale at 4 - the absolute lowest pressure you can be. 

As far as “should” you change pressure - we need to see a night of OSCAR charts to see how your therapy is working.

[TiredOne789]

    Last night's- 4-15-2021 Oscar report.

[staceyburke]

All of your increased pressure is related to flow limits - they are high. Make sure your EPR is set at 3 full time, not just at ramp (I can’t see that info it is further down in the left column). If it is then raise the min to 8 and yes that will give you a LITTLE more resistance on exhale. Mow with min 8 EPR 3 your exhale is going to be 5.

[TiredOne789]

EPR is set at 3 Full Time. Is it okay to change pressure to 8 all at one time?

I am going to see my doctor about getting the Vauto.

[staceyburke]

Yes you can go to 8 without any problem. I would give us a little time to see if we can get the FL down before trying to get a bipap. I doubt the Dr would prescribe one with your numbers.