Newbie charts...Do I need to adjust machine?

[tiredtess]

Hi,

I have an APAP Dreamstation since I was diagnosed about 2 months ago. I think I might benefit from changing some settings on the machine, but I don't know where to start. The machine has cflex on and the min level is 4 and the max is 20. I'm not due to get a titration done until late this year.

My AHI is jumping around quite a bit. I definitely feel rubbish when it is over 5, and I usually feel great when it gets down around 2 (this hasn't happened for a few weeks). I'd love some more days with a lower AHI - I really feel like superwoman when it is around 2! 

I've attached the daily charts for three recent days from SleepyHead, as well as the "overview" screen . I'd be very grateful if any of you have any ideas what settings I should consider changing based on these charts.

Please let me know if there's any other info that would be helpful or if I've done something wrong with the charts.


Thanks for reading,
Tess

[Walla Walla]

You probably do better if you set your minimum pressure to 9cm.

[OpalRose]

Hi tiredtess,
Your machine is set at a default setting of 4-20.  I would start by moving the minimum pressure to 8cm or 8.5cm, and lower tha max pressure to 15cm.  This will narrow the pressure range and allow the machine to do a better job.

With a Respironics machine, you will need to keep the minimum pressure around your median pressure, or at least 2cm below the 90% number.

I’m not sure what Flex setting you are using, but I would set it to AFlex 2 or 1.

These changes should help with the Obstructives, Hypopneas, and Flow Limitations.

[tiredtess]

Thanks a million Walla Walla and OpalRose, I really appreciate your advice.

I'll increase the min and decrease the max as advised.

I currently have cflex at 3, I'll change to aflex too.

Thanks again

[Sleeprider]

Whether you use AFlex or CFlex, a settingof 2 will probably work better.

[tiredtess]

Thanks Sleeprider, I'll set it to 2.

For some reason I was convinced it was CFlex I was using, but it's actually AFlex. I've reduced the AFlex to 2 now and made the pressure changes too.

Heading to sleep now. Fingers crossed!

[tiredtess]

Hi again,

I changed my min pressure to 8 and my max to 15 as recommended. I also changed my AFlex to 2.

I've had the settings changed now for the last two nights, and I'm not sure it's helping. My AHI was almost 7 this morning.

I've attached screenshots from SleepyHead for the last two nights. I'd be really grateful if someone could take a look for me. 

I'm not sure if I should change the settings back, or if I need to give it another few nights at the new settings.

Thanks again,
Tess

[jaswilliams]

You still have snores and obstructive apnoea, a bit more minimumpressure needed

[tiredtess]

Thanks jaswilliams. I took your advice and now have my minimum pressure set to 10 and my max set to 15.

I've attached my chart from last night, and my AHI is at about 3.5 now. I'm much happier with that. Thanks again to everyone who helped.

Looking at last night's chart, should I make any further changes?

If I increase the min pressure again, would I need to think about raising the max pressure too?

Tess

[jaswilliams]

Thanks jaswilliams. I took your advice and now have my minimum pressure set to 10 and my max set to 15.

I've attached my chart from last night, and my AHI is at about 3.5 now. I'm much happier with that. Thanks again to everyone who helped.

Looking at last night's chart, should I make any further changes?

If I increase the min pressure again, would I need to think about raising the max pressure too?

Tess

No need to raise the max pressure as you pressure never reaches the maximum of 15. Your getting closer to optimised treatment may be try 10.5 for a night see if your apnoea reduces further as occasionally more pressure is needed to keep your airway open and the philips is slow to respond.