OSCAR results seem to say I'm doing ok - so why do I wake up with a sore throat...

[Dormeo]

Hi Burra. Your increase of your minimum to 9 wasn't dial-winging! You were getting advice from an expert with deep experience, based on his careful analysis of your data. Furthermore, your AHI improved, and it seems you were comfortable with the minimum of 9. For all these reasons, I strongly recommend that tonight you go back to a minimum of 9 and then stick with it for a while. You will see night-to-night variation, because no two nights are the same, but I suspect you'll see your AHI generally under 2 or 3.

It can be worrying when something out of the ordinary happens, like soreness in the chest. I would guess that was not related to changing your minimum pressure, since even with a minimum of 5, your median pressure was over 11. All kinds of minor and transient conditions can cause a sore chest. If the soreness doesn't resolve, of course you should talk with your doctor.

You are doing a fantastic job of educating yourself and problem-solving. You are also doing your long-term health a big favor. Getting your AHI down from 90 something to 2 or 3 is tremendous progress.

Keep us posted, would you?

[Burra]

Burra, your determination and your readiness to do some problem-solving will serve you well.  I do truly believe you will experience better sleep.

Thank you for your kind, reassuring words Dormeo - I really appreciate them.

[Sleeprider]

Dormeo's comments show how much experience she has on the forum, and I agree. Backing off on pressure to the 5.0 minimum you had initially leaves you with no room for EPR. Your pressure starts at 5.0/4.0 and you don't reach EPR 3 until the pressure is at 7.0 or higher. Once you implement EPR you are no longer using the prescribed pressure anyway as the exhale pressure is what controls OA events, and you are actually at 4.0 EPAP pressure. Anyway, I think you were making good progress, and continuing to investigate a soft collar and bilevel are things we have discussed.