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Hello. If I may, I'd like to introduce myself before asking my question.
I'm a long time CPAP user but just recently began using OSCAR and reading the Apnea Board Forums. My Sleep Study was conducted several years ago and resulted in a Rx of 7.0 cmH2O. I've been getting along fine, as far as I knew, but OSCAR and the Forum has given me the incentive to see if I could do better. I discovered that my "CPAP" machine is an "AUTO CPAP" machine! There was nothing holding me back now. Changing from a straight 7.0 to and auto range of 5 - 11 dropped my AHI from the mid 3.0s to the low 1.0s. I'm not yet sure if my auto setting is optimal but I'm thrilled with the result so far.
Now for my question. I use my auto machine at home but take along a simple CPAP machine when I travel. How can I use my APAP data to set the pressure on my CPAP machine? It's still set at my long time Rx of 7.0 but my APAP data makes me feel that it should be higher...
Grateful for insight the Forum has to offer, and if there are any thoughts on how I've set up my APAP, please don't hesitate to let me know.
The flow limitations and hypopnea are obstructive, and would be improved with a higher minimum pressure on your APAP machine. I really think you should go back to a minimum of 7.0 and maximum of 11 or 12 seems fine. Most clinics will set the CPAP pressure at the 90th percentile of pressure. In your case, a single pressure CPAP at 9.0 or 9.5 looks about right. As long as you are not bothered by pressure, the higher pressure, I would suggest using the higher of the range suggested above.
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.
Hi khw210,
First, a minimum pressure of 5 is clearly too low for you with that many Flow Limitations, RERAs and snores. These indicate a higher pressure is needed.
Let’s change the minimum pressure to 8cm and maximum to 13cm.
A good rule to follow would be to use your Median pressure for a minimum setting, or look at the 95% number and set the minimum 2cm below that. It usually comes out to almost the same number.
Using the same formula above, set your straight pressure Cpap at 8cm. You can adjust these numbers after a few days if needed.
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.
Thank you both for your thoughts. Per your guidance, I've tweaked my APAP to a range of 8.0 - 13.0. That's quite an increase over what I've been using. Anxious to see how my night goes.
(06-07-2019, 01:45 PM)OpalRose Wrote: A good rule to follow would be to use your Median pressure for a minimum setting, or look at the 95% number and set the minimum 2cm below that. It usually comes out to almost the same number.
This is the kind of guidance I'm looking for.
On that same note - Is there a good rule of thumb to follow to guide an APAP user in setting the Maximum Presssure?
06-07-2019, 03:48 PM (This post was last modified: 06-07-2019, 04:04 PM by ajack.)
RE: Applying APAP Data to CPAP Machine
Yes opal is right about the 95%. For auto titration, it is a recommended number to use as a fixed pressure. You would use a 7 or 30 day average. So if this chart represents the average, for example. The travel S8 you would have fixed 10 epr 3. To be a similar pressure relief, or flex. To what you are using now.
As long as the machine max is above Oscar max. It will be fine. Generally the max pressure isn't an issue and most people can use 20
(06-07-2019, 03:48 PM)ajack Wrote: Yes opal is right about the 95%. For auto titration, it is a recommended number to use as a fixed pressure. You would use a 7 or 30 day average. So if this chart represents the average, for example. The travel S8 you would have fixed 10 epr 3. To be a similar pressure relief. To what you are using now.
Unless I'm misreading one of the posts, Opal has suggested a fixed pressure of 8.0 for my fixed pressure CPAP which conflicts with your suggestion of 10
06-07-2019, 04:37 PM (This post was last modified: 06-07-2019, 04:46 PM by ajack.)
RE: Applying APAP Data to CPAP Machine
Opal is suggesting min pressure 8 max pressure 13, for auto mode. She used the 95% number to get the min pressure. Your respironics likes the min pressure to be close to the 95%.
Fixed pressure on your S8, is a different story. The fixed pressure would normally be set at the 95% for resmed. In this chart that would be 10. EPR 3
Is this clearer? One is for your respironics and one is for the S8
Yes, it is. Thanks for the clarification. Although my APAP is a System One - not a Dreamstation. I don't imagine that would make a difference. Thanks again.