Hello Guest, Welcome to Apnea Board !
As a guest, you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use.
To post a message, you must create a free account using a valid email address.

or Create an Account


New Posts   Today's Posts

Rule of thumb for top pressure setting?
#11
RE: Rule of thumb for top pressure setting?
SleepRidr, I have my flickr set to public. My most recent night is the first one on the page, others are there too. Not necessarily in order.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/131278161@N05/

If you want a close up or enlarged horizontally pic of part, let me know what and I'll upload one.

Thanks,

The Hen.
Post Reply Post Reply
#12
RE: Rule of thumb for top pressure setting?
I used a little different approach to limiting top pressure. I was 5-20 for the first 50 days. On a couple of those nights the APAP did a "runaway", which I will define as going to a very high pressure without any events to support this. I verified on the forums that this could sometimes happen with the S9 Autoset.

On those two days it woke me up and I needed to shut it off and start it again for it to behave normally. So I looked at everything and found that otherwise it never really got above 13 (in the other 48 days), and that it needed to get to about 16 or 17 before it woke me up.

So I set the top pressure to 14, and it has never gone above 13 since (next 122 days). If it ever hits the ceiling again (with events to support that) I would raise it up, but have not had to. Got a 0.0 last night, BTW.

Bottom line, an APAP is supposed to raise pressure to help you get quality sleep without events. But on rare occasions it may raise without having a good reason, or at least that has been my experience. The science is sophisticated, but not perfect. If it raises the pressure (without a reason) enough to wake you or if that starts increasing centrals, it probably can't hurt to reign it back in a bit, as long as you are vigilant about hitting the pressure ceiling.

What others have posted here about the lower range setting seems very true, as does the theory about OA causing peeing while CA might not. Setting the low end high enough to prevent OA (and high enough for it to not take too long to raise in the face of events) while not causing CA is where the sweet spot is, but raising the lower end can also contribute to leaks, because higher pressure can break the seal easier.
Post Reply Post Reply
#13
RE: Rule of thumb for top pressure setting?
(02-21-2015, 11:02 AM)TyroneShoes Wrote: I used a little different approach to limiting top pressure. I was 5-20 for the first 50 days. On a couple of those nights the APAP did a "runaway", which I will define as going to a very high pressure without any events to support this. I verified on the forums that this could sometimes happen with the S9 Autoset.

On those two days it woke me up and I needed to shut it off and start it again for it to behave normally. So I looked at everything and found that otherwise it never really got above 13 (in the other 48 days), and that it needed to get to about 16 or 17 before it woke me up.

So I set the top pressure to 14, and it has never gone above 13 since (next 122 days). If it ever hits the ceiling again (with events to support that) I would raise it up, but have not had to. Got a 0.0 last night, BTW.

Bottom line, an APAP is supposed to raise pressure to help you get quality sleep without events. But on rare occasions it may raise without having a good reason, or at least that has been my experience. The science is sophisticated, but not perfect. If it raises the pressure (without a reason) enough to wake you or if that starts increasing centrals, it probably can't hurt to reign it back in a bit, as long as you are vigilant about hitting the pressure ceiling.

What others have posted here about the lower range setting seems very true, as does the theory about OA causing peeing while CA might not. Setting the low end high enough to prevent OA (and high enough for it to not take too long to raise in the face of events) while not causing CA is where the sweet spot is, but raising the lower end can also contribute to leaks, because higher pressure can break the seal easier.


TyroneShoes,
I used the same approach as you with setting the upper limit. I also noticed with my data that the pressure rarely went past 13,except for a few times when machine deceided to raise it higher to 15 with nothing to support it...that I could see anyway.
This always disrupted my sleep when pressure went up that high. If it hadn't disruped my sleep, I would have left it set at a higher number. So I keep my high limit at 14, but watch it closely.
Now as to the lower limit, still haven't found that "sweet spot". Unsure
I also have used Optistart, and it doesn't change my pressure from the 8 that I have it set.
OpalRose

OpalRose
Apnea Board Administrator
www.apneaboard.com

_______________________
OSCAR Chart Organization
How to Attach Images and Files.
OSCAR - The Guide
Soft Cervical Collar
Optimizing therapy
OSCAR supported machines
Mask Primer



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.
Post Reply Post Reply
#14
RE: Rule of thumb for top pressure setting?

"because the older machines would sometimes "run-away" and increase pressure beyond any reasonable need"

How to fix a runaway machine??? Should I purchase a different machine? Yikes

I'm doing a happy dance! I feel vindicated. I didn't know I had a known issue! I need to know more about this "run-away" problem. I have a Resmed S9 and an airfit F10. About 3 hours into sleep, the dang machine's pressure goes really high and blows my mask off. I shut it down then turn it back on, it's ok for a bit then runaway again. Every night. I thought maybe the mask was slipping off and it was trying to compensate so I purchased an Airfit P10. I woke up with my lungs hurting and I was kind of sick for a few days.

I purched my machine from a local classified. I've had prescriptions to get a sleep study but they are too expensive, so I've been doing it on my own. The low is set at 4 and the high is 13.

Even though I'm having this frustrating issue, I have less headaches and I wake up when I wake up! I need far less sleep. I can't wait to see what happens when I fix the run-away issue.
Thanks, y'all! Jemstone
Post Reply Post Reply
#15
RE: Rule of thumb for top pressure setting?
Jemstone.....

If no one else had told you buying a used CPAP like you did and self-titrating is not a medically great idea.

You can get home sleep studies for $ 300-400.

Being sick for a few days due to too high a pressure can cause major complications. Aerophagia is where air leaks past your epiglottis and inflates your stomach while using CPAP can cause a host of other complications. As discussed elsewhere in this thread too high a pressure can cause central apneas.

The other issue with buying a used CPAP was .... was it properly disinfected prior to you using it? TB would be a worst case scenario.

I know a full in lab psg is too expensive for anyone without insurance. But a home sleep study can be a way to start. Get a proper diagnosis and then you can work on getting proper medical advise and help on the settings based on your total medical history and issues. Not just what you post and get from an online forum.

Hope this helps.
(Just a truck driver with sleep apnea )
Post Reply Post Reply
#16
RE: Rule of thumb for top pressure setting?
(02-23-2015, 02:22 AM)Jemstone Wrote: "because the older machines would sometimes "run-away" and increase pressure beyond any reasonable need"

How to fix a runaway machine??? Should I purchase a different machine? Yikes

I'm doing a happy dance! I feel vindicated. I didn't know I had a known issue! I need to know more about this "run-away" problem. I have a Resmed S9 and an airfit F10. About 3 hours into sleep, the dang machine's pressure goes really high and blows my mask off. I shut it down then turn it back on, it's ok for a bit then runaway again. Every night. I thought maybe the mask was slipping off and it was trying to compensate so I purchased an Airfit P10. I woke up with my lungs hurting and I was kind of sick for a few days.

I purched my machine from a local classified. I've had prescriptions to get a sleep study but they are too expensive, so I've been doing it on my own. The low is set at 4 and the high is 13.

Even though I'm having this frustrating issue, I have less headaches and I wake up when I wake up! I need far less sleep. I can't wait to see what happens when I fix the run-away issue.
Thanks, y'all! Jemstone

Jemstone,
Welcome to the forum.

Now I agree with previous post about purchasing a used machine from someone you don't know. I hope you bought new hoses and mask. Those should not be reused for obvious reasons. I understand when money can be an issue, but you need to be careful. Can you afford a home study?

But with all that said, and since you already have machine, (and I love your enthusiasm), you can request the clinical manual if you don't already have it,
but it may be hard for anyone here to help you without a sleep study done and knowing what your titrated pressure is.
OpalRose
OpalRose
Apnea Board Administrator
www.apneaboard.com

_______________________
OSCAR Chart Organization
How to Attach Images and Files.
OSCAR - The Guide
Soft Cervical Collar
Optimizing therapy
OSCAR supported machines
Mask Primer



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.
Post Reply Post Reply
#17
RE: Rule of thumb for top pressure setting?
Jemstone,
I also think you should start your own thread on this subject since you are new. Your post may get lost or not noticed in this thread.
OpalRose
OpalRose
Apnea Board Administrator
www.apneaboard.com

_______________________
OSCAR Chart Organization
How to Attach Images and Files.
OSCAR - The Guide
Soft Cervical Collar
Optimizing therapy
OSCAR supported machines
Mask Primer



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.
Post Reply Post Reply
#18
RE: Rule of thumb for top pressure setting?
(02-23-2015, 09:17 AM)OpalRose Wrote: Jemstone,
I also think you should start your own thread on this subject since you are new. Your post may get lost or not noticed in this thread.
OpalRose

Good idea. Thanks

Jemstone
Post Reply Post Reply
#19
RE: Rule of thumb for top pressure setting?


I will absolutely do a home test! Thanks! Any suggestions?

Jemstone


(02-23-2015, 02:50 AM)truckerdad57 Wrote: Jemstone.....

If no one else had told you buying a used CPAP like you did and self-titrating is not a medically great idea.

You can get home sleep studies for $ 300-400.

Being sick for a few days due to too high a pressure can cause major complications. Aerophagia is where air leaks past your epiglottis and inflates your stomach while using CPAP can cause a host of other complications. As discussed elsewhere in this thread too high a pressure can cause central apneas.

The other issue with buying a used CPAP was .... was it properly disinfected prior to you using it? TB would be a worst case scenario.

I know a full in lab psg is too expensive for anyone without insurance. But a home sleep study can be a way to start. Get a proper diagnosis and then you can work on getting proper medical advise and help on the settings based on your total medical history and issues. Not just what you post and get from an online forum.

Hope this helps.

Post Reply Post Reply
#20
RE: Rule of thumb for top pressure setting?
Oh YES, I bought a new mask! But I did use a used (used once) climateline hose that I disinfected the heck out of. I won't buy a used one of those again.

I'm going to find a home test today.

I still want to figure out the run-away issue. Jemstone

(02-23-2015, 09:11 AM)OpalRose Wrote:
(02-23-2015, 02:22 AM)Jemstone Wrote: "because the older machines would sometimes "run-away" and increase pressure beyond any reasonable need"

How to fix a runaway machine??? Should I purchase a different machine? Yikes

I'm doing a happy dance! I feel vindicated. I didn't know I had a known issue! I need to know more about this "run-away" problem. I have a Resmed S9 and an airfit F10. About 3 hours into sleep, the dang machine's pressure goes really high and blows my mask off. I shut it down then turn it back on, it's ok for a bit then runaway again. Every night. I thought maybe the mask was slipping off and it was trying to compensate so I purchased an Airfit P10. I woke up with my lungs hurting and I was kind of sick for a few days.

I purched my machine from a local classified. I've had prescriptions to get a sleep study but they are too expensive, so I've been doing it on my own. The low is set at 4 and the high is 13.

Even though I'm having this frustrating issue, I have less headaches and I wake up when I wake up! I need far less sleep. I can't wait to see what happens when I fix the run-away issue.
Thanks, y'all! Jemstone

Jemstone,
Welcome to the forum.

Now I agree with previous post about purchasing a used machine from someone you don't know. I hope you bought new hoses and mask. Those should not be reused for obvious reasons. I understand when money can be an issue, but you need to be careful. Can you afford a home study?

But with all that said, and since you already have machine, (and I love your enthusiasm), you can request the clinical manual if you don't already have it,
but it may be hard for anyone here to help you without a sleep study done and knowing what your titrated pressure is.
OpalRose

Post Reply Post Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread Author Replies Views Last Post
Question Not Sure if Setting Changes Helping - Help Appreciated! WiscoKate 6 155 03-25-2024, 11:54 AM
Last Post: WiscoKate
  Setting time and date on Resmed Airsense 10 cmadon 42 32,186 03-08-2024, 09:13 AM
Last Post: Sleeprider
  AirSense 10 Max Pressure setting Tomt 13 856 03-04-2024, 07:11 PM
Last Post: Tomt
  Air Sense 11 - Pressure Setting goblue2024 3 426 01-10-2024, 02:20 PM
Last Post: dataq1
  [CPAP] Need help with setting minimum pressure for my Father. Jamie Connor 2 386 01-07-2024, 12:18 AM
Last Post: Jamie Connor
  AirSense 10 and Humidity Setting Columbiabill 16 3,006 12-12-2023, 08:06 PM
Last Post: G. Szabo
  Mask Type Setting Mpadgett714 1 514 12-11-2023, 01:10 PM
Last Post: gainerfull


New Posts   Today's Posts


About Apnea Board

Apnea Board is an educational web site designed to empower Sleep Apnea patients.