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+--- Thread: Experimenting with pressure? (/Thread-Experimenting-with-pressure)
Experimenting with pressure? - Triggerracing - 09-15-2016
After my first sleep study it was determined my SA was mild (14) when on my side but severe when I was on my back (51). So I went back for a second sleep study and my pressure of 10 was settled upon, but nearly the whole study was done with me on the side. It was noted that this pressure might not be sufficient if I slept on my back. Which of course does happen since even though I do go to sleep on my side, I have awaken on my back many times.
Now, not even getting into why I wasn't turned on my back to see if 10 would be sufficient, I have decided to experiment with slightly higher pressures to see if it makes a difference. I do feel better since being on the CPAP (approx 3 weeks), and if the AHI readings are anywhere accurate on the Dreammapper app, I'm usually below 5, though a couple times it has been higher (11).
I'm going with 10.5 starting tonight for a few nights and go up .5 till maybe 12 or so. I'm also going to try to go to sleep on my back and see what the AHI readings are. I wish I could get Sleeyhead or EncorePro downloaded, but am having trouble getting both to work.
Anyway, anyone think this isn't a ok idea?
RE: Experimenting with pressure? - stanleydean - 09-15-2016
Hi Triggerracing, welcome to the Forum, you will find an abundance of help here. I have adjusted my pressure in increments of 0.5 until I found what seems to be my optimum with my current setup. However, you should not make a change without giving a setting enough time to generate some meaningful data. My changes have been at least a couple of weeks apart. Your AHI results are looking good this early in your treatment so don't rush the pressure changes. I started with 9 CM H2O and went up 0.5 each step, settling at 10.5.
Good luck and let us know how it works out.
RE: Experimenting with pressure? - Triggerracing - 09-15-2016
(09-15-2016, 06:11 PM)stanleydean Wrote: Hi Triggerracing, welcome to the Forum, you will find an abundance of help here. I have adjusted my pressure in increments of 0.5 until I found what seems to be my optimum with my current setup. However, you should not make a change without giving a setting enough time to generate some meaningful data. My changes have been at least a couple of weeks apart. Your AHI results are looking good this early in your treatment so don't rush the pressure changes. I started with 9 CM H2O and went up 0.5 each step, settling at 10.5.
Good luck and let us know how it works out.
Will do, that's what I planned, going up .5 every two weeks. Thanks
RE: Experimenting with pressure? - Sleeprider - 09-15-2016
So what is baffling is why you wouldn't use your auto CPAP to titrate a pressure that works all the time. Set the minimum APAP pressure at 10, and sleep on your side, but if you roll on your back, a pressure increase up to 20 is available. I'm not sure what a good maximum pressure might be, but to titrate you for only a specific sleep position seems a bit irresponsible.
Set the machine for auto mode and use a minimum pressure of 10, which seems to work. Let the machine increase pressure if you change position. It seems almost logical enough your doctor might go along with it.
RE: Experimenting with pressure? - trish6hundred - 09-15-2016
Hi Triggerracing,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I wish you good luck with your CPAP therapy.