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+--- Thread: Should I try CPAP over APAP? (/Thread-Should-I-try-CPAP-over-APAP)
Should I try CPAP over APAP? - renoir - 04-07-2020
The last four months have been relatively smooth. I have found a mask that is comfortable and does not leak. My AHIs range from .4 to 2.0 per night. My mouth still gets very dry, that is a minor nuisance.
If I have one problem I would like to solve, it is the face I awaken 3 to 6 times per night. Once to use the toilet. I don't believe I stay awake very long, but I still wake up.
I was wondering if the CPAP mode would help with the multiple wakes up. If that is the case, what setting should I start with, based on the OSCAR graph, which is fairly typical? I also have an EPR of "1". Is that possible to do in the CPAP setting?
Thanks as always
RE: Should I try CPAP over APAP? - Rcgop - 04-07-2020
I changed my EPR from 2 to 3 and I “think” it made a difference.
RE: Should I try CPAP over APAP? - mper6794 - 04-07-2020
Renoir,
_ no sure how you feel in general; hopefuly/luckily you feel good. However, actually, I would be surprised you wake up only three times. I think I see so many respiratory/flow limited-driven arousals/awakenings in between the wakeups;
_ it looks to me you would still have an untreated UARS. Flagged flow limitation would be still too high in my opinion;
_ yet I could not see your E:I ratio, TV (cut on the display), It looks you could be fighting against the APAP (RR and MV too high, it looks);
_ You could try a low-hope solution by gradually increasing EPR to 3.0. However, I suspect true solution for you would be move to BiPAP;
all the best
RE: Should I try CPAP over APAP? - Sleeprider - 04-07-2020
Your auto pressure only varies by 2 cm between 10 to 12, so that should not be too disruptive. I agree with others that higher EPR would be helpful. You don't have very severe flow limitations, but using more pressure support between EPAP and IPAP will further reduce that problem and should reduce any respiratory effort related arousals (RERA).
RE: Should I try CPAP over APAP? - Gideon - 04-07-2020
Your wakeups are reduced over time by tweaking your therapy to avoid sleep disruptions. It's not specifically the mode.
Follow Sleepriders suggestions, they are good.
RE: Should I try CPAP over APAP? - renoir - 04-07-2020
Thanks everyone for weighing in.
I'll try EPR 2 tonight.