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+--- Thread: [Treatment] Reading Oscar Charts (newbie) (/Thread-Treatment-Reading-Oscar-Charts-newbie)
Reading Oscar Charts (newbie) - ECM5 - 06-15-2022
I have just started with AS11 a few days ago and trying to figure out which each chart means. I have a hard time wrapping my head around apnea and hypopnea, that I just stop breathing while I'm sleeping for however many seconds? If I look at respiratory rate sometimes it is 2-3, if I am only breathing 2 times a minute that is scary. I feel like the doctor gave me a script for the machine and left me to figure it out for myself which is I guess not surprising but disappointing. They didn't even have appts for post sleep study (and even if they did it was in July). and then they called today to schedule an appt where we go over data that I bring in on my SD card. What? I thought they could access this stuff remotely, my machine didn't even come with an SD card (though I got one) then I tell her I've only had the machine for 4 days and she says she'll call me back after talking with my provider.
So, I have been trying to use Oscar and sleephq and got a different mask today (airfit N20 nasal mask and just figured out what the N P and F mean in the models) and a CPAP pillow (that unfortunately smells like mildew or something) and am going to try to wear for a full night. I just find it incredibly overwelming all the information (that the drs don't give you) and how hard it is to comprehend in a sleep deprived state where I can' t focus for more than an hour on anything.
I will try to post the Oscar result tomorrow if I can keep the mask on for the full night and actually sleep!
RE: Reading Oscar Charts (newbie) - Jeff8356 - 06-16-2022
Hi ECM5 ,
Try posting a screenshot of your OSCAR graphs here so others can have a look at them to give you recommendations.
There are links in my signature if you need help getting started.
RE: Reading Oscar Charts (newbie) - ECM5 - 06-16-2022
Here are my graphs from last night. I'm not sure what tidal volume and minute vent and time at pressure mean but I know those aren't the most important. There are mostly Central apneas although the score is under 5, it still freaks me out that my respiratory rate goes down to 0 per minute. I used a new mask that seems to help but it did get wet inside, is that the humidity I can lower it? I'm using the climate hoses. I also wore a cervical brace or whatever it's called. I do not feel like I slept well. Thanks for any input!
RE: Reading Oscar Charts (newbie) - clownbell - 06-16-2022
OP - Know that I am NOT a gold-plated expert. However, I do know a few things.
First, you are concerned about the respiration rate. I think you are reading the data incorrectly. Your chart says the median respiration rate is 16.4. And please recall that the definition of "median" is that half the readings fall above and half the readings fall below. I don't know why the Zero minimum is shown. That may be a quirk of the system.
Secondly, the principal problem is Central Apneas (sometimes called "Clear Airways"). Although CAs happen frequently while we are awake, the more consistent nature of asleep breathing means they happen less frequently when asleep. Many people have a few centrals here and there, and it is no big deal. Also, there is a phenomena called "treatment emergent" centrals -- which show up because you breathe more efficiently on PAP therapy. The urge to breathe results from excess CO2 which the body wants to remove. Patients newly on PAP therapy flush out more CO2. Thus the urge to breathe is sometimes supressed. In due time, the excess CO2 will be gone and so the "treatment emergent" centrals will go away. "Due time" varies from person to person, ranging from a couple weeks to maybe as much as 6 months.
Thirdly, the question of "false positives" arises. CAs count only if one is truly asleep. You have a cluster of CAs near the end of the night. Are you absolutely sure you were asleep then? Could that be a period of time when you were waking up -- in the grey zone between fully asleep and fully awake?
Fourthly, be aware that there are very specific definitions to the terms hypopnea, obstructive apnea, and centrals -- including time frames. For example the definition of a central is no breathing effort for 10 seconds or longer. Most people hold their breath during daily activities for 10+ seconds. So don't have a kneejerk reaction. If you look at your "events" tab in the OCSAR charts, you can see the duration. 15 seconds or less is kinda ho-hum.
Lastly, invest the time and carefully area the Apnea Board Wiki. There is a lot to be learned. With all due respect, do your homework.
RE: Reading Oscar Charts (newbie) - ECM5 - 06-16-2022
Thanks for the reply- yes there is definitely a LOT to learn and I have been trying to read and watch the Iscar videos etc. The resp rate I was worried about wax going down to 2 or 3 in the zoom in of the graphs. and yes even zero, which just freaked me out.
I did watch a video on false positives but the zoom on if graphs seem to show flat lines and normal breathing before the CAs. I am hoping it is just treatment emergent and will go away? At least the OAs are low.
I had taped my mouth with a nasal mask and I don’t think they is going to work because I rip the tape off, so I’m going back to full face mask. I have to go look at the Oscar data from a couple days ago to look at those OAs but I think there were CAs then as well. My biggest concern is that I do not feel good at all, lightheaded and headachy and no concentration during the day but I realize I have to give it more time. I just don’t want to make it any worse.
For example I do not even know how to post this reply, it’s like my brain is not working the way that it used to! Now I see the button haha.
RE: Reading Oscar Charts (newbie) - staceyburke - 06-16-2022
Welcome to the board.... Many times EPR (exhale pressure relief) can bring on centrals because it flushes out more CO2. You have your set at the max (3). You could try reducing the EPR to 1 and see if it helps the centrals. As you get use to Cpap therapy you can raise the EPR.
The only down side of reducing EPR is that your exhale pressure will be higher. In other words it will be a little harder to breathe out but it should reduce the centrals.
RE: Reading Oscar Charts (newbie) - cathyf - 06-16-2022
One thing to do is to zoom in on the apneas and you get an idea of what's happening. And the respiration rate being zero is just another way of saying that you are not breathing at that exact moment -- but you already know that you stop breathing for short spurts (10 seconds or more) because that's how you get diagnosed with sleep apnea!
RE: Reading Oscar Charts (newbie) - ECM5 - 06-16-2022
Thanks I lowered the EPR to 1 for tonight. Question: how to I edit my profile I need to change the mask I'm using and I can view the profile but can't find how to edit.
I did zoom in on the central apneas and they seem to be flat lines with normal breathing before. I watched the video on false positives. But really I have no idea if I'm reading it right !
RE: Reading Oscar Charts (newbie) - OpalRose - 06-16-2022
ECM5,
Here is a direct link to edit your profile:
http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/usercp.php?action=profile
RE: Reading Oscar Charts (newbie) - Crimson Nape - 06-16-2022
To edit your profile, click on the UserCP at the top of each page. Once in your Control Panel, look down the menu list on the left for, Edit Profile.
To make life easier for you, I have included a quick link to this area:
http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/usercp.php?action=profile
- Red