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New mask but chest still tight and flow limitations - Printable Version

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New mask but chest still tight and flow limitations - Summer - 09-02-2022

Hello, I have recently changed my mask from a F30 to a F20 with memory foam, my AHI has reduced from 40 to 1-5, leaks are very low to zero.

My details are;

Resmed Airsense 10 Elite
CPAP @ 9.6 H2Omm EPR 2
Under chin neck support pillow
Nasal dilators
Tempur pillow small

However, I am still having intermittent tight chest on waking up in the morning (maybe hyperventilating overnight?) and feeling very spacey and just not with it (gases are out?). I also have reflux so I lie on my left side at the beginning of the night, in the the past I haven't liked lying on my side as my chest doesn't feel right.

I note that I have flow limitations so I think perhaps I might need more pressure, any guidance would be very much appreciated.


RE: New mask but chest still tight and flow limitations - staceyburke - 09-02-2022

EPR is what we use to lower your flow limits. You are already at 2 so I would suggest to raise it to 3 (that is the max) and see if that helps.


RE: New mask but chest still tight and flow limitations - pholynyk - 09-02-2022

On the other hand... your flow limitations are at 0.05, and we usually consider anything below 0.10 to be acceptable and of no concern.

Strive for comfort and good sleep, not for numbers.


RE: New mask but chest still tight and flow limitations - Summer - 09-02-2022

Thanks StaceyBurke for your reply, I was thinking of increasing EPR but am I hesitant due being susceptible to CAs  but I will consider doing this.

Thanks pholynyk for your reply, it's the reoccurring tight chest, as if it's had a good work out over night ! so not sure why that is. Also the spaceness, I can see there a few spikes in flow limitations.


RE: New mask but chest still tight and flow limitations - clownbell - 09-03-2022

Of course, it you try EPR=3 (and give it a few nights to adjust) and Central events increase significantly, you can always revert to EPR=2. Sometimes it's a balancing act.


RE: New mask but chest still tight and flow limitations - Summer - 09-04-2022

(09-03-2022, 12:21 AM)clownbell Wrote: Of course, it you try EPR=3 (and give it a few nights to adjust) and Central events increase significantly, you can always revert to EPR=2. Sometimes it's a balancing act.


A good point Clownbell.