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+--- Thread: Lowering EPAP makes CA's skyrocket (/Thread-Lowering-EPAP-makes-CA-s-skyrocket)
Lowering EPAP makes CA's skyrocket - WakeUpTime - 04-09-2015
A few weeks ago, I lowered the EPAP settings and just noticed the results. Ugg, the CA events have rocketed up to an average/hour of about 10-12 events from 1-2 events previously.
It's currently: EPAP 7-8 / IPAP 11-12
Was previously: EPAP 9.5 / IPAP 11-12.5
I'm so curious as to why a drop in EPAP pressure would contribute so significantly to just the # of CA's (without much change in OA's, etc.).
(Sorry if this is such an obvious answer.)
RE: Lowering EPAP makes CA's skyrocket - AshSF - 04-09-2015
You have increased your pressure support (since IPAP is nearly same while EPAP is down). This sometimes lead to increased washout of CO2. This means your End Tidal CO2 goes down. This reduces your drive to breathe. This means you forget to breathe for a few extra seconds until that co2 bounces back to normal. That forgotten breath is recorded as an Clear Airway Apnea.
If reducing EPAP has not introduced any obstructive events then lowering it was a right decision. But you should keep pressure support constant to begin with. If your H events or RERA events increase, then increase PS but not otherwise. It may increase CAs like it did in your case.