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01-01-2025, 08:52 AM (This post was last modified: 01-01-2025, 08:55 AM by Thehedgehog12.)
Need Help - OSCAR - Low AHI/Mild RDI
Hello,
I recently got 2 at-home tests done and they both showed low AHI 2-4/hour but showed moderate RDI 6-9/hour. Furthermore, it was significantly higher in REM at 16-21/hour and REM sleep overall was low at 20%. Majority of my time spent in REM was in the supine position.
From these results, I was prescribed an APAP for mild OSA. I am waiting to get an in-lab study to confirm, but for now I went ahead and got an Airsense 11 AutoSet. However, I have not felt better the past two nights using it so I really can not tell if I need it nor if it is working. I know it will take more time but I was wondering if I could get some guidance based on my OSCAR data. The attached data is from last night (which was my second day using the APAP) and got a solid ~5 hours of sleep.
I would set your minimum pressure to 9cmH2O and the maximum to 15cmH2O, leave your EPR set at 3cmH2O try the new settings for a few days then post some more chats. You also need to work on lowering your leaks. Good luck with your treatment and welcome to the forum.
Please see my OSCAR data for a relatively full nights rest with only waking up around 4 AM and falling back asleep after.
As you can see, my data looks relatively uneventful in terms of the pressure chart (range 9-15 erp 3). This matches my home sleep study which only really showed problems during REM sleep. I have included a 5 minute zoom in during what I assume to be my REM stage. As you can see my breathing during this time like very inconsistent with I assume flow limitations that the OSCAR algorithm isn't "flagging."
Please let me know if you see anything that would signify sleep disordered breathing and the need for a CPAP or if you would recommend other settings.
You're spot on, that's very much a UARS profile. The only thing you can really do machine-wise is try adding more pressure with full EPR. Usually a bilevel helps more. I'd turn off ramp, try upping you pressure slowly. Always remember we aren't chasing "perfect flow rate", nor a low AHI (within reason), just feeling better in the morning.
But we have a laundry list of things that can be done to try to help UARS - if you have poor nasal breathing, try a saline rinse and flonase, and if you have allergies azelastine and a nasal pill. Try raising the head of your bed a bit as well. Try nasal strips or a dilator - sometimes what can happen is not enough air is passing through the nasal cavity or it is getting 'blocked'.