[CPAP] Optimizing my Sleep (Advice)

[Gabriel134]

I recently discovered that I can analyze my sleep data using OSCAR, and after researching online, I found helpful clips to better understand my results. Lately, I’ve been working on optimizing my pressure settings and EPR. While these adjustments have provided some improvement, I still wake up during the night and I don't know why (usually around 3am and 5:30am). From my analysis of the OSCAR data, I noticed that my machine was delivering higher pressure, which seemed to trigger pressure-induced apneas. Previously, my pressure settings were set to a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 20. I have now adjusted them to a minimum of 13 and a maximum of 15. Is this correct? or did I misunderstood my data. I have provided my recent OSCAR data on the photos. I hope to gain insights and guidance to help me optimize my CPAP settings. Thank you for the help!

[Sleeprider]

You really need to put in some EPR (I recommend Full-Time Setting 3) to knock down those flow limits. Try it and watch what happens to that 95% flow limit of 0.24. It will also settle the pressure spikes and changes. Even from a zoomed out view, I can see your inspiration flow line is decapitated and you are releasing breaths with a very fast exhale. That is because you're putting so much effort into inspiration. Note your EPR is set to Ramp only, so you are not getting it all night. Just turn off ramp or use Auto. You're are not getting any real therapy for 30 minutes. Also turn off the Antibacterial filter unless you are using an in-line filter in your tubing. If you're using an antibacterial filter, throw it out. As far as events, you can see where obstruction and even flow limitation is clustered right? Well, here's why. https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...onal_Apnea

[Gabriel134]

I appreciate the quick response! I’ll try that tonight and provide an update tomorrow. Regarding positional apnea, before purchasing a soft cervical collar, I plan to try lowering my pillow height since I tend to be more comfortable with a higher pillow, maybe that's one of the possible causes.

[Sleeprider]

Gabriel, read my response again. I added several things in an edit like ramp time, EPR full-time and antibacterial filter. The higher pillow is causing some chin-tucking. See what happens with something less substantial.

[FLcracker]

In another thread the other day, I posted regarding buying Mizz C a silk pillow case. Well so far she has been pulling consistent AHI's in the 2's. Still has some noticeable mouth leakage but the unit is not that displeased...As she's getting consistent 'smiley faces' on her unit's screen regarding leaks. She's real quick to point that out when I try to convince her to try a cervical collar. The slick material of the pillow case keeps the headgear from dragging on the pillow case when she makes position shifts in her sleep, and doesn't allow so many leaks directly from the nasal pillows. So in my opinion, a silk or similar slick pillow case WILL help.

[Gabriel134]

Good morning! I followed the suggestions, including setting EPR to full-time and 3 and lowering my pillow. Overall, I felt like I had a much better night’s sleep, as I woke up less and felt more rested. However, my OSCAR data seems to tell a different story. I noticed that events are occurring at the maximum pressure, and I’m unsure whether I should adjust it higher or lower. I was also a bit concerned when I saw that my AHI was 13 and wondered if I might have done something incorrectly. I’ve attached the latest OSCAR data for reference and would really appreciate any insights you can provide.

[Sleeprider]

The source of events is positional apnea https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...onal_Apnea Read again and do what is necessary to prevent chin-tucking. Elevation of the head of the bed (not a wedge pillow) also seems to work for some people here. If you are side-sleeping, then your head is being tucked down and obstructing your airway.