DreamRider - Therapy Thread

[DreamRider]

Hi everyone,

I'm DreamRider, a new member who just started CPAP last week. I've been tracking my sleep data using OSCAR software for my CPAP machine and O2 ring.

I've attached OSCAR screenshots from both sources showing my sleep patterns, events, and oxygen levels.

I'd appreciate if experienced members could take a look at my data and offer:

• Your interpretation of what the numbers show
  
• Suggestions for machine settings that might work better
  
• Any patterns or concerns you notice that I should address
  
• General advice based on what you see in my results
  

I'm still learning how to read all these charts and understand what they mean for my therapy.

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

DreamRider

[Deborah K.]

Your starting pressure is the machine's lowest possible, and is used for small children. Turn yours up to 7. That's the lowest useful pressure for an adult.

Your Oscar chart would benefit from a change. Tap the F12 key to copy your chart (FN+F12 for Mac). That should format the chart correctly. We need to see the following, and only the following, in the order listed:

Event Flags
Flow Rate
Pressure
Leak Rate
Flow Limits

We need to be able to read to the bottom of the flow limits.

Again, welcome, and best wishes for great therapy and comfort!

[DreamRider]

Thank you - I'll up it to 7 tonight and see how I go. In the mean time, here is the chart with the data you asked for. Other than the minimum pressure, I'm curious to know if anything else stands out?

[Deborah K.]

The chart looks good now! I don't see anything wrong except the low pressure.

[DreamRider]

I got a higher than usual AHI while using my machine last night. I took my mask off at about 2:30AM and slept the rest of the night without it due to some nostril discomfort. Anything I can try and optimise here?

[Deborah K.]

Your AHI is higher because you had some Positional Apnea last night. PA shows on Oscar charts where obstructives and/or hypopneas show up clustered together. No setting change helps with this. It shows up when your chin is tucked towards your chest. This reduces airflow much like a kinked hose reduces water flow. Some folks can solve it by sleeping on a flatter pillow. Others need to wear a soft cervical collar. Most drugstores carry a few, and Amazon carries loads of them. Lots like the Caldera Releaf Collar unless they have a very long neck. Others like the Velpeaus and other brands.

Your PA is not terrible, but keep an eye on it. If it happens regularly, you probably need to deal with it.