MedHatter - Therapy Assistance

[SarcasticDave94]

How many average CA shows in your OSCAR left summary typically? One of the last charts I see had CAI at about 20, giving me the impression CA are a big issue.

The VAuto might help more than the AutoSet because it has a Trigger setting that adjusts the sensitivity to switch over to inhale. The Trigger helps initiate inhale pressure which might avoid some CA. If your case of CA is severe, then unfortunately not even the VAuto will be useful.

The ASV is the current right answer for those needing Central Apnea treatment. The ST used to be the answer and gives static pressures for inhale, exhale, pressure support, and will be very likely uncomfortable. In the case of CA therapy, ASV is the right and only best answer. However, you might need to try VAuto since it's available to you and easier to obtain.

[MedHatter]

How many average CA shows in your OSCAR left summary typically? One of the last charts I see had CAI at about 20, giving me the impression CA are a big issue.

The VAuto might help more than the AutoSet because it has a Trigger setting that adjusts the sensitivity to switch over to inhale. The Trigger helps initiate inhale pressure which might avoid some CA. If your case of CA is severe, then unfortunately not even the VAuto will be useful.

The ASV is the current right answer for those needing Central Apnea treatment. The ST used to be the answer and gives static pressures for inhale, exhale, pressure support, and will be very likely uncomfortable. In the case of CA therapy, ASV is the right and only best answer. However, you might need to try VAuto since it's available to you and easier to obtain.

Thanks for the reply. My CA number is between 13 and 20 from night to night. The person I deal with in the respiratory company tried to downplay at first my claim that I may have a CA problem. It looks to me they deal with basic OSA issues and can not prescribe high functional machines like the ASV (that is my impression). Finally she suggested that I should see a spcialist. So that is what I will do after I see my GP for a referral. The VAuto is on hold until I talk to the specialist and show him my sleep study.

[SarcasticDave94]

If the CA were small all across the path, the sleep test and while using CPAP, with sometimes a few CA there, you're like most others. Unfortunately you're not, at least according to the CA we're seeing.

Mine would be similar. In 2017 when I did a new sleep study after bariatric sleeve surgery, my OA was 24. Sounds easy enough. That's kinda where the sleep doctor stopped. Um yeah OK says I, what about the 124 CA on this diagnostic sleep study?

This is about the time I signed up for Apnea Board, and was issued a Philips Respironics Auto bilevel. Now the previous version of OSCAR charts called sleepyhead said my at home therapy had a few hundred CA but all the other Apnea were low.

This isn't quite where you are, but just mentioning because there are times the wrong machine can make CA worse.

[MedHatter]

Thank for the additional info of personal infomation. Sorry for the state you are in.

[SarcasticDave94]

Thanks much for the concern. Dave and Nani the support dog are doing as well as possible. We both sleep in frequently.

Hope your therapy gets on track ASAP. Keep fighting for the best you can get.

[MedHatter]

Thanks, we'll do.

[MedHatter]

SarcasticDave94, here is my situation: I closed my relationship with the respiratory company, the 1-month trial period is now over for which I paid $250 (Canadian). Their service was unsatisfactory to be nice . They really did not do anything. The only thing which is good resulting this trial period is that I have proof (several OSCAR charts) that I have significant number of Central Slep Apneas, which I will show to the Repiratory Specialist doctor with whom I have an appointment a month from now. He is the one who can prescribe a different machine, other than the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet, the machine the company gave me for the trial and is not effective for Central Apneas. So hopefully the Respiratory specialist will prescribe the right machine for my Central Apneas and may lead the charge to find out what causes my Central Sleep Apneas. The down side is that it may take another 2-3 month before I can get the new machine.

[SarcasticDave94]

Yep certainly understand that. Lots of CPAP users need to experiment with different suppliers and medical teams due to failed support. Hope you get the support needed quickly.

[MedHatter]

Thanks SarcasticDave94.