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Newbie here. [Need guidance with OSCAR and data]
#1
Question 
Newbie here. [Need guidance with OSCAR and data]
Hi there.  I downloaded Oscar, inserted the Sandisk into my Mac, and got the results. I tried to read it.  

But I think I must have clicked on something incorrectly.  I have no idea what I did, but my Oscar events chart reports in five-second intervals, rendering it difficult to see any trends (too many 5 second intervals in a night.) How do I switch the results to, maybe 10 or 20-minute intervals? 

See the attached.  Let me know what you think.

Second, I don't really understand what it is telling me.  Is there a place on the Net where I can read about all the categories reported by Oscar - and what they mean?  What is the Flow Rate category telling me, what is Pressure category, etc.?

Thanks, peeps!

Zel
   
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#2
RE: Newbie here. Did I do something wrong in Oscar?
G'day Zel. Welcome to Apnea Board.

You've got a highly zoomed-in image there. Two ways to fix it:

1) Right click anywhere on the graph and it will zoom out a bit. Click and repeat.

2) Right click on any graph title (eg on the word Pressure). You'll get a pop-up menu with one of the options being 100% zoom level. Click on that.

Generally it's better to see the whole page with the left sidebar showing - there's a LOT of information in there. But turn off the calendar and pie chart. See here for instructions: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ganization

For a very detailed view on SleepyHead (the precursor to Oscar) including interpreting the data, go here: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...SleepyHead

We've starting transferring some of this information over to a general article on data interpretation here: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...rpretation
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#3
Cool 
RE: Newbie here. Did I do something wrong in Oscar?
YAY!  Thanks, my friend!

Now it looks kind of like everyone else's, Right??

(Now I can try to figure it all out!)

Thanks for the help!

-Zel

PS - That is a lot of information!


Attached Files Thumbnail(s)
           
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#4
RE: Newbie here. Did I do something wrong in Oscar?
There are some leaks to deal with.  They aren’t bad, but should be addressed.  You may be mouth breathing or your nasal mask needs a slight adjustment.  

Other than that, I would turn off the ramp feature.  If you feel you absolutely need to use it, then shorten the time you have it set from 45 minutes to 20 minutes.  

Also, raise your minimum pressure to 7 or possibly 8cm with an EPR set to 3.  This small change should help tackle the few Obstructives and the EPR should help with the Flow Limitations, which drive the pressure up.

Note: your results are good, and hopefully some small changes will make it more comfortable.
OpalRose
Apnea Board Administrator
www.apneaboard.com

_______________________
OSCAR Chart Organization
How to Attach Images and Files.
OSCAR - The Guide
Soft Cervical Collar
Optimizing therapy
OSCAR supported machines
Mask Primer



INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.  ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA.  INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#5
RE: Newbie here. Did I do something wrong in Oscar?
OpalRose:

Thank you so much for your insights.

I dunno how to do the things you suggest, but I will figure it out.  I was not shown how to alter any controls. (Frankly, I did not know I am allowed to change them.)

My biggest problem is that I keep taking the bloody mask off in my sleep.
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#6
RE: Newbie here. Did I do something wrong in Oscar?
zelduh,
Order the Clinicians Manual for your machine here:
https://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-p...tup-manual

This will show you how to access the provider menu and make any desired changes. I wouldn’t worry to much about “being allowed” as insurance only cares about compliance, not about pressure or comfort settings.

I’ve never had an issue with removing my mask, but it seems that others here have.

I’m going to move this thread to the main forum so you can receive more responses.
OpalRose
Apnea Board Administrator
www.apneaboard.com

_______________________
OSCAR Chart Organization
How to Attach Images and Files.
OSCAR - The Guide
Soft Cervical Collar
Optimizing therapy
OSCAR supported machines
Mask Primer



INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.  ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA.  INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#7
RE: Newbie here. Did I do something wrong in Oscar?
(10-19-2019, 07:47 AM)OpalRose Wrote: "... I would turn off the ramp feature.  If you feel you absolutely need to use it, then shorten the time you have it set from 45 minutes to 20 minutes.  

Also, raise your minimum pressure to 7 or possibly 8cm with an EPR set to 3.  This small change should help tackle the few Obstructives and the EPR should help with the Flow Limitations, which drive the pressure up.
"

Hi again, Opal.  I am learning a great deal around here!  

I have a question about your comments above.  I have COPD and I've been struggling with unfortunate reactions to the COPD medications (Breo, etc.)  I wonder if you think it is safe for me to make the changes you recommend under these particular circumstances.  If no risks, I'm all in for making them!

Grin
Zel
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#8
RE: Newbie here. [Need guidance with OSCAR and data]
You didn’t mention COPD prior, and I would not begin to advise on that or certainly not on medications you are taking for it.

My recommendations are small and meant for comfort and to advise you on the leak rate.

You best recourse is to consult with your doctor on risk factors before making changes in light of the COPD.
Has he talked to you about using a BiLevel?
OpalRose
Apnea Board Administrator
www.apneaboard.com

_______________________
OSCAR Chart Organization
How to Attach Images and Files.
OSCAR - The Guide
Soft Cervical Collar
Optimizing therapy
OSCAR supported machines
Mask Primer



INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.  ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA.  INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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