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+--- Thread: Central Apneas and settings recommendations (/Thread-Central-Apneas-and-settings-recommendations)
Central Apneas and settings recommendations - GentleJackJones - 10-27-2022
[attachment=45460][attachment=45460]I've been using my cpap for about 3 months, at first I was clocking in sub 1 and 2 ahi each night, but after a few weeks it started to creep into the 3-5 range, with the main culprit being central apneas that seem to have emerged from treatment. I know anything under 5 is considered treated, but I certainly felt better when I was getting sub 1s. Could someone please offer some insight into why this is happening, and what to do going forward?
RE: Central Apneas and settings recommendations - clownbell - 10-27-2022
Did your original sleep study reveal any centrals?
Sometimes when a patient is new to PAP therapy, they develop "treatment emergent" centrals because they are now breathing more efficiently and blowing off more CO2. TECs typically go away in about 3 months or so. The puzzling part is that you seem to have indicated none when you started PAP therapy. I would give it some time and see what happens.
Overall, your number of centrals is not a big problem. Many people have a few. Think about when you pause your breathing when you watch a suspenseful movie to TV show, or read a suspenseful part of a book, or when you thread a needle. Not a big deal.
In the meantime, you are not using EPR. Flow limits and hypopnea are treated with EPR. I suggest considering EPR of 3; if that causes additional centrals, you may wish to back of to 2. EPR should make it easier to exhale and thus may increase your comfort level.