2 Months In For CPAP Treatment - Getting Centrals

[airwaywarrior]

Hi everyone,
New to the board and trying to optimize my Airsense 11 for central events. After 2 months, I've seen progress:

• Started with high pressure, EPR 3, ramp on: AHI avg 12-18 (all centrals)
  
• Lowered pressure to 7, kept EPR 3, ramp on: AHI avg under 10
  
• Changed EPR to 1: AHI avg moved to 8
  
• Turned EPR off 2 nights ago: AHI currently unchanged
  

Current settings are pressure 7, ramp on from 5, EPR off. AHI average 8, but I'm aiming for 5 or less.
Any suggestions for further improvement? Do I need more time to acclimate?

Last night's screenshot.

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Here is a screenshot narrowing in on what appears to be a cluster of centrals.

[OpalRose]

The CS's might lean more toward Obstructive.  Did Central Apnea show up on a sleep study?  

If they are Obstructives, this would be more in line with Positional Apnea.  This happens if you're sleeping in a way that allows your head to tilt forward into your chest, thus cutting off your air.  You may want to look into wearing a soft cervical collar.
Learn more about this HERE.

Also, be sure you're only using one pillow vs. two if sleeping on your back.  Note that chin tucking can occur while on your side too.

[airwaywarrior]

Thank you OpalRose! Sleep study report for one night had 18 events, 17 obstructive and 1 central.

I just tried the test of sitting relaxed and allowing my chin to drop to my chest. I would say I have very little ability to get air in and out.

Going to try the soft cervical collar.  Willing to explore any path to dial this in and get results.

[OpalRose]

Ok. Great! Be sure to measure properly for the collar. Measure circumference of your neck and add a couple inches.
Also measure from under the chin to the sternum. You don't want it to be too tall or too short.
Amazon has a lot of choices.

[airwaywarrior]

Hi OpalRose

Picked up a cervical collar. One night of use. I think it is helping. Got the lowest central score since using the CPAP. Screen shots. I really appreciate your assistance!

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More detail

[OpalRose]

That looks a lot better.

Be aware of your leak rate. Although, it's not high enough that it would affect the ability of the machine to detect apneas, the leaks look to be somewhat consistent with the apneas.

The spikey areas on the leak graph indicate mask movement. A slight adjustment on the lower mask straps may be needed or even a different size nasal pillow.

Keep up with the collar, as it seems to have made a difference.

[airwaywarrior]

Thanks OpalRose! I am currently working on the mask leaks and also trying out additional collars for comfort and efficacy.