AHI 0.00 but flow limits increased

[G. Szabo]

I suggested a minimum pressure increase to have a more peaceful night without being interrupted by the pressure increases close to or above 10cm visible on your charts. Along with this increase, your flow limit, which you are concerned about, will decrease. Your max pressure is acceptable.

Nevertheless, at your low AHIs, your feelings should be the driver. So, if you are well, you should not do anything except discuss the tidal volume figure with an MD.

[jake79]

That makes sense, thanks. Think 11-12 range is worth a shot? Or 10.5-12?

[G. Szabo]

That makes sense, thanks. Think 11-12 range is worth a shot? Or 10.5-12?

The latter: 10.6. Because you can step with 0.2 units.

[jake79]

I switched masks last night and still had a .15 FL but I felt good so I might leave min at 10 for now or do a one night trial at 10.6 and see wha happens. I did ask my Dr about the tidal volume and thought I would just relay what he said for future reference here:

Should not be anything to worry about. The vent modes can be set to achieve a "target" tidal volume but that is just to ensure a minimal number is met. It will still allow you to breathe deeper over the set tidal volume. The higher tidal volume you are seeing is likely because that is how you are breathing physiologically.

[G. Szabo]

I did ask my Dr about the tidal volume and thought I would just relay what he said for future reference here:

Should not be anything to worry about. The vent modes can be set to achieve a "target" tidal volume but that is just to ensure a minimal number is met. It will still allow you to breathe deeper over the set tidal volume. The higher tidal volume you are seeing is likely because that is how you are breathing physiologically.

Thank you for sharing.

[BoxcarPete]

For what it's worth, tidal volume uses an ideal body weight calculation because it it largely correlated with height rather than weight. Consider a man weighing 180 lbs and 5'10" tall. His lungs pull a certain amount of air with each breath at rest, which is called tidal volume. This man then gains 30 lbs, but have his lungs grown 15% to compensate for the added mass? No, so his tidal volume should remain the same. However, that additional mass is made from flesh like muscle and adipose tissue, which contributes to his overall metabolic needs. Therefore, minute vent (amount of air exchanged per minute) should be based off of actual weight.