Advice on changing PAP settings

[REMfan62]

As I mentioned in a previous post, my doctor would not change my machine to APAP from CPAP when I asked her about it. However, based on what I've read here, I am going to try APAP.

My CPAP current pressure is 14. Thinking of setting the APAP range to be 14 to 17. Does that sound ok?

Are there other settings that I need to adjust because I increased my pressure?

Thank you.

[OpalRose]

As I mentioned in a previous post, my doctor would not change my machine to APAP from CPAP when I asked her about it. However, based on what I've read here, I am going to try APAP.

My CPAP current pressure is 14. Thinking of setting the APAP range to be 14 to 17. Does that sound ok?

Are there other settings that I need to adjust because I increased my pressure?

Thank you.

REMfan62,
Looking back, I believe that was in May that you inquired about the same.

Do you know what your AHI readings have been while you have been on straight CPAP? What reasoning does your Doctor give for not wanting you to try Auto CPAP?

Your range should be set around your optimal pressure, then watch it for a week to 10 days and see where your pressure likes to be, and if it is treating your apneas, and how you feel.
I would set pressure range to minimum of 12 to maximum 16. My 2 cents.

[zonk]

My CPAP current pressure is 14. Thinking of setting the APAP range to be 14 to 17. Does that sound ok?

different strokes for different folks, I would use 10 - 14 as a starting post and see how things work out
you might need 14 all night or might not, or even not at all
in any case, SleepyHead would reveal all

[REMfan62]

I should have mentioned that I want to set my minimum level based on a comment my doctor made about why she did not prescribe APAP. She said she wanted CPAP because she didn't want my pressure below 14. So, I used 14 as a minimum.

My apnea rating is actually below 5. However, I don't feel as good as I expected. My reasoning was that while 14 may have seemed optimum when I had my tittration session, it may not suffice every single night. And that maybe I'd feel better if I tweaked it.

[OpalRose]

I should have mentioned that I want to set my minimum level based on a comment my doctor made about why she did not prescribe APAP. She said she wanted CPAP because she didn't want my pressure below 14. So, I used 14 as a minimum.

My apnea rating is actually below 5. However, I don't feel as good as I expected. My reasoning was that while 14 may have seemed optimum when I had my tittration session, it may not suffice every single night. And that maybe I'd feel better if I tweaked it.

There are a lot of reasons why you may not feel that good, but even if you change to the 14-17 auto pressure, you will have to look at sleepyhead graphs everyday to see what the breakdown of your apneas are, what your 90% pressure range is, leak rate, etc. You can't just look at the display on the CPAP that gives your AHI.

I personally think you should be on an auto setting, and don't understand doctors' reasoning as to why they don't like it. You need to do what works best for you.

I assume you are not using the ramp feature since your doc doesn't want you under 14.
Let us know how it goes. Good luck.

[Sleeprider]

APAP mode is fine, but why are you doing it? Are you using data? Do you have an objective in changing settings?

If you are into self-titration, rather than using the clinical CPAP setting, then I would start at 10/17 and see where the chips fall. Without any background other than your titrated pressure, how can we possibly provide any meaningful input?

[REMfan62]

As I mentioned above, I want to change to see if I will feel better. I use sleepyhead, my stats show no major issues. What data pieces are you interested in?

[Sleeprider]

Nothing really. It will be useful to have the baseline of the CPAP data to compare to. My point was, if you're going to adjust settings, you should have some constructive purpose in mind. Comfort, AHI or any number of optimizations is all good by me, but I assume you have something in mind other than just experimenting.

[zonk]

I should have mentioned that I want to set my minimum level based on a comment my doctor made about why she did not prescribe APAP. She said she wanted CPAP because she didn't want my pressure below 14. So, I used 14 as a minimum.

nothing is cast in stone
After you fall asleep, your pressure needs begins to vary, based on the degree of airways blockage. So, more pressure in response to snoring, flow limitation, apnea, rem sleep or sleeping supine and less pressure when everything calmed down

if the minimum set at 14, pressure cannot drop below 14, but if its set at a number below 14, pressure can go higher if needed
as far as I'm concerned, lower pressure means, less side effects and no need to be any higher than absolute necessary

auto pap is as accurate as sleep lab, and more like a mini sleep lab night after night

[AshSF]

I should have mentioned that I want to set my minimum level based on a comment my doctor made about why she did not prescribe APAP. She said she wanted CPAP because she didn't want my pressure below 14. So, I used 14 as a minimum.

My apnea rating is actually below 5. However, I don't feel as good as I expected. My reasoning was that while 14 may have seemed optimum when I had my tittration session, it may not suffice every single night. And that maybe I'd feel better if I tweaked it.

You Need to take a look at your titration night sleep study closely. One of the potential reasons for a minimum pressure to be high is to maintain stable base O2 levels. Some folks need a higher pressure on Cpap/bilevel to get there. Your titration study detailed report may have some clues.