When to use/not-use EPR

[OpalRose]

stacy,
EPR is only available on the VAuto if you are using Cpap mode.

PS (pressure support) is used in VAuto Mode.

[staceyburke]

OpalRose..

[OpalRose]

Your welcome!  Soon, you'll be a pro.

[Pamelala]

This is very informative and helpful. Would it be better to ask a question related to my specific numbers here or elsewhere on the forum?

[Crimson Nape]

Since you're not the OP of this thread, you need to start your own therapy thread. Name it something like, " Pamelala - Therapy Thread". That way anything related to your therapy is covered under it. Keeping all your stuff in one place allows viewers to go back and read your history.

- Red

[Pamelala]

How very clever! Thanks yet again Red. Nice to see a familiar face.

[Katiekate]

Can someone please clarify for me the meaning of EPR 1, 2 and 3.  I understood it was the reduction in pressure (ie: If I use 11 on the inhale using EPR 3 will reduce my exhale pressure to 8).  The original poster indicated the 1,2, and 3 was the number of minutes the machine reduced pressure.  

Just out of curiousity ... how does the machine know when you are exhaling and how long it takes you to exhale?

Thanks

[Crimson Nape]

Hi Katiekate!  -  
Your understanding is correct. Expiratory Pressure Relief reduces the set pressure by the value (1,2,or 3) that is chosen.  The only limit is the CPAP will not go below 4cm.
- Red

[Phaleronic]

EPR needs higher pressure to have decent apnea control, mainly because with the algo there is a delay in the return of inspiration pressure (too long to actually keep the airway open).  There is also the issue with CA events cropping up when EPR is turned up all the way.  With other makes besides resmed (flex, softpap, etc) there is no delay in the return of inspiration pressure, so if you're used to another machine (using their form of pressure relief) that's not made by resmed, then switch over, it's very apparent and you'll not sleep as well.



So, if you're having hypopneas and OAs/UAs in your chart and you're using EPR fulltime I would turn it down or off completely (as well as if you're having CA events).