Breathing pattern identification, Flow limitations and posture

[Sleeprider]

Glad that worked out. I regret hiding that gem so well.

[SingleH]

Quick question hopefully.

Is this rippling/oscillating flow rate/masking pressure line during an Obstructive/Central apneas normal?


       

[BoxcarPete]

Yes, that's a forced oscillation technique used by the machine to try and tell if your airway is open or obstructed. The idea is that the machine delivers little pressure ripples and tries to determine if they are affecting the flow rate. There will be a greater response if the pressure ripples are allowed to interact with the volume of the lungs compared to just the mask and part of the airway if it's obstructed.

[SingleH]

Thanks for the explanation BoxcarPete.  



Althought I didnt realise this was related, I had wondered how the machine can tell the difference between a CA and and OA. 

[SingleH]

Seasons greetings to everyone.

I wanted to ask what is considered the upper limit of "Min EPAP" to still allow for good exhalation?

I noticed my dad's flow limitations disappear when his Min EPAP is on 5, however, the moment he starts having apneas the machine seems to be having to climb a lot to reach the level needed to start clearing his apneas at around EPAP 13-15 pressure. Due to this he ends up having large clusters of apneas as the machine is stepping up and in turn this sometimes wakes him up.

I adjusted the Min EPAP to 7 which helped reduce the number of steps the machine takes to get to the levels it needs to, but I didn't want to raise the Min EPAP so high that the benefits of having the lower exhalation pressure is lost?

is there an optimal range for the Min EPAP setting?

[k888]

Greetings,
This is a side note.  I was rereading this string and noted that in post #16, SleepRider said "with Resmed we like to see . . . inspiration equal or shorter time than expiration."  Could someone explain this please?  Why it matters. . .  Thanks k888