[CPAP] Optimal Pressure Settings - Range

[EasyBreather]

Newbie here. This is a great resource, thanks to all that contribute here.

I just got a PR System One Auto 60 Series. My CPAP prescription calls for a pressure of 9.5. The APAP prescription reads 4-20. My machine is set to 4-20 and I am using it in APAP mode.

Over the first 6 days of use my 95% pressure is between 10 and 11 according to Sleepyhead.

I dont fully understand why having a smaller range set is better. Can't I keep my machine at 4-20? Doesn't the APAP algorithm determine what pressure I need at all times? What are the advantages to having a smaller range?

[trish6hundred]

Hi EasyBreather,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for answers to your question and best of luck to you with your CPAP therapy.

[RonWessels]

You might want to have a look towards the end of this thread where this exact question is discussed.

[zonk]

The machine increase pressure in response to snore and flow limitation which are precursor to full blown apnea event, if minimum pressure is too low ... the pressure might not get high enough to deal with collapse airways and duration of apnea will be longer too also some apnea events can occur without any warning, they can slip through if pressure have to ramp up from low starting point.
If you find starting with lower pressure more comfortable ... Ramp pressure can be set to start at lower pressure.
In theory the maximum pressure is not that important but if one have problem with flow limitation, the machine keep increasing pressure until maximum reached or you wake up. Higher pressure can induce aerophagia and central apnea in some people
I don,t think its an exact science rather trying and see what works best for you ... common sense and compromise