[CPAP] jdougc - Therapy Assistance

[G. Szabo]

Do you still think I should turn on EPR?

 Your latest flow limit was 0.19. If the change will not move it below 0.1 I suggest increasing EPR. The lower the flow limit the better. 
See this thread too:
Increased EPR reduces flow limits even when EPAP is simultaneously

[jdougc]

G. Szabo, 
I switched to the P10 pillow cushion last night. My nostrils flared out considerably, wow!
I used a soft cervical collar as the vecro extension came in.  I used my mouth tape, no shin strap, very comfortable.
My flow limitations seem ok. Not sure if I need to turn on EPR. This is only one night, so I will see how it goes.
   

[G. Szabo]

You are doing fine!

[jdougc]

G. Szabo,
Thanks for looking over. It is just one night, but I will take it. The P10 pillows were a bit different, but the lanoline helped me.

[jdougc]

2nd night of using the P10 pillow cushion. My nostrils still flared out considerably! Much more than the Nasal cradle cushion, the N30.
I used a soft cervical collar, mouth tape, fairly comfortable.
A fair night, only woke up 2 or 3 times, not sure why. I shut the cpap machine off only once. I am worn out, but that might be due to an early morning pool workout.
   

[G. Szabo]

Your insp /exp time ratio is abnormal. Would you mind posting a few 3-minute wide windows of your flow rates throughout the night?

[jdougc]

G. Szabo,
Thanks for looking over again. I grabbed a few windows, I adjusted the y axis on the Inps and Exp charts, hopefully still viewable.
   
   
   

[Crimson Nape]

jdougc - I have merged your 2 threads that relate to your CPAP therapy.  It makes it easier for those that offer advice to see your history in one thread. To provide a more inclusive title, I have renamed it to "jdougc - Therapy Assistance".

Going forward, please use this thread to post your therapy related questions and OSCAR charts.

Thanks!
- Red

[G. Szabo]

The insp/exp time is ok from the flow curves. 

However, your inhalation flow limitations, apparent from the curves, might be the cause of your suboptimal feelings. These indicate the need for increased inhalation pressure and/or increased EPR setting. 

Because you are afraid of both APAP and EPR, I suggest the following compromise: Let's run the APAP mode in a narrow pressure window, which will deliver a similar feeling as your current CPAP, and see what pressure the instrument suggests for combating these flow limits. After that, we can deal with your EPR if you are willing. 

Therefore, I would turn the instrument to the APAP regime with a Minimum pressure of 10.2 cm and a maximum pressure of 10.6 cm and see the outcome.

[jdougc]

Crimson Nape, I posted a new thread as it seemed to be a different subject, "Pressure change with a new nasal pillow mask vs a nasal cradle mask". The old thread was about too many arousals.  I didn't realize the hassle that would cause to check my history. It would take time to search my posts, but the people here spoil us newbies by jumping through the hoops and over the hurdles that we present, Sorry about that.