Central vs. OA Events: Switching Machines or Tweaking Current CPAP Settings?

[fjones416]

Hey everyone!

I've been using CPAP for a while now, but I haven't noticed any significant improvements in my energy levels. I've been analyzing my Oscar data and wanted to get your thoughts on whether my data suggests I have more central events than obstructive apnea events.

From what I can see, it looks like there might be a higher number of central events compared to obstructive apnea events. I've heard that BiPAP and ASV can be more effective for treating central sleep apnea, so I'm wondering if it's worth giving one of those a try.

I zoomed in on a couple of my flagged events to give some context (see attached). From most of the data, I've looked at it, it seems the Flow Rate decreases to nothing for around 10 - 12 seconds and then the normal Flow Rate resumes. The leak rate stays low or nonexistent in most cases. Also flow limit stays low or non exisent.

A few questions for you all:

• Based on my data, do you think I have more central events than obstructive apnea events?
  
• If so, would you recommend switching to BiPAP or ASV?
  
• Has anyone here made a similar switch and experienced improvements in their energy levels?
  
• What possible improvements to my CPAP therapy can I make before considering switching?
  

I'd really appreciate any insights or advice you can offer. Thanks in advance for your help!

[DancesWithCats]

I'm a bit puzzled that you are running what I understand to be an APAP capable machine in CPAP mode.

Anyway, based on some minor experimentation I found somewhat lower CA when I dropped the APAP min pressure from 7 (with 3 EPAP) which I tried to see if I could reduce frequency of flow limits to 5.4 (still with 3 EPAP) but I'm also letting the APAP do it's job and run the pressure up when it sees a need. Baseline is a long set of data at 4-20 APAP with EPAP 3

But I'm not you, and I have a weird set of issues (mild apnea but severe hypoxia) compared to many, I guess.

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

Please post the charts showing the full night. It is best to start with an overview before diving in deep.

How did you end up with your current settings? Experimentation or doctor recommended?

[fjones416]

Ok sounds good, I've attached 3 full nights here.

[SarcasticDave94]

observations:

the CA are typically low enough with your numbers to not be a very big issue, most users have some CA

unless your diagnosis specifically mentions them as an issue like my diagnosis would, CA based focus on editing settings may backfire on you, the teeter-totter effect means focus treatment on lowering CA and OA may go up, vice versa

leaks are probably an issue needing addressed with fluctuating low to higher rates likely more than CA

What was the actual sleep study report diagnosis? Want to post your redacted of personal info detailed sleep study report?

PS you should always get your copy of the PSG sleep sudy, titration, any other such report to add to your personal files, in th US HIPAA provides the means to shut down doctors refusal to give you the copy