Check my data and recommend please

[Kypapa]

            I'm new to CPAP use, oscar and apnea board.  My sleep study had AHI of 13.  I started treatment early March and am feeling better but I'd like to optimize anything possible.

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

Your pressure is too low. EPR 3 will only work at a starting pressure of 7.

Try the following:

Min pressure 8
Max pressure 12
EPR 3 full-time
No ramp

Even though you have a low AHI you need more pressure to help with the arousals. This should be a good first step towards finding a good pressure range for you.

[Kypapa]

Thank you

[Kypapa]

    I've made some changes and would like to see your thoughts.  I went back to my full face mask but have added mouth tape.  The nasal pillows were a bit of a challenge.  I turned of the EGR as an experiment just to see how I'd react.  My pressure is now min of 10 and max of 14. My sleeping without waking up for a restroom break has increased and I'm definitely feeling better for that.  I'd like to get it to where I don't wake up at all until I'm ready for the day.  Any help is appreciated.

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

Things look good. There are still some arousals, but it does not look significant. If it is comfortable, I would leave things where they are for now. 

On the latest chart, could you do a 2-3 minute zoom on at the 00:40 and 01:40 mark? I would like to see the arousal breath around 00:40 and compare it to sleep breathing at the 01:40 mark.

[Kypapa]

        Here they are.

---

    wasn't zoomed in enough on the 1:40 here is another

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

As I thought, just a normal arousal breath. Your exhalation breathing is rather flow limited, just not enough to trigger the FL counter. Not a problem at the moment, but something to keep an eye on going forward. 

BTW, are you really using mouth tape with a full-face mask? if so, why?

[Kypapa]

Really because I’m weird and like to experiment to see if the outcome changes and/or how I feel.  I was experiencing some leakage due to my mouth opening.  When I relax my mouth tends to open with pressure.  

On the flow limitation on exhalation should I turn the EPR back on and to what setting?  I had it on with the nasal pillows but not with the full face mask before.

[staceyburke]

Why did you turn EPR off? I would set EPR 3. It will make the pressures more even and should help you sleep.

[Kypapa]

I will make the change.  

I turned it off simply because when I first started on cpap with a full mask that was what it was set to off.  I questioned doing it when I did but thought I’d come back here and get advice on it. 

Do you have thoughts on the mouth taping?