Cpap starter What pressure to use

[emos12]

Hi all,

I posted earlier about my diagnosis, mild apnea rdi 12. I bought a dreamstation with a F&P full face Mask. Was wondering What my pressure setting should be beceause I have low AI 4,5 and the rest is flow limitation.

Should I go by just how I feel ? 

Thank you all

[Sleeprider]

A good low range to try would be 5 minimum to 11 maximum. The machine will usually sort things out, but if your flow limitations are persistent then pressure could go higher than wanted. I usually suggest someone start on a minimal nasal pillow mask, and move to a full face if mouth-leaks are a problem, but this is fine and you can always try a nasal mask later.

A low or high diagnostic AHI is not predictive of the pressure you will need. Be sure to download #Sleepyhead, and be sure a SD card is in the Dreamstation so you can monitor your therapy.

[Walla Walla]

Disregard Sleeprider has arrived.

[srlevine1]

Hi all,

I posted earlier about my diagnosis, mild apnea rdi 12. I bought a dreamstation with a F&P full face Mask. Was wondering What my pressure setting should be beceause I have low AI 4,5 and the rest is flow limitation.

Should I go by just how I feel ? 

Thank you all

Are you new to xPAP or just this device? The reason I am asking is that one would normally start with the prescribed pressure settings in your Rx unless the prescription was simply the pressure range available on the device. 

A second consideration is the length of time that passes between settings changes to allow your body to accommodate and react to the new setting. I have friends who tweak their pressures every day in response to the previous night's numbers, and that is often counterproductive as you are simply chasing the numbers without regarding the multiplicity of factors that go into the nightly sleep equation like time, how much you have eaten, ambient temperature, humidity, pressure, and a host of other factors. So you may wish to log at least 7 - 14 days between major changes and keep the increments fairly small.

The best way to experiment is to keep testing and recording your results using #Sleepyhead and reviewing weekly. 

Sleeprider's suggestion of a 5-11 range appears to be prudent to allow the machine to auto-titrate your therapy over time. This will provide an excellent starting point for additional tweaks.

You may also want to keep your sleep doctor or RT in the loop -- especially if you are experiencing problems.

Have a great night's sleep for a better tomorrow.

[Mosquitobait]

As an FYI, pressures of 4 & 5 are considered pediatric pressures, although they work for some very small women. You might do better to start at 6. You'll know right away. Don't hesitate to bump that up.