Data Comparison - Cervical Collar vs No Cervical Collar

[phoen1kx]

I decided to get a Soft Cervical Collar to test if there would be any difference in the CPAP data.  Here's the before and after. If someone would take a look at it, I would really appreciate it.

Before using a Soft Cervical Collar:

   
   


After using a Soft Cervical Collar:
   


From what I can see, the flow rate seems more flat and stable and the peaks look lower. But I'm not an expert and I would appreciate it if a sleep tech or someone who understands data would compare it.

Thanks!

[phoen1kx]

Here is another photo.

After using Soft Cervical Collar

   

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

I do not think the flow rate is any more stable. What I do see is a reduction in tidal volume with the collar (420, 380) vs without the collar (660, 540). That reduces the size of the flow rate graph, but not much seems to have changed regarding arousals.

There are also fewer obstructions with the collar, which results in lower overall pressure. 

What feels better to you?

[phoen1kx]

I do not think the flow rate is any more stable. What I do see is a reduction in tidal volume with the collar (420, 380) vs without the collar (660, 540). That reduces the size of the flow rate graph, but not much seems to have changed regarding arousals.

There are also fewer obstructions with the collar, which results in lower overall pressure. 

What feels better to you?

Thanks for the reply.

So what causes the tidal volume to be lower? Does it relate to better sleep?

Subjectively, I feel pretty much the same. 

But if it means I can potentially have better sleep I have no problem wearing it. It's not uncomfortable to me at all.

[BigWing]

Just a caution - I too tried a cervical collar (because it is meant to keep your airway open, like when you place an unconscious person into the recovery position).  For the first few nights it was fine (no difference in the results, actually), but the next night my hypopneas increased by a factor of TEN!

I still don't know why, though someone suggested it may have been pressing upwards on my lower jaw (isn't that what it's meant to do?) and somehow partially closing my airway.

Just something to keep an eye out for.

[Arik]

In my case, there is a huge difference in favore of the collar.
A side question: how does the machine figure out the deep sleep period?

[phoen1kx]

Just a caution - I too tried a cervical collar (because it is meant to keep your airway open, like when you place an unconscious person into the recovery position).  For the first few nights it was fine (no difference in the results, actually), but the next night my hypopneas increased by a factor of TEN!

I still don't know why, though someone suggested it may have been pressing upwards on my lower jaw (isn't that what it's meant to do?) and somehow partially closing my airway.

Just something to keep an eye out for.

I think what happened is the fit was probably not right for you and the collar impinged on your soft tissue under your chin too much, and not so much on your jaw - and it resulted in your airway closing. 

In my case, there is a huge difference in favore of the collar.
A side question: how does the machine figure out the deep sleep period?

Arik, I'm not sure. But I'm glad to hear that the collar helped you.

[BigWing]

I think what happened is the fit was probably not right for you and the collar impinged on your soft tissue under your chin too much, and not so much on your jaw - and it resulted in your airway closing. 

Yes - that sounds plausible. But it's surely a worry if that can so easily happen.

It's also odd that it never happened once in a few nights with a pillows mask, but then happened instantly with a full face mask (and was repeatable next night).

[Deborah K.]

I think you may have mislabeled your charts.  The one you list as after collar has more positional apnea than the other two.

[phoen1kx]

I think you may have mislabeled your charts.  The one you list as after collar has more positional apnea than the other two.

I don't think I did. It just happened that there were more events that night.

Here's data from last night.

   



I don't know if my pressure is right for me, would anyone recommend any changes to my pressure/settings?