Debugging 3-4 AM Awakening

[OpalRose]

Although I see a small spike on the leak graph at that time, which could be mask movement, and if you're a light sleeper, this could possibly wake you.

Now, going back to read your first post.... you said:   "In full disclosure, I have had issues waking up at this time for 6-7 years now, been on therapy for just over two."

So this is a pattern you experienced before Cpap use, so it's likely not related to your therapy.

Maybe someone else can see something on your graphs that would be revealing, but I don't see anything of significance.

[sm315]

Would the undocumented spikes warrant a pressure adjustment? Maybe turning just EPR (2 rn) off or keeping it and increasing pressure?

[OpalRose]

I don't see either of those moves helping with one spike on the the leak graph.  As stated, that one spike was probably mask movement, maybe turning over and waking you.  

In some of your earlier charts, you were using a slightly higher pressure with not much difference overall in AHI or waking you each night.  If you want to experiment with a higher pressure, go slowly but keep your EPR at 3 as that keeps the FL lower.  If you keep EPR at 2, just monitor if you start seeing an increase in FL. Also, monitor for comfort.

I will say this though... using higher pressures than what is needed may cause more mask leaks and arousals.  

I would also concentrate on "Sleep Hygiene".  Look through this article and see if there is anything you can improve on.

http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php/Sleep_hygiene

[PaulaO2]

You have an autoset. Why not put in a range vs a single pressure?

[sm315]

The range adjustments wake me even more

[sm315]

I turned the pressure up the past two days with everything else equated and no longer wake up as early. I've had wake times of 5:15 AM and today of 4:50 AM which is great. I suspect the pressure I was at was not fully treated the unflagged events occurring during this lighter sleep phase.

[OpalRose]

Ok, that's great! There's nothing worse than fragmented sleep.

Let us know what pressure you are using and if you're using EPR 2 or 3.

Post a chart after a night or two at your new pressure settings. This way we can see your progress.