Do people use EPR? and suggestions for use

[WallyPepper]

I have never had a CPAP that had EPR, but now I do. Not really having an issue exhaling through the mask, but wonder if it is something to explore. 

Anyone have much experience using EPR vs. not?
What saeems to be the consensus about the level it should or shouldn't be set to?

Thanks in advance.

[SarcasticDave94]

If you can use it, I would suggest you do. It makes the AutoSet the same as a higher priced bilevel, albeit with a limited to 3 cmH2O PS.

Follow this for minimums to allow EPR the ability to work immediately:

Min pressure 5 EPR 1
Min pressure 6 EPR 2
Min pressure 7 EPR 3

You might be surprised and have even better therapy by adding EPR.

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

Install an SD card, download and install OSCAR, format and post some charts. The links in my signature explain how to do so.

Once we have data folks can make recommendations.

[WallyPepper]

Only have 4 days worth of data so far and from my reading it isn't terrible. After I have more data I will be able to see trends. Four days is statistically insignificant.

Already have Oscar installed and read through the Wiki. I think I have a handle on what it does. When I have a better handle on the new CPAP I will post to see what can be improved.

[Phaleronic]

Only have 4 days worth of data so far and from my reading it isn't terrible. After I have more data I will be able to see trends. Four days is statistically insignificant.

Already have Oscar installed and read through the Wiki. I think I have a handle on what it does. When I have a better handle on the new CPAP I will post to see what can be improved.

Nice, what did you set your pressures to?

[Deborah K.]

You can post right now. We don't need to see a lot of nights. That will help us determine whether EPR will help you. It does help most of us. Also, it's not just a comfort thing, it helps control flow limits.

[WallyPepper]

Which charts are you specially looking for? I am assuming that there is a lot of extraneous information, not applicable to the use of EPR.

[Deborah K.]

We need to see the following items, in the order listed: Event Flags, Flow Rate, Pressure, Leak Rate, and Flow Limits. We need to see to the very bottom of the Flow Limits.

[OpalRose]

WallyPepper,

Use this link to guide you in the Organization of a chart.  For starters, we like to view the following graphs:  Events, Flow Rate, Pressure, Flow Limitation and Leak Rate.  Always include the "entire" left side bar.  

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

You can upload 3 charts for review if you like.  Use the Attachment Feature to post here.  

https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...pnea_Board

Believe it or not... folk here can glean a lot of information just by viewing a flow rate graph.  When it comes to using EPR, it's not just a comfort feature.  The decision to use or not use EPR depends on many variables.  It's certainly not a one size fits all.

In some individuals, EPR can contribute to and worsen Clear Airway events.  On the other end, EPR is known to lessen a high flow limitation rate, which is known to cause pressure swings and be disruptive to sleep.
The use of EPR can also help lessen events like Hypopneas and Reras.

Hope that answers some of your questions about using EPR.

[WallyPepper]

Okay, here is the Sunday chart. Please bear in mind that I have been using a non-recording CPAP since April 2001. So I think there is likely a lot of room for improvement. I have a routine, only drag my SD card to my computer on Monday mornings, That is why Sunday was the last day charted.

   

I am just now thinking about fussing with settings. Wanted to get a few days in before changing stuff.