New Member desperate for help

[Crimson Nape]

While I'm parroting previous posts, the use of a #3 setting is often discouraged.  The A-Flex behaves differently than the Resmed's EPR, and the maximum you should try is a #2 setting.  From what I understand, a #3 setting can get off into the weeds for some reason.  (I hope that analogy translates!)  Have you tried this?

- Red

[Mandrake]

While I'm parroting previous posts, the use of a #3 setting is often discouraged.  The A-Flex behaves differently than the Resmed's EPR, and the maximum you should try is a #2 setting.  From what I understand, a #3 setting can get off into the weeds for some reason.  (I hope that analogy translates!)   Have you tried this?

- Red

Yes I tried it for the first time just recently. Chart posted earlier in this thread. Woke up feeling better than normal. But I need more nights to say whether it is better. I have random good days on any setting. 
How about skipping the A-Flex completely? And how about C-Flex? 


Cheers.

[Crimson Nape]

Isn't the A-Flex for auto pressure mode and the C-Flex is for a static pressure mode?
- Red

[Mandrake]

Isn't the A-Flex for auto pressure mode and the C-Flex is for a static pressure mode?
- Red

Hi. 
No, both are some complicated algorithms similar to Resmed’s EPR, but according to some, only making things worse. As it seems to do for me. 
See second post in this thread: http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...X-vs-CFLEX

[Kuutar]

By analyzing the data using OSCAR, I found out that right now I do best with a constant CPAP pressure of 6 and Flex setting of 1. I also have the Ramp off, so therapy starts with a constant pressure of 6 and level of air pressure relief of 1 when exhaling. Getting to this point took a lot of trial and error, or as I like to look at it inspecting and adapting. Initially, when I was getting used to the therapy again after a break due to the recall, I experimented with various settings in APAP mode and various Flex and Ramp options. All of that allowed me to get back into therapy and using Flex eased my horrendous aerophagia I had before.

[mesenteria]

If CAs begin to take over as the dominant form of apnea, then it usually means the upper pressure is somewhat too high, but it could also mean the EPR needs to be reduced, say from 3-2.  But, you must watch those OAs as well, so you treat a fine line between the lower pressure, highest limited pressure, and what pressure relief you need to help you to avoid CAs.

[Kuutar]

I never saw the sleep doctor after the initial diagnosis either. My care was transferred to a Physician Assistant, who at the time had ~2 years of experience and was a psychology major in college. They did get the presssure I needed right, but no help with anything else (aerophagia, treatment induced CAs). Finding this Apnea Board saved my therapy.

I was sensitive to the Auto CPAP mode, due to the way the algorithm works experienced awakenings during the night. I saw it on the OSCAR data. Thus not getting that best deep sleep, which translates into not feeling the best during the day and not getting the full gains of the therapy. Finding and using the right Flex setting stopped treatment induced/emergent central apneas. Also, other things that may not seem important turned out to help with getting the treatment optimized (tube size, humidification setting).

[Mandrake]

Thanks again all.
I really think I am on to something here with the Flex settings. I reduced it from 3 to 2 a few days ago, and had a few days better than usual.
Then reduced to 1 last night, and have had a day today with not a trace of that brain fog. That happens perhaps once per month, or say a few times per month randomly.
So this day could be a random one as well, but I put at least a little hope in this being something.
I also reduced again the min pressure to 4 from the recent 5-6. Not sure such a small change can even make a difference, but as it is not, the following settings gave me a day as good as they get.
Min pressure 4
Max pressure 12
A-Flex level 1
No ramp function

I have no knowledge of reading those charts and cannot see why the night of the 17th would make me feel better than the night of the 16th. AHI was actually even higher on the night that made me feel better (17th).
Does anyone have a theory as to why the 17th would make me feel better than the 16th?

Thanks in advance.