Recently, I read about palatal prolapse, also known as Expiratory Palatal Obstruction (EPO), Expiratory Retrograde Palatal Prolapse, or Retropalatal Airway Closure. I suspect this condition might be affecting me.
Would anyone here be able to help determine if this is the case by reviewing my Oscar data?
The Flow Rate looks very similar to the examples of Palatal Prolapse seen in sites like Palatal Prolapse: diagnosis & treatment and Palatal prolapse as a signature of expiratory flow limitation and inspiratory palatal collapse in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea | European Respiratory Society
Below is a data sample from last night, during which I used two different settings:
SETTING A: From the beginning until 6:40 am.
Mode: ASV Auto
EPAP MIN: 11.0
EPAP MAX: 12.0
PS MIN: 3.0
PS MAX: 8.0
SETTING B: From 6.40 am onwards.
Mode: CPAP
Pressure: 11.0
The reason I switched from ASV to CPAP mode is that ASV makes it impossible for me to sleep once I reach REM-predominant sleep, as it causes 'chipmunk cheeks.' I suspect this might be due to my soft palate not allowing enough airflow through the nasopharynx, forcing the air back into my mouth.
Yes, I’m already using a chin strap (Knightsbridge Dual Band) and a soft cervical collar. However, keeping my mouth shut and chin in place hasn’t solved the issue.
Notes: I’m fully aware of the difference in AHI between the two modes. Most events while using CPAP are central apneas, which is exactly why I switched to ASV in the first place. I am not sure why OSCAR is classifying them as "Unidentified Apneas" since there clear is no flow limitation during these events.