Flow Rate

[paulag1955]

This is not included in the Wiki glossary. Can someone give me a definition and a quick explanation of what that actually means?

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

Does this help?

From the wiki page:

Flow Rate graph: A trace of every breath you took

When we use a CPAP, our upper airway is part of a "semi-closed pressurized system" comprising the blower, the tube, the mask, and our upper airway. The system is "semi-closed" because of the intentional leakage built into the mask to prevent re-breathing. A full efficacy data CPAP measures the back pressure at blower end of "system" and uses that data to calculate the air flowing into and out of our lungs all night long. The resulting data is called the Flow Rate data, and the Flow Rate graph provides a trace of very breath you took all night long.

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

PS - the way I search the site is using a search engine as follows: site:apneaboard.com flow rate

[paulag1955]

Thank you, it gets me part of the way there. I'll have to let it roll around in my head for a while to see it if gels as to how it's significant to PAP therapy.

[Gideon]

Simply
If there is no flow, apnea, flow rate is zero.
Inhales are above zero,
Exhaled are below zero
Peats below "normal" ( somewhat subjective ) indicate restriction such as hypopnea
Flat or irregular tops are flow limitations which are also restricted breathing

Does that help.

[LazyBones]

Simply
If there is no flow, apnea, flow rate is zero.  
Inhales are above zero,
Exhaled are below zero
Peats below "normal" ( somewhat subjective ) indicate restriction such as hypopnea
Flat or irregular tops are flow limitations which are also restricted breathing

Does that help.

Ok. I am still somewhat new to all of the terminology, but I believe your "Peats below "normal"" may actually be "Peaks below normal". 
Am I somewhat close to understanding this terminology ?

[Gideon]

Sorry, typed on phone

Yes peaks

[SarcasticDave94]

Probably going to sound odd but here goes. It's going to look somewhat like an audio graph on a digital audio workstation (like a digital computerized mixer). You'll have positive and negative peaks and valleys, which the higher it is, equals more volume or louder sound. Flat lines are silence or zero volume.

Even more in depth is positive (above zero) movement on the audio graph will eventually make your speaker cone move forward, into the negative and the cone moves backward.

Look at the audio graphic I'll attach. Compare this to you OSCAR flow rate. Looks similar?


   

[paulag1955]

Thanks to all who responded. I'm still processing. I'll probably post some Oscar data in a few days when I think I might understand what y'all are saying about it.

[OpalRose]

paulag1955,
Have you looked through The Guide?

https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph...#Flow_Rate

Compare some of the flow rate graphs with your own and others.  That's one way to learn.

[paulag1955]

Thanks, yes, that's helpful.