IPAP/EPAP

[pogosix]

Hello All,

I have an Aircurve S10. My Doctor had the pressures adjusted from IPAP/ EPAP from 18 /08 to 20 / 12. Doesn't the EPAP of 20 make it harder for me to exhale? The 20/12 doesn't seen right and I will have to try it tonight.

[Crimson Nape]

The higher number (20) is the IPAP and the lower (12) is the EPAP. A PS of 8 is a big delta.

[Sleeprider]

Pogosix, let's second guess your doc and try to talk you into downloading the free OSCAR software. https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR Your settings include an unusually large pressure support, and I'm curious to see what is actually going on. 20/12 (IPAP/EPAP) results in PS 8.0 which will often contribute to central apnea. Do you know if you are treating obstructive sleep apnea or does your sleep disordered breathing include centrals?

[pogosix]

thanks, I will do that tomorrow. My issues are compounded by a disease that has diminished a lot of my breathing  muscles and paralyzed my diaphragm on one side. I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea years before I knew I had POMPE Disease. My breathing has really has progressed downward. I'm also contending with my age, 76.

[Sleeprider]

The use of ST with high PS makes sense for neuromuscular disorders with hypoventilation. There is a more sophisticated model ST-A with iVAPS (intelligent volume assured pressure support) that targets lung volume on a breath by breath basis that may be in your future. In any event, Oscar can help you and us to evaluate the effectiveness of the current ST at maintaining volume and rate.

[Gideon]

Thanks for that, that is key info. 
You have the right machine and likely a proper PS for your condition.
In your case, I believe, sleep apnea is the secondary condition.

[Rubicon]

My Doctor had the pressures adjusted from IPAP/ EPAP from 18 /08 to 20 / 12. 

What was the rationale for this pressure increase?  EPAP increase of 4.0 cmH2O with a reduction of PS from 10.0 cmH2O to 8.0 seems a little (OK a lot) odd to me.

[Geer1]

If you don't have a recording oximeter that is something to consider. Maintaining adequate ventilation and oxygen levels is likely as important as treating your apnea.