Input after two weeks

[TacoCat]

I had a sleep study with an AHI of ~84. They did a CPAP titration during the sleep study, starting at 5 mm H2O. I didn't really have any apneas during the titration (AHI < 1), even starting at 5 mm H2O, and they titrated up to 8 mm H2O before time ran out. They prescribed APAP 5-8mm H2O, and I've been using an Airsense 10 for the last two weeks, with what feels like good results. I felt like I couldn't get enough air when the pressure started out low, so I increased the minimum pressure to 7 which solved the problem. Now my range is 7-8 (very small) with EPR of 1 (what my machine started with).

I've attached an OSCAR screenshot from last night, which is pretty typical for me. I'd love any feedback, and have two specific questions:

1. My AHI is consistently <1, but I noticed I do have some flow limitation consistently and my machine seems to like to stay up at 8. Should I consider increasing my maximum pressure even though my AHI <5?
2. I started out with a P10 mask, which I liked a lot -- it was comfortable, small and barely leaked. However, I started getting irritation in my nostrils, including a small sore in one of them so I temporarily switched to an N20 and have been using lanolin. The N20 seems to leak more, and I don't like it as much, but my nostrils are feeling better. Is the amount of leakage problematic? Should I try to switch back to the P10 or try something like an N30?

Thanks so much for all your wisdom and insight -- I've learned so much from reading this board and the wiki.

   

[Phaleronic]

Hi TacoCat, with those flow limits I would raise your min pressure up to 7.6cm, slight pressure increase but you're getting close to just running in cpap mode once they're both the same anyways..

[Deborah K.]

I suggest that you raise your pressure limits. I suggest 8 - 13. Try that, then let us know how you feel.

Also, are you using EPR? If not, I suggest that you turn it on and set it to level 3. That would also help you with treatment and comfort.