Lots of flow limitations but good leak rate (restarting CPAP after 2 years off)

[sleepy331]

Hi all,

After a year of diligent tinkering with CPAP a few years ago, I've recently restarted CPAP after a nasal procedure that has helped my nasal breathing significantly. My hope is that now I will be able to get some benefit from CPAP.

When I opened Oscar and imported my data for the first time in years, I was surprised by a few things: 1. Very good leak rate (practically zero all night), and 2. Notably higher flow limitations than before.

I'm thinking that maybe I need to try increasing my pressure. Any other thoughts?

Right now I'm at 7 cm of water.

Thanks!


Edit: I only highlighted the time that I was actually asleep.

[Deborah K.]

Welcome back!

You are using your Vauto as a simple Cpap, not as a Vauto.  The Vauto is a much better machine than a regular Cpap, and should be set up entirely differently.  I'm not one who can help you choose the correct settings, but hopefully, someone with more knowledge than me will come along soon and help you with that.

[Sleeprider]

Chane your settings to Vauto mode, EPAP min 6.0, PS 4.0, Max IPAP 13.0. Trigger Sensitivity high, and everything else default. Let us know how amazed you are at the difference.

[sleepy331]

Chane your settings to Vauto mode, EPAP min 6.0, PS 4.0, Max IPAP 13.0. Trigger Sensitivity high, and everything else default.  Let us know how amazed you are at the difference.

Will do, thanks so much! I'll keep you updated.

[Sleeprider]

I'll look forward to seeing how it goes. As Deborah K. said, your machine is capable of resolving these issues. Hopefully we can narrow down what you need pretty quickly.

[sleepy331]

I'll look forward to seeing how it goes. As Deborah K. said, your machine is capable of resolving these issues. Hopefully we can narrow down what you need pretty quickly.

Hi Sleeprider,

Thanks again for helping me out. I really appreciate it!

Here's the data from last night. I used the settings you provided previously.

I did notice that I felt noticeably better using those settings, so that's great! I hope we can continue to dial things in even more.

Thanks again!

PS: Like last time, I only highlighted the time when I was sleeping.

[Sleeprider]

Looks pretty good, but now we can address the centrals that have increased. Let's start by changing trigger sensitivity to Very High, and reduce PS to 3.6.

[sleepy331]

Looks pretty good, but now we can address the centrals that have increased. Let's start by changing trigger sensitivity to Very High, and reduce PS to 3.6.

Understood! Thank you, will try this and get back to you. Appreciate it as always.

[Sleeprider]

Sleepy331, my responses have become very abbreviated because I'm preparing for a move from PA to FL at the end of the month and I'm just pressed for time at this point. Please understand it is not for lack of interest in your case.

[sleepy331]

Sleepy331, my responses have become very abbreviated because I'm preparing for a move from PA to FL at the end of the month and I'm just pressed for time at this point. Please understand it is not for lack of interest in your case.

Absolutely no worries at all. No rush! 

Here's my update from last night...

Used the settings you recommended, and unfortunately had absolutely terrible sleep quality even though my numbers actually look better. Breathing still looks pretty "jagged" and unstable. I think there's something really uncomfortable about the feeling of the machine almost breathing in for me. 

Anyways, here's the screenshots from Oscar. 

Thanks again!