Looking for Help Interpreting OSCAR Daily View

[timfik]

Hi All - 

As the title says, I'm looking for some assistance understanding the OSCAR daily view. From what I can tell, it looks like I need to bump up my upper pressure level more but I know when I do that I end up having more mask leaks. Am I reading this correctly?


I've tried a bunch of different styles of masks but have always found myself taking them off in the middle of the night because they are uncomfortable or make my eczema flare up. The AirFit N30 is the first one that I have been able to tolerate this well but I'm worried that I'm not getting the full benefit from it. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

A few things to consider. First, you need to get the leaks under control. Whatever mask you choose. If you want a full-face mask consider using padacheek liners to keep from breaking out. If you stay with a nasal mask/pillows, look into a soft cervical collar or chinstrap to manage the mouth leaks.

For pressure, I would give a min of 7, max of 15, EPR 3 set to full-time a go. That should control most of the flow limits and help keep your pressure down. Be sure to turn off ramp as well.

Give that a try for a few days and report back. I think you will find it much more comfortable and have a more restful kip.

[CPAPfriend]

Just seconding that your leaks are way out of control. I understand you like the mask, but you have to resolve those, as they're compromising your therapy.

Your flow-limitations are very significant too, but they have to be viewed "through" the leaks, which makes them more difficult to comment on, but you have an isolated, lengthy period of lots of flow limitation, perhaps due to the position you were sleeping in or REM.

[Deborah K.]

Your pressure is fine for now.  You aren't bumping up against it, so leave it alone.  Your leaks are not too bad actually.  I would not worry about them for the moment.  Your flow limits are bad though, so I agree that you should set EPR to 3, full-time.  This will make your breathing more comfortable and will help you have better therapy.  

Your AHI is terrific!  Be happy about that.    I'm guessing you are new at this.  How long have you been using your pap machine? How are you feeling?  Are you sleeping well? Do you feel you are sleeping long enough?  All these things are important.  If you are uncomfortable with your nasal mask you might be more comfortable with a pillows mask rather than a nasal one.  Lots of people are, myself included, and they tend to leak less.

[timfik]

Hi All -

Thank you for your thoughful responses - I really appreciate it! I'm going to try the N30i mask again since I had pretty good results from that one the first go around. Also going to look into the padacheek liners to see if that helps with my breakouts.

Thank you again!