assistance with analyzing cpap data

[jentlesoal]

Thanks Jay51 for the feedback.  I will try tweaking my settings to see if there are any improvements. Just two other questions, my tidal volume is low, any idea as to how to get that up to the 500s.  Also, do you have any familiarly with nocturnal O2 oximeters?



Thanks for your time!

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Thanks Jay51 for the feedback.  I will try tweaking my settings to see if there are any improvements. Just other questions, my tidal volume is low, any idea as to how to get that up to the 500s.  Also, do you have any familiarly with nocturnal O2 oximeter?



Thanks for your time!

[Jay51]

Pulse oximetry

Pulse oximeter

Here is some information on both basic oximetry and a list of OSCAR-compatible oximeters.  

In regards to tidal volume.  I have been diagnosed with hypoventilation by failing a couple of room air overnight Cap/Ox tests.  I have had lots of interactions with my Pulmonologist and RT regarding this.  

Tidal volume usually decreases as respiratory rate increases.  And vice versa.  Minute ventilation is the key here (MV = VT + RR).  
1.  Increasing EPAP can help by stenting the airway more (so larger volumes of air coming in).  
2.  Either Pressure support, EPR, or a or c flex like you have (or softPaP for Lowensteins) can give a little extra boost to the inhale, increasing it.  
3.  There are machines with back up rates (ASV for normal person with CA's; and ST (A) or equivalent for someone with lung issues, etc. - like COPD, or Neurological implications).  
4.  The last category is ventilators.  These ensure an "x" number tidal volume with every single breath during the night (and can even be used during the day).  

Your situation doesn't seem dire to me at all.  Hopefully, with some tweaks, your tidal volume can increase.  If not, there are plenty of different machine to advance to.

[jentlesoal]

Awsome! Thanks for the information and encourging words.

[jentlesoal]

Do you have any expeience with taping? I wear a chin strap, but i wonder if Im leaking hrough my lips. I guess Im trying to cover all angles lol.

[Jay51]

I am sorry that I don't have much experience with taping, but many members here at ApneaBoard do and will hopefully give you some good suggestions.

[jentlesoal]

Thank you. Ive been tweaking my settings to see if the quality of sleep improves, but so far no improvements. One thing that Ive noticed even before tweaking the settings is chronic abdominal pain in the morning. I'm now wondering if it may be aerophagia; which would be odd, since my pressure is low (8, 8.5), and I'm using nasal pillows. I may need to discuss with my DR during my next visit. I know something is being missed in my therapy, Im just trying to pin point what it is, Thanks for the feedback and have a great day!