New user seeking OSCAR feedback

[js1157]

My longest night yet with the machine. I'm very claustrophobic and finally started to adjust to the experience but I've also noticed my average pressure is very low. Is this okay?

[staceyburke]

Welcome. Please take a look at the flow limits chart. Compare it to your pressure chart. Please note that when your flow limits increase your pressures increase. 

Flow limits are apnea just like the other O and H events. They are not timed and are smaller but your machine reacts to the flow limits to stop larger events (H and O). 

We use EPR (exhale pressure relief) to control them. To do that we need to increase your min and start EPR. 

I would suggest you make the following changes. 

Min7
EPR3

Post tomorrow and tell us how you feel with the new settings.

[Melman]

Most adults feel starved for air at pressure of 4 or slightly higher. That is probably contributing to your claustrophobia. I think Stacey's recommendation should help.

[js1157]

Thank you! I found more pressure slightly more anxiety provoking, but I felt that way even at the 4 and I've come to tolerate it better with each passing day so I know the same will be true of a higher minimum. I also couldn't figure out how to change the EPR settings but this lovely board has been an endlessly helpful resource so I will do both tonight and report back tomorrow!

Edit to add: I'll also be trying a full face mask tonight. I am chronic sinusitis sufferer so I am finding myself mouth breathing a fair amount.

[js1157]

Welcome. Please take a look at the flow limits chart. Compare it to your pressure chart. Please note that when your flow limits increase your pressures increase. 

Flow limits are apnea just like the other O and H events. They are not timed and are smaller but your machine reacts to the flow limits to stop larger events (H and O). 

We use EPR (exhale pressure relief) to control them. To do that we need to increase your min and start EPR. 

I would suggest you make the following changes. 

Min7
EPR3

Post tomorrow and tell us how you feel with the new settings.

What a difference the new settings made, thank you!!!

[Gideon]

How do you feel?

[js1157]

I have Multiple Sclerosis and I have been having a bit of a flared up week because of the heat where I live, so I've been really struggling with the appraising how you feel the next day aspect of the CPAP treatment. I do think I feel a bit less foggy and more clear headed today though, and I am going to just assume it's the treatment!

[staceyburke]

Yes it does look better. But there are still floe limits I think we can help.

Please try EPR 3

Leave other settings alone and post tomorrow. Again tell us how you are feeling and if this makes you feel better or not.

[js1157]

I do have the EPR on 3, but I am realizing now I set my min to 6, I'll bump up to 7 tonight.

[js1157]

Yes it does look better. But there are still floe limits I think we can help.

Please try EPR 3

Leave other settings alone and post tomorrow. Again tell us how you are feeling and if this makes you feel better or not.

Can you say more about the issue with the flow limits in this session? When I looked at the wiki, it seemed like a 95% flow limitation of .06 was a good target but I am still trying to understand all of this data.