Pressure 6.5 cmH2O. Should I bother with CPAP?

[vsheline]

After a week of an auto CPAP use for titration, the machine seems to be choosing an average of 6.5 cmH2O so I've been prescribed a machine with that setting or auto 4-8 cmH2O.

Was exhalation pressure relief used during the APAP trial, and if yes, do you know (or can you find out) how much? I think most people find that using EPR makes exhalation more comfortable.

When you get your machine, if it ever seems like you are working harder during inhalation than you would like then I think you would find that an increase in at least the bottom pressure setting would likely be more comfortable for you, and, unless your personal experience turns out to show otherwise, I would suggest keeping the upper end of the allowed pressure range at least about 3 but not more than about 6 higher than the minimum pressure setting.

Also, the reported 95 percentile pressure (the pressure was "this high or lower" 95% of the time, only exceeding it 5% of the time) and the reported max pressure are important to keep an eye on. I suggest letting the doctor know if the reported max is getting limited by your Max Pressure setting. If it is, the doctor and you may want to increase the Max Pressure setting.

You have a fully data-capable model and will be able to use ResScan or SleepyHead to look at your detailed data, including time plots of all your apnea events and the pressure and leaks, and "Flow" data. "Flow" is the machine's estimate for the rate of airflow entering or exiting your airway. "Flow" excludes (subtracts out) both the estimated intentional leak (leak though the mask vent holes) and the estimated unintentional leak (leak from a faulty seal or from mouth being open, or whatever).

Take care,
--- Vaughn