Todd's Therapy Thread | CPAP

[Toddsims]

I've been on CPAP for about a year and a half. I have an appointment early next week with a new sleep specialist - and I'd sure like to have your look at my most recent data before then. What concerns do you see that I should bring to that discussion. I'm presently using CPAP at a constant 12.4 pressure. I use a VCOM (though I'm not sure it's helpful), so EPR is off.

My greatest struggle has been leak rates. I've been using the Evora FFM for some time. Occasionally I go to an Airfit F30i; I just got a wider cushion for it hoping to get a lower leak rate, though I haven't tried that yet. 

I would really like to further lower my AHI and Leaks. Any recommendations for achieving these? It seems like whenever I raise the pressure in an effort to lower AHI, then my leaks go up ... and vice versa. What can I do to lower both?

Should I be concerned about Flow Limitations? Also, over the past few months I've noticed a much higher % of Clear Airway events, not sure how significant that is.

I've learned so much from this board in this journey. Any thoughts you can offer that could make for a more productive clinic visit next week would be much appreciated. Thank you all!


   

   

   

[staceyburke]

I would lower the min 1cm (11.5) and turn on EPR to full time EPR 2.  give it a try for a night and post again.

[Toddsims]

Thank you … I’ll try it tonight and report back.

Just to clarify a couple of things:
1)  I’m on CPAP, so I won’t be setting that new pressure as a *minimum* but as the constant pressure, OK?
2)  I assume since you’re suggesting the EPR setting, then I should remove the VCOM, right?

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

Not speaking for Stacey, but I agree with his suggestions.

For these settings you need to remove the VCOM. For min/max pressure since it’s CPAP mode, use 11 (or 11.5 as Stacey suggested) with an EPR of 2 for the first night

[Toddsims]

I've been on CPAP for about a year and a half. I have an appointment early next week with a new sleep specialist - and I'd sure like to have your look at my most recent data before then. What concerns do you see that I should bring to that discussion. I'm presently using CPAP at a constant 12.4 pressure. I use a VCOM (though I'm not sure it's helpful), so EPR is off.

My greatest struggle has been leak rates. I've been using the Evora FFM for some time. Occasionally I go to an Airfit F30i; I just got a wider cushion for it hoping to get a lower leak rate, though I haven't tried that yet. 

I would really like to further lower my AHI and Leaks. Any recommendations for achieving these? It seems like whenever I raise the pressure in an effort to lower AHI, then my leaks go up ... and vice versa. What can I do to lower both?

Should I be concerned about Flow Limitations? Also, over the past few months I've noticed a much higher % of Clear Airway events, not sure how significant that is.

I've learned so much from this board in this journey. Any thoughts you can offer that could make for a more productive clinic visit next week would be much appreciated. Thank you all!

[Toddsims]

I changed the settings as suggested. See attachment. My AHI and Leaks were both increased. Open to suggestions where to go next!  Thank you.

The leaks early in the night are due to adjusting to a new cushion on the mask.




   

[Crimson Nape]

Todd  -  You neglected to insert the images into the post.  I have taken care of that for you.  To help, please read the following link:

https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread...ttachments

I just realized that you started a duplicate thread. I have merged the two.

- Red

[Toddsims]

I’d have to say that the changes I made did not improve either my AHI or leak rate.

Should I return to the settings I was using before … or make some tweaks to your first recommendation?

[Toddsims]

I changed the settings as suggested. See attachment. My AHI and Leaks were both increased. Open to suggestions where to go next!  Thank you.

The leaks early in the night are due to adjusting to a new cushion on the mask.




[attachment=58080]

[Crimson Nape]

Todd, you failed to read my post above and follow the directions within its link.

Previous post: https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread...#pid498164

- Red