[Treatment] New CPAP User, Oscar Data Analysis Help + Whoop HR/Sleep Data

[cdsoffa]

Hi all,

I am on my 5th night now with the Resmed 11. I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea (AHI 6.2) via an at home WatchPAT One test. Machine settings:

• APAP, 4-20 cmH20
  
• EPR 3, Fulltime
  
• Ramp = Auto
  

I surprisingly feel somewhat comfortable with the P10 nasal pillows mask on but my symptoms don't see to be improving at all (I know it's early) even with almost 0 obstructive apneas. It feels a little difficult to exhale through my nose against the pressure. I'm still experiencing:

• Headaches in the morning, maybe worse with CPAP
  
• Waking up multiple times per night, peeing 2-3 times, waking up an struggling to fall back asleep
  
• Not feeling very refreshed when I wake up
  

I also notice CSAs popping up but from what I've heard that is normal for a new CPAP user?

Attached is my high-level OSCAR data:
   

I also have been comparing to my WHOOP sleep/HR data. It's interesting that my HR spikes seem to be lining up with flow rate abnormalities (even if they're not classified as an apnea):
   
   

I've been trying to tape my mouth at night but last night I ended up drooling through the tape while sleeping on my side (lol). I might try the chinstrap tonight.

• Are there any tweaks to my settings that you'd suggest?
  
• Is there any reason to increase pressure? Or would this just increase central apnea events?
  
• Are there are other graphs/data points that I should observe to help understand what is going on?
  
• Should I experiment with different mask types? I've only tried the P10 nasal pillows so far
  
• Or am I overthinking it since it's only day 5 and need to continue using to see benefits/improvements in symptoms?
  

Thank you all so much for any help you can give!!

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

Please read the link in my signature "Formatting OSCAR Charts", then repost your chart. It is difficult to determine what is going on without seeing the entire chart as described in the link.

[cdsoffa]

I'm not sure if I'm following, the entire charts are displayed. Is this better? 
   

[Deborah K.]

Your starting pressure is too low for an adult.  Change it to 7.  Then we can see what you need after that.  You are also using ramp.  I suggest that you set your ramp pressure to 6.  Your headaches may be because you are air-starved.

Try those things then post a chart and let us know how you feel.

Again, welcome, and good luck with your new therapy!  

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

For the left hand table there is an entire section below what you have on the chart that contains the machine settings as used. We can work with what you have for now, but look at some other charts and you will see what I mean.

What appears to be happening is that with EPR=3 the machine is stopping the flow limitations that normally drive up pressure. With the low pressure you have to start it never gets it into the range for comfort and managing the arousals. I expect as well there are flow limitations going on that lead up to the arousals, even though the FL counter is not incrementing.

Which leads me to you need more pressure. The pressure support (EPR) is doing its job, but without enough starting pressure you will not get the benefits of EPR.

Try this...

Mode APAP
Min pressure 7
Max pressure 12
EPR 3 full-time
No ramp

It will feel a bit different to start, but I expect you will easily get used to it as you relax.