Understanding Trigger Sensitivity

[stevesleep]

On the Resmed vauto curve, there is a "Trigger" setting. I'm trying to understand what adjusting this does exactly and what the benefits are?

For example, why not just always use high or very high settings, surely it can only help?

When is it better to use lower settings like "Low"/"Medium", versus higher ones?

And what effect does this have - like how do you know what is better for you?

[PeaceLoveAndPizza]

Trigger and cycle increase or decrease the sensitivity of switching from EPAP to IPAP (trigger) or IPAP to EPAP (cycle). There are also settings for the minimum and maximum times for IPAP (TiMin/TiMax). 

I do not know about making the machine less sensitive, but many of us use settings for higher trigger sensitivity. By making the machine more responsive, we reduce CA’s as it takes less effort to “trigger” the transition.

If you have done all you can with pressure support/IPAP/EPAP pressures and still have CA’s, going to a more sensitive transition should reduce the CA’s.

[Crimson Nape]

Using a "Trigger" setting too (edit: "low") setting for your needs will start to produce a more saw tooth flow pattern as opposed to a sinusoidal wave.
- Red

[SarcasticDave94]

I can also get saw tooth and sine wave signals on my audio synth plug-ins. Maybe I'll get a midi input to a synth to match my sleep breathing and make a cool song.

[THEVGE]

Can the trigger setting also have impact on chipmunk cheeks? I understood those cheeks are partly because of too fast delivery of pressure combined with mouth opening during sleep. If correct, I can image a reduced trigger setting might help (question mark?). I am now on trigger very high to nicely control CA's but with my optimization process for best therapy all of a sudden I get these chipmunk cheeks due to higher PS (bi-level).

[Sleeprider]

I don't think changes in trigger sensitivity will help with air in the mouth. That may resolve better with using devices or training to maintain the seal between the back of the tongue to the soft palate. Jaw support is the biggest factor, so advancing or retarding the timing of trigger will not likely succeed.

[THEVGE]

Using a "Trigger" setting too setting for your needs will start to produce a more saw tooth flow pattern as opposed to a sinusoidal wave.
- Red

Did you intend to write "too low" or "too high"? My guess would be "too low" as I went back to medium and get exactly what you wrote, saw tooth flow shapes.

[Crimson Nape]

Boy! I'm glad I have gotten some better coffee since that post.  You are.probably correct.  Bottom line is, if it works for you, go for it.
- Red