VAuto Journey

[Gideon]

Pure centrals don't have movement prior to the event.  I'd bet that these three are caused by a disturbance then you tossing and holding your breath, but no obstruction.

[lbl82]

   
   
Been on the same settings since June 16th: Min. 8-Max 20, PS 3, Very High Trigger and No Ramp.  The 2.12 AHI was the best number I've had since using the VAuto.  I only had 2 Centrals!!!  I slept for almost exactly 8 hours. The only consistent thing I can see when I look back at my sleep is that if I sleep 10 hours or more my AHI is between 4.5-5.0. I'm gonna try to keep my sleep to 8 hours if possible.  The thing is that I've been on the VAuto since June 12th. I still feel tired when I wake up.  Not exhausted or anything.  I would say like a 4 out of 10.  I can't remember the last time I woke up feeling refreshed and feeling like I couldn't go back to sleep if I wanted to! Any other suggestions to get my AHI lower?

[SarcasticDave94]

A few observations and things to think on. Regardless of any data on OSCAR, compare the 2 nights sleeping that are represented in your last post. Was sleep worse on the night with more events? Were they considered basically equal? How was one better or worse than the other? Don't mention the data at all in the answer. Rely only on how you felt.

The other thing is that I've forgotten how long you've been using the VAuto and other PAP machines if applicable. How long has that PAP usage been compared to how long you think you may have had apnea or had gotten well rested sleep? It may be that you've not rested well for quite a few months or years. If this is factual, PAP therapy can take many months to begin giving that well rested sleep again. And it can be added back very gradual, so much so that you may not notice the better sleep.

[lbl82]

   
Felt really tired when I woke up for some reason this morning.  My AHI was in the 3's instead of 2's, but that shouldn't have made much of a difference.  No idea why.

[Sleeprider]

Not sure what trigger sensitivity is, but if possible, increase it.

[lbl82]

I've been using my VAuto for 25 days.  My average over that time span is a Ti 1.3s, I:E 1:2.6, Spont. Cycle is 95.0%.  My current settings are Ti Min 0.3s, Ti Max 2.0s, Trigger Very High, and Cycle Medium.  Should I change any of my current settings given my average numbers over 25 days?

[lbl82]

   
I've been on VAuto 26 days. The first 2 days weren't good.  I adjusted my settings to PS 3, EPAP 10, IPAP 20 with very high trigger sensitivity for 2 days.  I had an average AHI of 2.12.  For the last 22 days my settings have been PS 3, EPAP 8, IPAP 20 and very high trigger sensitivity.  My average AHI is 3.22.  I've noticed since being on the VAuto that my ratio of CA to Hypopnea events have changed.  Take my AHI from last night which was 2.62.  I had a .48 CA and 2.15 hypopnea.  With my ResMed AirSense 10 autoset the numbers would have been reversed. My CA would be 2.15 and my hypopnea would have been .48.  Unfortunately, I have felt very tired when waking up the last 2 days.  It doesn't make sense given my numbers.  I mean I didn't feel wide awake when I woke up while using the Airsense 10 autoset, but it seems like it's been worse with the VAuto.  Even though my AHI numbers have averaged below 5 for the past 26 days I've been on it.  Makes no sense!!! I've also been on adderall for 2 years and that doesn't help either. I have an appointment with my sleep doctor on Friday.  Any advice? In the meantime can I adjust my settings to lower my hypopnea events?

[Sleeprider]

Generally we increase pressure support for hypopnea. Your Vauto allows PS to be changed in 0.2 cm increments, so the recommendation is increase PS to 3.4 and see if that moves things in the right direction. Ti max can go to 2.2.

[lbl82]

Generally we increase pressure support for hypopnea.  Your Vauto allows PS to be changed in 0.2 cm increments, so the recommendation is increase PS to 3.4 and see if that moves things in the right direction.  Ti max can go to 2.2.

Just curious. Why Ti max to 2.2?

[Sleeprider]

Good question. You can disregard that I though I saw some longer inspiration time but it must have been a different member. Increasing Ti Max would have no effect on our therapy since you don't approach the current limit of 2.0.