What AirCurve 10 ASV adjustment makes it easier to exhale against pressure?

[DevinJones]

What setting adjustment makes it easier to exhale against pressure when using a ResMed AirCurve 10 ASV?

Min EPAP 6.00
Max EPAP 10.00
PS Min 2.00
PS Max 12.00

Thank you.

[hopeforusall]

DevinJones, my Aircurve ASV is set to EPAP min 4.0, EPAP max 8.0, PS min 3.0 and PS max 12.2. When there is an occasional exhale pressure push-back, I blow hard through my mouth or nose and it seems to reset to an easier exhale pressure (thank you Sleeprider). You can fiddle with the settings to see what works best for you and your numbers.
Hope that helps.

[Rich66]

The EPAP is your exhale pressure. You can turn down the EPAP Min and see how it works for you. Turn it down to 5 and try that. It's trial and error. Make other adjustments as needed.

[DevinJones]

hopeforusall I thought the blow-back strategy was used when the ASV device thinks you have stopped breathing, like when you have a central apnea while falling asleep, and then gives you a huge surge in pressure to try to force you to INHALE. I want to make it easier to EXHALE. Thanks.

[DevinJones]

Rich66 Thank you. I thought that if the EPAP is set too low, e.g., 4 or 5, the device can make you feel starved for air or a suffocating feeling.

[Crimson Nape]

Based on the numbers you posted, your inhale pressure (IPAP) range is 8 cm to 22 cm.  This based on EPAPmin 6 + 2 PSmin  to  EPAPmax 10 + 12 PSmax.

- Red

[DevinJones]

Thanks, Crimson Nape. I just want to know how to set the device to make it easier to exhale because I feel a little too much opposing pressure when I exhale.

[hopeforusall]

DevinJones, I have used the blowback when pressure is a little much on exhale, which while not often, does happen. Give it a try once. If it works, you at least have a backup option. As others have noted, making small changes in your EPAP should hone your device to your needs. Also, you may want to try a different mask (full or not) as some of them may release pressure in a different way. Hope that helps.

[DevinJones]

hopeforusall Thanks. If you increase EPAP on the ASV device from 5.00 to 6.00, is it more difficult to exhale against the pressure?

[Rich66]

Basically speaking, in answer to your question, yes -- depending. If your normal EPAP actual reading on the Oscar graphs is at 7, then you probably won't notice the increase. The Resmed default setting for EPAP Min is 4 -- have you tried it? The ASV self adjusts according to your needs. I'm guessing you're having issues with exhaling against the pressure. Turn down the EPAP Min pressure and see how it goes. If you need more pressure, the machine will adjust as needed.