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Need help with increased Clear Airway events
#1
Need help with increased Clear Airway events
Hi y'all,

I've been using CPAP for around 2 years now and recently switched to a new mask to combat leaks as recommended by my doctor. I'm currently using an F40 mask and have seen improvements in my sleep, but have noticed an increase in CA events and feel very fatigued/ have brain fog during the day.

I'm of normal weight and use face tape when using my mask. What could I do to improve my therapy?

           
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#2
RE: Need help with increased Clear Airway events
Why no Reply?
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#3
RE: Need help with increased Clear Airway events
Sorry about the delay.
I suggest you set EPR=1 or turn it off, whichever setting is more comfortable for you. 
Also, increase your minimum pressure to 11 cm and turn the ramp off.

If it does not help, then you might need a different instrument. What was your CA score in your sleep report?
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#4
RE: Need help with increased Clear Airway events
What's the average difference in CAs between the pre and post-mask change? Zoom in on the flowrate and send some screenshots so that they can be confirmed to be central-related. Did you change the settings on the machine if you changed mask type? That is, if you went from nasal or pillows to full-faced, you should also change this setting in the machine menu. Narrowing your APAP range could also prove helpful.
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#5
RE: Need help with increased Clear Airway events
Hello zood ,

I agree with both replies above, narrow down the pressure range and turn down or off EPR, also disable ramp too please. Use a flat pillow and side sleep (keep using the mouth tape too-the F40 is a good system) and set the machine to FF as requested. Also please share a zoomed in shot of your CAs.
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#6
RE: Need help with increased Clear Airway events
(09-29-2024, 09:17 AM)G. Szabo Wrote: Sorry about the delay.
I suggest you set EPR=1 or turn it off, whichever setting is more comfortable for you. 
Also, increase your minimum pressure to 11 cm and turn the ramp off.

If it does not help, then you might need a different instrument. What was your CA score in your sleep report?

Hey G. Szabo, I have set my CPAP to those settings and my AHI decreased significantly! I will try with EPR=1 for a few more days and try EPR=0 and see which is better for me.
My sleep report did not have CAs in them, but looking at the data from early on, I've had OAs at <2 and CAs at 1-5. My CAs have increased with my mask change. (I changed my mask because I believe that there are some leakages during sleep.) Also, is it completely fine if my ears feel like they're popping with the 11cm pressure? Thanks!


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#7
RE: Need help with increased Clear Airway events
(09-29-2024, 09:24 PM)CPAPfriend Wrote: What's the average difference in CAs between the pre and post-mask change? Zoom in on the flowrate and send some screenshots so that they can be confirmed to be central-related. Did you change the settings on the machine if you changed mask type? That is, if you went from nasal or pillows to full-faced, you should also change this setting in the machine menu. Narrowing your APAP range could also prove helpful.

Hi CPAPfriend, CAs were typically <5 before the mask change. I did change the mask type when I changed from nasal to full-faced. I have narrowed down the range to follow the suggestion from the previous post. Let me know if the screenshots are sufficient, thanks!


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#8
RE: Need help with increased Clear Airway events
(09-29-2024, 10:50 PM)Phaleronic Wrote: Hello zood ,

I agree with both replies above, narrow down the pressure range and turn down or off EPR, also disable ramp too please.  Use a flat pillow and side sleep (keep using the mouth tape too-the F40 is a good system) and set the machine to FF as requested.  Also please share a zoomed in shot of your CAs.

Hi Phaleronic, will do, thanks!


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