xaid - Therapy Thread

[xaid]

When looking at my charts on OSCAR I was wondering whether there is any normal range for flow rate.

Does it mean anything to have a consistent flow rate but narrower or broader than others?

Is my flow rate range OK?

[pholynyk]

I would say your flow rates look average. My own seem to be +-35 l/min...

A more useful value might be your tidal volume, which is usually from 300 ml to 500 ml, depending on your height.

[xaid]

Thanks for the information. The main reason I was asking about the flow rate is that I feel my breathing is not deep enough.

Now I am looking at my tidal volume and found it varying a lot. Is it a concern?
Do I need to get medical advice on this?

[xaid]

I am new to CPAP therapy and wondering whether it is necessary to monitor heart rate during sleep or not.

If it is important to monitor heart rate, is a regular smartwatch sufficient, or medical oximeters are better? Why?

[pholynyk]

All I can say is that your average/median? value seems normal, and you have more spikes and higher than I do...

Obviously not a big sample, and I have no idea whether that's a problem or just normal variation.

I mean, who knows if my own values are normal?

[Sleeprider]

Tidal volume and minute vent are common metrics used in pulmonary function, and the ideal volumes are based on your height, ideal weight, sex, health, age and other factors, so there is a wide variation in actual respiratory volumes. Your Oscar charts show a median tidal volume, respiration rate and minute vent, and these are really the key to whether your respiration falls into the normal range. My own tidal volume is generally around 600 mL and minute vent at 9 L/min. I'm a pretty big guy and have normal to high pulmonary function. If you really want to analyze your respiration, ask for a pulmonary function test (PFT) at your next checkup, and based your expectations in Oscar on the factors I listed above and your health.

[xaid]

Thanks, @Sleeprider.

That is good advice. Definitely, will see the possibility to ask for the PFT on my next visit to the clinic.

[Sleeprider]

It's always useful to have a baseline measure of function as it can tell you if results are within normal bounds, and track any progression of asthma, COPD or other airway impairment. The Oscar data is of limited use in that regard.

[xaid]

It's always useful to have a baseline measure of function as it can tell you if results are within normal bounds, and track any progression of asthma, COPD or other airway impairment.  The Oscar data is of limited use in that regard.

Do you suggest using another software to have better insights?

[Sleeprider]

Not at all. I'm just saying Oscar provides respiratory statistics of your sleep or resting volumes, which may depart from values measured in a PFT. I have not even seen an Oscar chart from you to comment on your respiratory stats. Post the daily details with the summary stats and settings.