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+--- Thread: Need Help Understanding BiPAP Clinical Settings (/Thread-Need-Help-Understanding-BiPAP-Clinical-Settings)
RE: Need Help Understanding BiPAP Clinical Settings - Jake B - 11-12-2020
Thanks for the info. I am going to give this a shot and revisit this thread in a couple of days.
Any changes needed to the Cycle setting, or Ti Max/Ti Min settings?
RE: Need Help Understanding BiPAP Clinical Settings - Sleeprider - 11-12-2020
No, the defaults on those settings are fine. I'd like to follow up after one-night at the new settings and watch the progress. There is possibility you still need a reduction on PS.
RE: Need Help Understanding BiPAP Clinical Settings - SarcasticDave94 - 11-12-2020
FWIW most of us here on Apnea Board have to "go rogue" and self titrate our settings because the vast majority of the doctors that script these PAP machines, and the techs that do the sleep studies, and the RTs at the DMEs really don't know what they are setting and will not listen to informed patient feedback. An example would be lots of patients that do get prescribed an Auto CPAP or APAP are set with default 4-20 and the Dr. Duck and his little quackers think that the auto part means the machine will just set it to the best settings. Auto is not autopilot. The APAP still needs tailored to you. For you specifically, Sleeprider has given his suggestion. Here on AB he is the best. I'm not attempting to beat dead horses as I know you're about to take on the duty of self advocacy, and that is a great decision. You know better than anyone if your therapy is successful of not because you live it. We will help and you will succeed.
RE: Need Help Understanding BiPAP Clinical Settings - Jake B - 11-13-2020
Hey folks, here is an some updated data after one night of the new settings. AHI went from ~11 down to ~1 - the CAs have significantly decreased but we threw in a few more OAs (still not bad though.)
Still don't feel much different YET...I know this was just one night so I'm going to try to be patient. This is way better than CPAP ever was though...that machine made me feel 10x worse.
Let me know if I can provide anymore screenshots or info. Thanks for sticking with me and trying to help!
RE: Need Help Understanding BiPAP Clinical Settings - Sleeprider - 11-13-2020
I said your AHI would go down, and this is a pretty dramatic improvement. I did not promise you would feel great after one night on the new settings. I think these settings work pretty well, but let's increase the EPAP min to 8.4 and see if we can clear out some OA. This comparison of before and after speaks for itself. You are much closer to effective therapy with some very minor changes to your previous settings, mostly a reduction in pressure support.
RE: Need Help Understanding BiPAP Clinical Settings - Jake B - 11-13-2020
I will try that and report back tomorrow!
RE: Need Help Understanding BiPAP Clinical Settings - Sleeprider - 11-13-2020
Something else to note on the comparison above, you had continuous therapy through the night without breaks. This is what will ultimately lead to feeling more rested. Give it time and be patient. We can treat symptoms, but recovery usually takes longer.
RE: Need Help Understanding BiPAP Clinical Settings - SarcasticDave94 - 11-13-2020
Very nice, drastic change to the better. Congrats as this in itself is a win.
RE: Need Help Understanding BiPAP Clinical Settings - Jake B - 11-14-2020
Hi again, just checking back in with my data from last night.
Looks like my AHI stayed super low but we sprinkled in a couple more CAs. I also had to make 2 restroom trips last night, as opposed to the other night where I didn't get up at all.
Still looking good, please let me know of anything else I can do! I appreciate you all taking time to try to help me, hopefully we are getting closer.
RE: Need Help Understanding BiPAP Clinical Settings - Crimson Nape - 11-14-2020
A quick look at your chart seems fine. Your CA's look positional and some seem to precede a bathroom break. How do you rate your quality of sleep? Things like your bed being comfortable and body/joint aches come to mind.