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Pressure vs. Flow Rate Graph - Printable Version

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Pressure vs. Flow Rate Graph - enjoysleep59 - 03-24-2023

So, I’ve been tinkering with the settings of my ResMed AirSense 10 for the last few months. I’m now sleeping decently for the most part just shy of eight hours per night for the month of March with an AHI average of 0.84. There have been a few nights where the AHI has been .44 and last night (3/23/2023) it was 0.56.

There have been comments on various YouTube channels that discussed APAP algorithms not being all that good on ResMed, iBreeze, and Respironics machines and suggests that in many cases CPAP mode works better. My ResMed AirSense 10 is set in APAP mode with 10 to 12 cmH2O and the ERP set to 1 cmH20. I use a standard size tube with the AirFit p30i nasal pillow mask.

In the zoomed in image of the Flow Rate waveform, some of the peaks are flat. I read or saw where this may show a partial airway collapse. I am thinking that if I bump the pressure to 10.6 or 11 cmH2O and the ERP set to 1 or 2, that it may round these off.
Am I reading and understanding the graph correctly? Has anybody else played around with this to round out the waveform? Am I wasting my effort and should be happy with what I have at the moment?


RE: Pressure vs. Flow Rate Graph - Gideon - 03-24-2023

You are in the be happy zone.

The talks of the algorithms being bad has some truth to them. When the default settings are accepted, yes, often the results are poor. All APAPS and Auto BiLevels need at least the starting pressure set for the individual user, and most often the pressure relief (EPR) as well.

And there are definitely cases where a single pressure works better, but for most the algorithms are fine once the settings are optimized for the user.


RE: Pressure vs. Flow Rate Graph - enjoysleep59 - 03-24-2023

Thanks for the feedback. I'll leave well enough alone.