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+--- Thread: Are these flow limits? If so how do I treat? (/Thread-Are-these-flow-limits-If-so-how-do-I-treat)
Are these flow limits? If so how do I treat? - Cpapti72 - 06-08-2024
So while using CPAP I don't generally have issues with full flown apneic events. I normally wake way before any issues arise with my oxygenation. However it seems like these little blips in my flow chart are the cause of my arousals. Are these flow limits, and if so how do I treat them? I'm currently at a pressure of 10.6CM with an EPR of 2. Should I just turn the EPR off, or increase the pressure and keep it the same?
I really believe if this issue is treated then therapy will start to work for me, but I'm not even sure if these are flow limits! Thanks in advance, Ty.
RE: Are these flow limits? If so how do I treat? - staceyburke - 06-08-2024
There is a flow limit chart, you need to be on the full night not zoomed in and you can SEE all your flow limits on that chart.
RE: Are these flow limits? If so how do I treat? - Cpapti72 - 06-08-2024
I understand that, but the machine only counts flow limits when it's specific amount of time, or a specific amount of wave forms, what if one or two breaths is limited or obstructed and it wakes me?
Thanks again!
RE: Are these flow limits? If so how do I treat? - Dormeo - 06-08-2024
The algorithm will flag FLs that have a particular set of characteristics, but there can be FLs that it doesn't flag. That said, your FL data suggest you don't have a major FL problem.
In the first snippet, I see a sigh in the middle and then some arousal breathing toward the right. In the second, I see arousal breathing toward the right, followed by some slower, shallower breathing. Not quite sure what the story is with the third.
Arousal breathing is deeper and messier-looking than regular asleep breathing. It occurs when you transition from a deeper sleep to a shallower sleep or from sleep to waking. Arousals are a normal part of sleep for everyone, though if there are enough of them to interfere with your sleep architecture, they can be a problem. (Sleep architecture is the sequence of sleep stages we go through multiple times per night.)
You can try increasing your EPR to 3. EPR is the main tool we have for dealing with FLs.
I'm confused by the information in the left panel. Near the top, it says you're on a fixed pressure of 20. In the data below, however, you're maxing out at 10.6. Do you know the reason for the discrepancy?
RE: Are these flow limits? If so how do I treat? - SarcasticDave94 - 06-08-2024
A few things, this is regarding therapy. Yes, it's a bit different than the other thread, however that other thread had pertinent info.
You're running fixed pressure 10.x but using 20 Ramp. Why? Please, please, consider turning off the Ramp entirely ASAP.
You need to present OSCAR charts without zoom so we have the whole picture.
You seem to only get Central Apnea. Where is your sleep study detailed report? This is important for yourself, or you're flying blind on CPAP. Without, you honestly don't know what you're trying to treat. You don't know if that is the right machine either. We can help decipher it, so get it ordered. Post it redacted of personal info. HIPAA law says you can get it from the doctor.
RE: Are these flow limits? If so how do I treat? - Cpapti72 - 06-08-2024
Sorry the reason that it says 20 is that is because I practice during the day as well at a higher pressure to keep my face sensitivity down. I'm about a month in an I don't want my face hurting like it did in the beginning.
So I took the sd card out when I pushed the pressure up this morning. But the fixed pressure last night was 10.6.
I thought that was a sigh as well but I wasn't completely sure, as I couldn't tell if the reason it slopes so intensely is because of an obstruction or just a quick breath out.
I just assumed that if there is any slanting or flattening it meant that my throat was closing ans that could result in an awakening. I'm frustrated because I had to take the mask off because I woke up gasping again, and felt a little defeated.
Then for the rest of the night I have video of me sitting up gasping, I have a sleep study in lab on the 20th to confirm the lofta diagnosis of 17 RDI, but I wanted to get used to, and maybe try and figure out or fix it before hand.
Thank you guys for your responses.
Also the "centrals" are the typical settling into bed and not breathing type of clear airway events, so I don't even count them. When I actually fall asleep the centrals don't happen it's just during the transition.
RE: Are these flow limits? If so how do I treat? - SarcasticDave94 - 06-08-2024
Does this mean your face hurts from the mask? If this is accurate, you need to reduce the high torque mask adjustment. If this is to reduce leaks, try another mask, because if my scenario is even close to reality for you, this mask is either the wrong size or model. Do not adjust masks that they cause pain.
RE: Are these flow limits? If so how do I treat? - Cpapti72 - 06-08-2024
Just a super sensitive face, over time the pain went away and now it's just an annoyance. However if I need more pressure in the future I want to be ready for it. So I practice during the day, once my sleep study results are in, I'll be able to tailor it better.
RE: Are these flow limits? If so how do I treat? - SarcasticDave94 - 06-08-2024
You can set the pressure to your therapy requirements now. That's what we're here to assist with. You use the CPAP, post OSCAR and give a description how you felt. We'll reply back with suggestions to make it better. This includes the full machine setup. You're in the US so yes you can change settings and the doctor and DME can only get upset. Insurance only cares about your usage and benefiting.