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+--- Thread: 199 Flow Limitations please help (/Thread-199-Flow-Limitations-please-help)
199 Flow Limitations please help - LeoCadeau - 07-04-2024
I started the APAP therapy a week ago and just took a look at my data with OSCAR. Well, I doesn't understand a lot, but I find the amount of flow limitations detected quite concerning. Since my research shows that doctors don't care about anything else than AHI I hope someone can tell me if I have to be concerned with there flow limitations and if so what I can do about it. Since I am new here I hope I uploaded the screenshots of OSCAR correctly. Please tell me if anything else is needed. Thank you so much in advance!
RE: 199 Flow Limitations please help - OpalRose - 07-04-2024
You'll need to adjust your pressure range. Having a minimum pressure of 4 is too low.
What is your exhale pressure relief setting? It appears to be 2, which you're not receiving much benefit from with a low starting pressure.
Also, the snore index indicates you need a higher pressure.
Set minimum to 8cm with Exhale Pressure relief set to 3. This should help with high Flow Limitation.
Set the maximum pressure to 12cm.
Let's see how that works for you.
RE: 199 Flow Limitations please help - LeoCadeau - 07-04-2024
Thank you very much for you fast reply! My exhale pressure relief is on 2 I can only disable it put it on 1 or 2 but I think 1 is the higher pressure on my device. For me it looks like the APAP usually sets the pressure on around 5 or 6 through the night isn't it way to much to put it at 8? (I´ll add another screenshot). I also think I couldn't fall asleep if I double the pressure. I tried 8 on the Masktest and it felt like I can't breathe. (Also I am not allowed to change the pressure settings (Germany sucks) but I will do it if necessary)
Is a high amount of flow limitations dangerous? I felt hammered today but maybe that's nocebo since I saw the numbers after waking up.
RE: 199 Flow Limitations please help - OpalRose - 07-04-2024
Ok, then leave EPR set at 2 if that's the highest it will go.
As far as pressure goes, you're not actually doubling it, if you look at the 95% statistics on the left sidebar, you are at a pressure of (5-6) for 95% of the night and below.
The reason for suggesting an increase in minimum pressure is to receive some benefit from EPR. So let's say with your current pressure starting at 4, and EPR at 2, this would equal an exhale pressure of 2. Your machine can't go that low.
(EPR is mostly recommended to help with high FL, Hypopneas, Reras, etc.)
If you really feel you can't tolerate a pressure of 8cm, then take it slower. Try minimum of 6 with EPR at 2.
How about trying 6 minimum, maximum 10cm.
If you need a clinicians manual, order it here:
https://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-pressure/change-cpap-pressure-settings-adjusting-your-machine-with-a-clinician-setup-manual
To answer your question... I don't believe high FL dangerous. It simply disrupts sleep by causing pressure swings. You might not feel it during sleep, but you will be tired the next day. As you stated, you feel hammered!