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+--- Thread: Flat-topped flow rate (/Thread-Flat-topped-flow-rate--46292)
Flat-topped flow rate - slatejetpack - 09-08-2024
Ok, lots of leaks here I know, but I've finally gotten a few nights of data showing these flat-topped/pointed waveforms of my flow rate.
If I'm understanding this correctly, it means my airway isn't as open as it needs to be when I'm inhaling?
I do have a V-Com in use as it has helped me to re-acclimate to therapy since restarting in July.
I'm kicking around a few ideas in my head of what to try but I figured I would try to get some suggestions here first.
[attachment=69391][attachment=69392]
RE: Flat-topped flow rate - G. Szabo - 09-08-2024
Your flow limit is in the ok range, so the algorithm does not consider the flattening serious.
If you want to improve it, set EPR=3 full-time. Unfortunately, I cannot see your current setting because of your calendar, which you should turn off.
RE: Flat-topped flow rate - slatejetpack - 09-08-2024
Yeah, I realized the calendar thing right after I posted (oops). Here's (hopefully) a better look.
[attachment=69407]
RE: Flat-topped flow rate - Jay51 - 09-08-2024
Here are some tips to help with the leaks:
Mask Primer
RE: Flat-topped flow rate - SarcasticDave94 - 09-08-2024
Yep, leaks are too high. See if you can control them better, it will affect therapy.
RE: Flat-topped flow rate - G. Szabo - 09-08-2024
High EPR also helps with your leaks.
RE: Flat-topped flow rate - PlayerTwo - 09-08-2024
If you have a beard or might be pushing your mask off seal during sleep I had the same problem when I started and went to a Phillips Silicon Nasal Pillow mask and it helped out a bunch.
I was at 20-30 leak and now i peak at 20 with most of the time around 5-10. also a lot more comfort that theres less mask on my face so i dont feel as claustrophobic.
Im still new to reading these but I see your AHI at 0? Based on what others have said you could probably lower your pressure too, slowly. so you dont build up as much pressure which makes mask leaks happen more often.
RE: Flat-topped flow rate - slatejetpack - 09-08-2024
Yeah, my AHI isn't really the main thing for me. I need to switch back to tracking RDI because I'm not sure OSA is exactly my problem. It's been a balancing act between fixing leaks and minimizing aerophagia.
The ideal scenario is that I get therapy to be 100% beneficial to me. Keeping my O2 readings up has been a pain as well.
Gladly, enough I've recently been referred to a sleep doc who may actually be able to help me out.
RE: Flat-topped flow rate - slatejetpack - 09-09-2024
FWIW, I took the V-Com out last night and went with the memory foam FFM. It leaked a little more than I was hoping, so I switched to nasal pillows when I woke up around 3 a.m. I set the pressure at 8 cmH2O with no EPR and slept fine afterward. I think I will try 9 tonight to see where that gets me. Hopefully there's no aerophagia.
[attachment=69430]