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+--- Thread: Learning to interpret OSCAR data (/Thread-Learning-to-interpret-OSCAR-data)
Learning to interpret OSCAR data - Schnoozer - 11-05-2024
Hello,
I am about 2 weeks in with good results, but still trying to learn OSCAR and how to dial in the settings optimally. I had the following questions and hopefully one of you might give me some guidance:
- Last night, my chart (attached) shows 'CA - Clear Airway'. I saw the definition on this but still unsure how to interpret it.
- I think i'm also seeing a pattern where my FL starts to increase shortly before the pressure goes up. I don't always see an event occurring before the pressure goes up but at least once I see an OA right after the FL rises and before the pressure increases. Would a pattern like that mean that the min pressure is potentially a bit too low? I see a similar pattern with snoring - a couple of times snoring begins right before the pressure increase. I would assume that snoring and FL correlate, since snoring is the beginning of airway collapse and obviously blocks the airway. So, if there is increased FL then there is not enough pressure to keep it open. Am i understanding this correctly?
- Leak rate keep changing for me, some nights low some night higher. It seems like a 20+ leak rate results in a noisy, distracting situation that wakes me up. So, obviously too much leak is bad. But, how low does it need to be? Last night I don't remember being woken up by it. A I do recall adjusting the mask a few times, like every night, but that's becoming habit whenever I roll over to the other side I quickly get the mask into position. How much do i care about these leak numbers and is the goal to get it near zero?
- Oh, also: is this the way people should share the charts? I also setup SleepHQ if that's easier.
thank you!!
RE: Learning to interpret OSCAR data - PeaceLoveAndPizza - 11-05-2024
In order...
1. Clear airway/Central apnoea https://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=Central_sleep_apnea_(CSA)
2. A slightly higher min pressure helps maintain the airway.
3. 95% leak rates <= 5 are preferred. Above that can be sleep disturbing.
4. Most prefer OSCAR charts, but some do not mind using SleepHQ. I only use OSCAR charts.
RE: Learning to interpret OSCAR data - Deborah K. - 11-06-2024
Most of us much prefer Oscar, and you did a good job on yours. I suggest you raise your starting pressure to 7 and leave the rest alone.