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Long time CPAP user switch to APAP-First night OSCAR report

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mtuck +0 points · almost 4 years ago Original Poster

I started using CPAP about 8 years ago. I've had a basic CPAP machine that was set at 13 cmH2O and I've had good success with this but the machine was getting old and I hadn't had any follow up with a sleep doctor since my initial diagnosis. I got setup with a new ENT who suggested a home sleep study. I did 2 nights of the home sleep study and that resulted in a AHI score of 41. BTW, those were 2 of the worst nights I've ever tried to sleep. I only lasted 4 hours each night without my CPAP and it was brutal for me and my wife.

I just got my new APAP machine and learned about OSCAR. I loaded a n SD card into my machine and was eager to see what my results would be with a new machine and new mask, Resmed F30i (I used a Quattro FX full face for the last 8 years). They initially set my machine with a range of 6 - 20 cmH2O but when I first laid down the pressure of 6 was too low and I felt like I was starving for air. I went in a set my low pressure to 11 and that seemed to work.

Here are my charts from my first night. I did get up around 5:47 for a bathroom break and glass of water but overall, it was a good night. It will take me a little bit of time to get use to the new mask but I did like the fit. Any insights or comments are welcome.

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mtuck +0 points · almost 4 years ago Original Poster
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Sierra +0 points · almost 4 years ago Sleep Patron

Your results are excellent. Based on the one night your fixed CPAP pressure of 13 was just about right. You can switch your Auto machine to fixed CPAP if you want to, but based on your results I would not. I have the same AirSense 10 AutoSet machine. It is a good one. A few minor changes that I would suggest:

I like to use the AutoRamp feature. It allows the use of EPR on Ramp Only. It allows you to select a Ramp Start pressure which you can set for comfort. I use 9 cm for a ramp start, but each individual will be different. I like to have it high enough that if I take a deep breath the flow does not seem restricted. The Ramp Start pressure can be equal to the minimum set pressure, or lower, but not higher. In AutoRamp mode the initial pressure is held at that start pressure. It does not ramp up, and the ramp ends when the machine detects you have gone to sleep. Then it ramps up to the minimum set pressure. I set the EPR at 3 cm. This makes the going to sleep part of the night a bit more comfortable but when the AutoRamp determines you are asleep it turns the EPR off.

As far as settings go, I would set your ramp start pressure at 11 cm if that is what you find comfortable, the minimum pressure at 12 cm, and maximum based on your one night at 15 cm. Set this way the pressure will cycle on inhale at 11 cm and exhale at 8 cm for the AutoRamp part of going to sleep, and then ramp up slightly to the minimum 12 cm and switch to Auto pressure when the ramp ends.

Any questions just ask. It looks like the machine will work well for you.

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Dude +0 points · almost 4 years ago

Useless to go to APAP. Stay with 11 minimum and it's like being on CPAP. No ramp, Flex is fine for comfort.

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Sierra +0 points · almost 4 years ago Sleep Patron

The results shown in APAP mode are just fine. There are reasons to go with a fixed pressure CPAP mode, but I don't see any reason in this case to do it. There are comfort benefits to using EPR during ramp. I agree that there are reasons not to use EPR full time.

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