Thank You For Suggesting an Auto!

ZPAP · Post by **ZPAP** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 8:08 am

Thanks to the advice I received here (thank you again, fellow hoseheads!!), I insisted on an auto machine for my recent replacement, even though I have tolerated CPAP very well at a reasonable 90% flow of 8 (now 9cms) for nearly a decade. I'm glad I did.

My doc prescribed 4 to 14 for the setting, but I changed it to 7 to 13 (I never liked ramping).

Even though I've only used the new machine for 2 nights, my pressure has ranged from 7 to 11 (the latter for only 30 seconds!) with my 90% pressure still at 9. However, it was interesting to see that I only spent 11% of the night at 9cms and actually spent 85% of the night at 7 or 8. Even so, my AHI is reasonable at 3.3, even if slightly higher than during my recent sleep lab titration.

Once I figure out how to aggregate the data from several nights and have greater experience to look it, I may well opt to run the machine in CPAP mode at a slightly higher pressure, say 9.5. Does this make sense?

Michael

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 9:12 am

Glad to hear you are getting along so well with the new equipment.. My own experience has been that the APAP is far more comfortable than CPAP, because my 'events" seem to vary quite a bit depending on body position.

I think a very small increase in you minium pressure may decrease your hypopneas a bit. Also, I bet you will benefit from the software and card reader.

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rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:03 am

I like your sig line, Michael...

"9cms of airflow makes me a happy camper!"

If it were me, I'd just set the autopap for a range of 9 - 15. And be happy for another decade.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:25 am

ZPAP wrote:Once I figure out how to aggregate the data from several nights and have greater experience to look it, I may well opt to run the machine in CPAP mode at a slightly higher pressure, say 9.5. Does this make sense?

Michael,

It does to ME. And, as long as you've got the software to report the results, you'll be able to tweak your therapy till you find the right setting(s).
I own two Autos (and a Pro 2), but like straight pressure and C-Fles. At least with the Auto, you can choose. For me, the pressure changing disturbs my sleep.....and since I monitor my therapy with software, I make changes when necessary to keep my numbers as low as I can get them.

Best wishes,

Den

inacpapfog · Post by **inacpapfog** » Wed Nov 22, 2006 1:56 pm

Michael, switching to apap made a big difference in the aerophagia for me! My data supports the need of a range of pressures, rather than a straight pressure cpap.