Confusing Data on the Airsense AutoSet

[TheSeaOtter]

https://imgur.com/a/k9xIUmV

I've posted my OSCAR Data above. Initially I was getting an amazing response to treatment, But it seem like I'm needing higher pressures when I started using humidifier.
I do not know if it's even related but for sure my pressure requirements have increased since I've used the humidifier.

I'm definitely having better sleep when compared to without CPAP. I don't wake up to use the restroom very less often since the therapy started. I think that's a good indicator of my sleep quality. But I also want a smoother graph and better AHI, so I know for sure I'm sleeping well.

Can you please take a look at the data? I've noted every machine setting changes I've made.

Thanks

PS. Humidifier and tube temperature set to Auto from 22nd June.
Have to update the images for all data to be clear.

[Respirator99]

It's very hard to determine any sort of trend when you change your settings every single night. Pick a setting which you found efficacious and comfortable and stick to that for a few nights at least. Then change one variable only and try that for a few nights.

The images you've shown don't include the machine settings for us to know when the humidifier was on or off (or at what setting). Make sure you turn the calendar off and also make the left sidebar wider so that each line of data doesn't wrap around. That should allow the machine settings to show up. See here: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph ... ganization

[TheSeaOtter]

It's very hard to determine any sort of trend when you change your settings every single night. Pick a setting which you found efficacious and comfortable and stick to that for a few nights at least. Then change one variable only and try that for a few nights.

The images you've shown don't include the machine settings for us to know when the humidifier was on or off (or at what setting). Make sure you turn the calendar off and also make the left sidebar wider so that each line of data doesn't wrap around. That should allow the machine settings to show up. See here: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph ... ganization

Sorry. Made the change.
Humidifier and tube temperatures were set to Auto from 22nd June. So I guess we can't see what the exact setting are, right?

Yet to update image data

As you said I'll use the machine for a few days on the same settings and post

[Pugsy]

The flow limitations are likely driving the pressures upwards.
Are you experiencing any increased nasal congestion with the addition of humidifier?
Change in primary sleep position maybe?

The report above is June21....what was the status of the humidifier on the 21 st since you say you went to Auto on the 22nd.

[TheSeaOtter]

The flow limitations are likely driving the pressures upwards.
Are you experiencing any increased nasal congestion with the addition of humidifier?
Change in primary sleep position maybe?

Actually yes, I had nasal congestion(mild infection) for 4-5days ie, 20th to 24th. All symptoms had subsided on 24th. So I waited few more days to check if there's an improvement.
Now that you made me think, I'm guessing there's a good chance the cold was the reason.
I've tried turning EPR on as you had suggested to compensate for the flow limitations.

I don't think there was a change in sleep position that I'm aware of. But again, the cold could've have made me change position while asleep.

Also, since I've been using the humidifier, my oral dryness has definitely improved (for obvious reasons).
I've been fitting the mask relatively tight to prevent leaks, and I noticed my mouth stopped opening after starting the humidifier.

The report above is June21....what was the status of the humidifier on the 21 st since you say you went to Auto on the 22nd.

Both the heated tube and the humidifier were off until the 21st.
I still hadn't arranged distilled water for the first 6days of the new AutoSet's use.
Last night (28th) with EPR on, the overall AHI was better but the waveforms are still not uniform as you may have seen.

What else can I do to deal with the flow limitations?

I was thinking of these machine settings for the coming week:
Max: 20
Min: 4
Fulltime EPR: 3
Humidifier and temperature control: Auto

[Pugsy]

I was thinking of these machine settings for the coming week:
Max: 20
Min: 4
Fulltime EPR: 3
Humidifier and temperature control: Auto

What else can I do to deal with the flow limitations?

I think those settings will be useless for the most part in reducing FLs.....assuming that the FLs are for sure related to the airway and not nasal congestion.

Don't ever base anything on any results you get while ill. Just don't. The illness creates a situation where the machine is very likely to just do weird stuff. In fact don't even bother to look at the data.

When EPR is at 3 already and someone still has FLs (that we can't blame on nasal congestion) then the only choice we have is to increase the minimum pressure....not reduce it.

If someone is still having nasal congestion FLs...pressure changes won't help. Instead we have to look at the more traditional ways of dealing with the nasal congestion first.....nasal rinses, meds, etc.

[TheSeaOtter]

I was thinking of these machine settings for the coming week:
Max: 20
Min: 4
Fulltime EPR: 3
Humidifier and temperature control: Auto

What else can I do to deal with the flow limitations?

I think those settings will be useless for the most part in reducing FLs.....assuming that the FLs are for sure related to the airway and not nasal congestion.

Don't ever base anything on any results you get while ill. Just don't. The illness creates a situation where the machine is very likely to just do weird stuff. In fact don't even bother to look at the data.

When EPR is at 3 already and someone still has FLs (that we can't blame on nasal congestion) then the only choice we have is to increase the minimum pressure....not reduce it.

If someone is still having nasal congestion FLs...pressure changes won't help. Instead we have to look at the more traditional ways of dealing with the nasal congestion first.....nasal rinses, meds, etc.

Also, I've been wearing the mask tighter to avoid leakage. My leaks have greatly reduced since I've been doing that.
The mask pushes onto my nose, not causing pain, but nose still gets pressed quite a bit.
As you're stressing on flow limitations, I'm thinking this could be the cause. I've seen a video where leaks less than 30L/min are acceptable. So I'll try to adjust my mask accordingly tonight and check.
I'll do this, pressures at 20|8 and EPR 3.
This could very well be the cause of my problems. Let's see how it goes.

[Pugsy]

One other thought to consider....the pressure of a full face mask on the nasal turbinates adding to nasal congestion.
I have this myself which is why I long ago decided to avoid full face masks (aside from the fact I just didn't want one).
Any sort of pressure on the nasal turbinate area pretty much causes nasal congestion for me...so any mask that went up over my nose and rested where our eyeglasses rest was pretty much a non starter for me.
I am not the only one who had this problem with pressure on the nasal turbinate area itself. Others have reported it.

When a full face mask is urgently needed for those people then one of the masks that are sort of "hybrids" with the nasal interface being covered by a cushion or pillows under the nose can be used. Back when I started therapy the only hybrids were the Innomed hybrid and the ResMed Liberty...both leaved a lot to be desired in many ways but now we have the other hybrids like the F30i or the DreamWear FFM.

So you might do an experiment and press your fingers on the sides of your nostrils up by where the turbinates are and see if you get congested or not and if you do does the congestion pretty much go away with the release of the pressure.
It doesn't have to mean a LOT of forceful pressure either.
For me even the weight of my sunglasses on that area can cause congestion.

So that's a thought.

And yes...as long as the leak line remains below 30 L/min (assuming the leaks aren't waking me up) I pretty much shrug my shoulders about the leaks. I have never obsessed over getting a perfect 0.0 leak line....I have got it but it's rare but for the most part my leaks are below 30 L/min and if it does go up higher it's never for very long so again I just shrug my shoulders.

[TheSeaOtter]

One other thought to consider....the pressure of a full face mask on the nasal turbinates adding to nasal congestion.
I have this myself which is why I long ago decided to avoid full face masks (aside from the fact I just didn't want one).
Any sort of pressure on the nasal turbinate area pretty much causes nasal congestion for me...so any mask that went up over my nose and rested where our eyeglasses rest was pretty much a non starter for me.
I am not the only one who had this problem with pressure on the nasal turbinate area itself. Others have reported it.

When a full face mask is urgently needed for those people then one of the masks that are sort of "hybrids" with the nasal interface being covered by a cushion or pillows under the nose can be used. Back when I started therapy the only hybrids were the Innomed hybrid and the ResMed Liberty...both leaved a lot to be desired in many ways but now we have the other hybrids like the F30i or the DreamWear FFM.

So you might do an experiment and press your fingers on the sides of your nostrils up by where the turbinates are and see if you get congested or not and if you do does the congestion pretty much go away with the release of the pressure.
It doesn't have to mean a LOT of forceful pressure either.
For me even the weight of my sunglasses on that area can cause congestion.

So that's a thought.

And yes...as long as the leak line remains below 30 L/min (assuming the leaks aren't waking me up) I pretty much shrug my shoulders about the leaks. I have never obsessed over getting a perfect 0.0 leak line....I have got it but it's rare but for the most part my leaks are below 30 L/min and if it does go up higher it's never for very long so again I just shrug my shoulders.

Hey Pugsy. Thank you very much. I'm doing great on pressures 8-18cmH20 with EPR at 1. My AHI is 1-2 consistently. Not using the humidifier.
Flow limitations have reduced relatively. Most importantly, I'm able to sleep comfortably.
Not worrying about leak rates has helped improve the flow limitations for sure. It's never more than 30L/min

Sorry for replying so late. I was way to occupied last few weeks. Just got back here to let you know you were really helpful. Thank you

[lynninnj]

Hi! Newbie here. I have to admit this is awesome and overwhelming in terms of having a lot of information.

I don’t know where to start and I don’t know how to make a new topic and I don’t want to duplicate anything that might have been discussed already.

I am curious though about looking at the data that’s coming off of my machine. I think that’s what this thread is about?

i’m still in my first month of getting my machine and I don’t wanna mess up any of the data because they’re going to check it in a few weeks and make sure that I have used the machine appropriately so I don’t have to pay for it and my insurance will pay for it.

If someone wants to direct me to specific information on how to look at my data I would love to know.

If someone wants to direct me on how to start a new thread I would be grateful for that as well.

Thanks

[Pugsy]

I don’t know where to start and I don’t know how to make a new topic and I don’t want to duplicate anything that might have been discussed already.

Go here and tell me if you see "post a new topic" in big letters on an orange background.
That's what you click on to start a new topic.
viewforum.php?f=1
It's right above the Announcements section on the main page of the forum.

Yes...data using OSCAR

OSCAR https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph ... stallation
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph ... rpretation
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.ph ... ganization organize and how to do screen shots.
wiki/index.php/Oscar:organize Wiki

http://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t1585 ... eview.html

[lynninnj]

Thanks!

I think I will wait till after my 1 month visit and THEN fiddle around with it.

[Pugsy]

Thanks!

I think I will wait till after my 1 month visit and THEN fiddle around with it.

Just looking at your data won't alert anyone to the fact you are looking and it doesn't change anything that your medical team would be looking at.
So there is no need to wait just to look at your data. No one will know you looked unless you tell them

Looking doesn't hurt a thing. Won't affect the SD card or the reports the machine generates. Doesn't delete anything either.
There's nothing in the OSCAR software that will affect the machine settings or reports as in altering something.

[lynninnj]

I am more concerned my computer is going to cause data to go missing somehow.

16 days and then I will be such a geek you won’t be able to shut me up.

[Pugsy]

I am more concerned my computer is going to cause data to go missing somehow.

Totally unfounded concern. It simply can't happen just from using the software.

16 days and then I will be such a geek you won’t be able to shut me up.

Now I can see this happening and we will be very happy and gladly answer your questions.
Once you see what you can do and get....you won't want to quit learning.