Second CPAP Titration Test

[sbeeland711]

My ENT ordered a second CPAP titration test because he did not feel the lab had tested at a high enough pressure in the first test. Highest pressure in first test was 9 cm H2O. Highest pressure in second test was 14 cm H2O and the tech said they showed good results at this pressure. Two questions:

1. does a 14 cm H20 setting indicate mild, moderate or severe level of CPAP therapy, and
2. if this is a relatively higher pressure as I believe from the literature, is a Bi-level or an Auto CPAP machine indicated?

At the higher pressure during the second test, I had significant mask leakage (and noise) during exhalation. Are certain types of masks better for higher pressure settings? Will Bi-level or auto CPAP machine ameliorate the mask leakage during exhalation.

Steve

[TXKajun]

Hi, Steve and welcome to the board.

It sounds like you did ok on the second study. How much sleep did you get in each?

As far as pressure setting being an indication of severity of OSA, there's not a definite correlation. It depends, I think, on the size of your neck, tonsils, adenoids, condition of your nose, etc. But, I'm not a doctor or RT or anything, so it's just one guy's opinion. Get a copy of your sleep study by all means (fair and/or foul!!). That will give your AHI (which is apnea/hypopned index. That is the gauge of severity.

As far as masks and pressure, you're going to find all kinds of answers out there, but mainly, the mask that works for you is the one that ....works for you. Some folks have no problem with full face masks at 14 or higher, some folks swear by nasal pillows at those pressures, some folks just swear! LOL

Do as best you can to try on several masks. Also, there is a mask fitting guide here on the site. Check under the lightbulb at the top.

Good luck and keep us posted, please.

Kajun

[allergyridden]

I'm a newbie, 5 weeks on Bipap. I think an Auto is always indicated. A machine that shows your data is always indicated. I'm a very slender woman, for me 10 is not always comfortable. So I'm on Bipap with Biflex. I didn't tolerate regular Cpap well. The exhalation relief made a big difference for me.