Newbie - What is the best AHI you got?

[BassDriver]

Hi
I sleep with CPAP for the last 10 days as part of new acclimatization with the idea.
I got 2 days ago a new ResMed S8 Autoset with EPR.
My AHI for the last week withqwithout the EPR was around 7 with AI 1.3-1.5 per night.
I sleep with Swift LT mask, leak rate 0.06-0.22 L.
My questions:
1. Is AHI 7 normal? should I expect a lower rate? how do I get it?
2. Is AI of 1.4 normal? how do I lower it?
3. How do I tune the EPR? what parameters could be set?
Many thanks all.

[Wulfman]

What are your pressure (and EPR) settings?


ResMed machines typically count higher AHI because they count Flow Limitations in the "HI" part of it.

Also, what was your titrated pressure from your sleep study?


Den

[BassDriver]

Pressure varies day by day. The machine is set 4-14. Average usage around 10-11.
EPR set to 3.
Sleep studey suggested 11.

[DreamStalker]

As Den said, ResMeds score higher HI ... but your machine is set wide open (not a good idea).

If sleep study suggested 11 ...

I would set min pressure setting at 9 or 10 (w/o EPR) or 10 or 11 (w/ EPR).

EPR is just a comfort option. Some don't need it and it makes for less trouble when tweaking optimal pressures. In general, using exhalation relief like EPR needs a little higher pressure setting than when not using it (at least from my own experience).

[Wulfman]

Pressure varies day by day. The machine is set 4-14. Average usage around 10-11.
EPR set to 3.
Sleep studey suggested 11.

I would suggest setting your minimum pressure at 10 or 11 and EPR to 1 or 2. Your events are probably happening between 4 and 10. It takes too long to respond to an event if it has to move up from 4. Unlike the Respironics machines with C-Flex, EPR actually drops the pressure by the number it's set to when you exhale.......so the pressure that it drops TO would be 1, 2 or 3 cm. less than your minimum pressure.......and you need to keep that minimum pressure close to where it will take care of almost all of your events.

Den

[BassDriver]

10X.

What is the meaning of EPR levels 1, 2 or 3?
After changing the lower pressure rate and the EPR, should I expect lower AHI?

[Wulfman]

10X.

What is the meaning of EPR levels 1, 2 or 3?
After changing the lower pressure rate and the EPR, should I expect lower AHI?

The "meaning" of the EPR settings is that when you exhale, the pressure drops 1 cm., 2 cm. or 3 cm. depending on which one you set it to......with a setting of "3" being the most drop in pressure on exhale. Problem with that is it drops the pressure you MAY need to prevent an event from taking place. You SHOULD see a lower AHI after setting your minimum pressure higher and setting your EPR to 1 or 2.
Anyway, try those settings for a week and see what your numbers look like.

Den

[BassDriver]

Thanks a lot!

[Lee Lee]

I use that machine.
I was getting 7's and felt horrible.
I changed to CPAP from Auto Pap and now get 2's. The changing pressure was causing my AHI's.
I have the EPR set to 1 and pressure of 13.4. CPAP works better for some people than the Auto. But your mileage may vary.
I feel a whole lot better now!
Best,
Lee Lee

[BassDriver]

I'll give it a try - Thanks!