Adjusting to my new machine - no EPR for me

[MauraAnderson]

I've had an interesting few days adjusting to my new machine. I had a rental Respironics and now have my own S8 Autoset II (in cpap mode at the moment). I am trying to keep in mind the concept that one night does not make a trend but I had been having nights averaging about AHI 2.7 (all H, no A). Then my new machine was giving me nightly AHI's in the 15s, with usually about 3 apneas mixed in with the majority of hypopneas. I puzzled and puzzled and finally realized the S8 had EPR on at 1. The rental had c-flex turned off.

Last night I turned the EPR off entirely. This morning my AHI was 3.5, all hypopneas. I know most people don't have problems on exhale but apparently I need that pressure to be there on exhale.

We'll see what tonight brings but I thought it was worth noting.

[dsm]

Maura,

You are learning fast & that is good news

Good going - hope tonight really goes well

DSM

[KatieW]

Maura, I'm wondering what your pressure is. Thanks. Glad it's working for you.

[MauraAnderson]

My pressure is 8.6, was 8.5 on the rental (the rental goes by .5 increments, the S8 by .2 increments). At this relatively low pressure, breathing out against pressure isn't hard, which is good As I was falling asleep last night, I swear I could feel the pressure on exhale keeping my throat open - could be real, could be a good imagination, but was both odd and cool.

Last night's AHI was 3.2, all Hypopneas, so it's continuing to trend down.

[rdy2go]

THANK you so much for sharing.

I've tried the same for the last 3 nights - disabled EPR and... my AHI is much lower now!
Before: AHI 8-12, Now: 2-5 with very low

AI is now ZERO or 0.2 (max)

[KatieW]

Just wanted to add this link, where Rested Gal explains exhale relief--called C Flex by Respironics, and EPR by Resmed.

viewtopic/t48002/Cflex-13-Levels.html

I find that I am much more comfortable with EPR, and so I compensate by raising my pressure a little. But everyone is different.