How do I understand the resmed data?
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How do I understand the resmed data?
I have an AutoSet S9 with ResScan 3.11 software. MY pressure has always been set at 11 with EPR of 3. Because my wife can hear me snoring in my quatro FFM i figure my airway isnt opening sufficiently. I decided to try running my machine in auto mode instead of cpap mode. i tried setting the low at 10 and have varied the high from 12-15. When looking at the results the next day it seems my pressure stays at close to the high no matter what i set it at. why? also could someone tell me a recommendation for making changes to my settings and what i should look for in the data? last but not least (sorry for all the questions) what does the data category flow, flow limitation, and minute ventilation represent? thanks !!!
_________________
| Mask: Mirage Quattro™ Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear |
| Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Re: How do I understand the resmed data?
Hi,
The machine running at the high end of the range means that the machine believes that you need more pressure. It would be interesting to set the upper number to the max that your machine can go, which is probably 20, and see what happens. The machine can go high like this for one of two reasons. First, it might be that you really do need this level of pressure. Second, it might be that you have a high leak level, and the machine is running up the pressure trying to compensate for the leaks. Best thing to do is make sure that your leak numbers are OK. If they are, then run the machine for a week or 10 days with the range set very wide, like 8 to 20. See where your 95% pressure level ends up. Then set the machine to something like 2 units below the 95% level on the low side, and 3 units above the 95% level on the high side. You don't want to run wide open over the long haul since you don't get as effective of treatment (the machine takes too long to respond if it has to climb too high too quickly).
Running with EPR could skew this test. EPR puts a minus 3 on the exhale pressure. You might want to run this test both ways, once with no ERP, and once with the EPR of 3.
There is a potential issue in doing this kind of self-titration. If you happen to have complex apnea, the higher pressure could trigger central events. Machines are not real good at detecting and classifying centrals, though the S9 and PR System One machines are much better than the last generation. If you are having centrals, then maybe this isn't the right machine for you. It would be ideal if this titration could be done as part of a formal sleep study.
-john-
The machine running at the high end of the range means that the machine believes that you need more pressure. It would be interesting to set the upper number to the max that your machine can go, which is probably 20, and see what happens. The machine can go high like this for one of two reasons. First, it might be that you really do need this level of pressure. Second, it might be that you have a high leak level, and the machine is running up the pressure trying to compensate for the leaks. Best thing to do is make sure that your leak numbers are OK. If they are, then run the machine for a week or 10 days with the range set very wide, like 8 to 20. See where your 95% pressure level ends up. Then set the machine to something like 2 units below the 95% level on the low side, and 3 units above the 95% level on the high side. You don't want to run wide open over the long haul since you don't get as effective of treatment (the machine takes too long to respond if it has to climb too high too quickly).
Running with EPR could skew this test. EPR puts a minus 3 on the exhale pressure. You might want to run this test both ways, once with no ERP, and once with the EPR of 3.
There is a potential issue in doing this kind of self-titration. If you happen to have complex apnea, the higher pressure could trigger central events. Machines are not real good at detecting and classifying centrals, though the S9 and PR System One machines are much better than the last generation. If you are having centrals, then maybe this isn't the right machine for you. It would be ideal if this titration could be done as part of a formal sleep study.
-john-
Re: How do I understand the resmed data?
That's good advice about how to approach finding pressure setting that will work. But I' like to take this opportunity to debunk an often-stated misconception about leaks and pressure.
High leak rates make it more difficult for the machine to maintain pressure. So the machine increases flow (volume) to try to keep the pressure at the desired level. The machine will either level off the flow when the desired pressure is reached, or reach its maximum flow rate in a vain attempt to maintain pressure. The machine will not go above the desired pressure because of leaks.
High leak rates make it more difficult for the machine to maintain pressure. So the machine increases flow (volume) to try to keep the pressure at the desired level. The machine will either level off the flow when the desired pressure is reached, or reach its maximum flow rate in a vain attempt to maintain pressure. The machine will not go above the desired pressure because of leaks.
_________________
| Machine: DreamStation BiPAP® Auto Machine |
| Mask: DreamWear Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
jeff
3 posts
• Page 1 of 1