Can one adjust one's own CPAP settings?

[Kortez]

Greetings, I'm relatively new to CPAP. I've been using CPAP for two months now. I like it quite a bit. I've been able to get used to the masks without any difficulty. I am ramping to a pressure of 12. I have an AHI of 3.4. Using the web software announced on this website I still see an occasional obstructive apnea incident. I know my sleep medicine doctor wants to up me to a setting of 14 in the "future."

My problem is I am still somewhat tired, and I teach school 60 miles away, so getting an appointment is really difficult.

I'd like to up my pressure to 14 and see if it helps. I'd give if 3-4 nights, and check settings. I have the EncoreViewer 2.0 Software for Respironics Machines on order, so I'll monitor my files most carefully. As you can see from my settings, I have a REMstar Pro C-Flex+ CPAP machine.

Is there anyway to modify the pressure from 12 to 14? If so, how?

Thank you.

[Pugsy]

I think you have chosen the wrong machine in your Profile. The one you have chosen is much older discontinued model. Your humidifier points to the PR System One Humidifier.
Check the drop down list for machines and look for the PR machine choices to find yours.

http://www.apneaboard.com/PR-System-One ... -Setup.htm

Above link is for how to get to your clinician set up menu.

This link below is for instructions on how to obtain the clinician manual for your machine. Just scroll down and follow the instructions on how to obtain the manual. This way you can see a full explanation as to what all the settings are.

http://www.apneaboard.com/CPAP%20Adjustment.htm

To be honest I wouldn't start changing pressure until I got the software and made sure that leak and everything was under control. Your AHI is not bad at all and increasing the pressure just in hopes of feeling better without education and considering all the data might not be the best way to do things. If your AHI was 10 that might be a different story. There could be other things involved. Hours of sleep? Frequent awakenings? Meds? More pressure doesn't guarantee feeling better if the therapy is already doing a good job.
You will not be able to eliminate all events if that is what you are trying to do.

Now if the doctor set it at 12 for you to "get used to the pressure" and for sure wants 14 cm of pressure, that is of course acceptable reason to change.

[Kortez]

Thanks, Pugsy As it happens, I have an appointment to see the sleep doctor next Monday morning, so maybe I'll wait to see what he says.

There are other factors involved. I don't mind bringing them up here. My apologies in advance, if this constitutes TMI. I'm 53, and though I am on uroxatral I do usually get up twice a night to pee. Were it not for this condition I think I'd sleep through the night. I AM sleeping a lot better than before I started to use CPAP.

My polysomnography report showed an initial untreated AHI of 93.8/hr. I had a Respiratory Disturbance index (RDI) of 94.7/hr. I had hypoxia, with the lowest saturation of 60%. My average oxygen saturation while awake was 94%. While on CPAP, during the test, my lowest oxygen destauration on 12 cm was 84%. I was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (327.23) of severe degree which improved with the CPAP at the pressure of 12 CM H2O and mild oxygen desaturation, but I am not on oxygen. I originally decided to get the sleep study completed for three reasons. First, I was exhausted all of the time. Second, I was too tired while I drove each day, and finally, I was driving my wife crazy with all the snoring. ANY time I fell asleep I snored like a "pig," to quote my wife. I decided there was little reason to continue that way when treatment options existed. It's a great thing that forums like this one exist and Apneaboard exist. I'm grateful to others who have so much knowledge and who care to help. Thanks.

I changed my machine settings, as I realized I had them set wrong, and to a discontinued model soon afterwards.

[Slinky]

No way would I change my pressure setting from 12 to 14. I'd try 12.5 or 13 for a week and depending on how I felt and my data THEN I might increase to 13.5 or 14. Some people notice no difference w/a 1 cm change in pressure, others can tell the different w/just a .5 increase in pressure. And ANY change made should be ONE change at a time and no other changes made for a WEEK before any other ONE change (unless, of course, that one change made therapy unbearable or extremely difficult).

[Wulfman...]

I see you're using a nasal mask......which makes you vulnerable to mouth-leaking. Your therapy air could be escaping out your mouth while you're sleeping. Take precautions to avoid that. Tape your mouth shut or get a full face mask.


Den

[Kortez]

No way would I change my pressure setting from 12 to 14. I'd try 12.5 or 13 for a week and depending on how I felt and my data THEN I might increase to 13.5 or 14. Some people notice no difference w/a 1 cm change in pressure, others can tell the different w/just a .5 increase in pressure. And ANY change made should be ONE change at a time and no other changes made for a WEEK before any other ONE change (unless, of course, that one change made therapy unbearable or extremely difficult).

I was just wondering the very same thing. I believe you're right, Slinky. So going to 12.5 for a week would make a lot more sense than just jumping to 14.

I would give almost anything to be fully rested. It would be the first time in about 12 years. I am quite sick of being tired, even though I'm not nearly so tired any longer.

I have the feeling that sentiment is understood here ...

Wulfman, I actually have two masks, a Mirage Activa LT and a Swift FX. I also have one of those head/chin straps. I think I'll use that tonight, and I'm willing to tape my mouth shut. At the very least I'll get my wife to laugh herself silly Also, I'm fairly positive I've resolved all other potential leaks, so anything is worth trying if it improves the therapy and helps the sleep experience. Thanks!

[Pugsy]

Check your PM box for some ideas on software use.