Tips/Advice for us COPD folks

[LarryD]

I started using a data capable machine in February after ten years without. Since the end of September my AHI numbers have been going up. I think this is more related to my COPD than anything else. Anyone have any ideas?

[LoQ]

Are you using any kind of exhale pressure relief available on your machine? I'm not familiar with yours. My AHI was basically cut in half when I turned EPR on.

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[LarryD]

I don't get convincing results using EPR, so usually it's off. I've tried increasing the minimum pressure and that has provided mixed results as well. Historically my best AHI numbers are at 5-13cm of pressure, but when AHI started to increase, I increased pressure to 8-13cm.

[LoQ]

I don't get convincing results using EPR, so usually it's off. I've tried increasing the minimum pressure and that has provided mixed results as well. Historically my best AHI numbers are at 5-13cm of pressure, but when AHI started to increase, I increased pressure to 8-13cm.

Sounds like you need to experiment, then, with settings to find out what works for you. I hope you find an answer. Maybe Slinky will have some ideas.

[jimnsc]

I don't get convincing results using EPR, so usually it's off. I've tried increasing the minimum pressure and that has provided mixed results as well. Historically my best AHI numbers are at 5-13cm of pressure, but when AHI started to increase, I increased pressure to 8-13cm.

Mostly hypopneas or mixture with apneas? I just read the other day that if your bottom pressure is set too high you may have trouble getting into Rem sleep. With the wide range you have set, excessive leaks could compound your problem, could it not?

[jamiswolf]

Jmnsc wrote: With the wide range you have set, excessive leaks could compound your problem, could it not

I've never heard that range had anything to do with leaks. Generally the maximum pressure is where leaks become an issue and 13cm is still a moderate pressure. Are leaks an issue?
Jamis

[LarryD]

Thanks for your replies.

My AHI consists of Hypopneas. I haven't logged an apnea since June. I've also experimented with humidifier settings from off to 2 but I don't have enough data on that yet. It seems the less humidity the better. Here are my monthly AHI's: March 2.3; April 3.1; May 2.9; June 3.2; July 4.1; August 3.4; September 3.5; October 5.0; November 4.9.

I'm also thinking that the higher minimum pressure may be problematic. I'm going to drop the minimum to 7cm for a while to see if there is any improvement.

It's hard for me to know if my COPD is getting worse or if I'm having seasonal allergies or my sleep apnea is getting worse. I'll bring up the issue with my doc after the first of the year if things don't improve.