Looks like CPAP titration right on

[VikingGnome]

I've had my fully-data capable CPAP for four days now. Looks like my titration study really nailed what pressure I need. I'm at 15 with EPR at 2. So 15 for inhale and 13 for exhale. I'm very happy to be able to see my data and thrilled at how well things are going. I don't think an AUTOSET would give me values this good.

.................10-Feb...11-Feb...12-Feb...13-Feb
AHI..............1.60......2.22.....2.01......3.21
Hypopnea.......0.99......0.35.....0.56......1.41
Apnea...........0.08......0.00.....0.00......0.00
Obstructive.....0.46.....1.64......1.36......1.71
Clear Airway....0.08.....0.23......0.08......0.10

[archangle]

I've had my fully-data capable CPAP for four days now. Looks like my titration study really nailed what pressure I need. I'm at 15 with EPR at 2. So 15 for inhale and 13 for exhale. I'm very happy to be able to see my data and thrilled at how well things are going. I don't think an AUTOSET would give me values this good.

An AutoSet would give you exactly the same values if you set it on manual pressure.

If you didn't get good AHI from it on manual mode, your doctor could then try autopressure and see if you got better results that way. If so, he could either set you on a manual pressure that works better, or set an auto pressure range that works better for you.

[Slartybartfast]

I've had my fully-data capable CPAP for four days now. Looks like my titration study really nailed what pressure I need. I'm at 15 with EPR at 2. So 15 for inhale and 13 for exhale. I'm very happy to be able to see my data and thrilled at how well things are going. I don't think an AUTOSET would give me values this good.

You can think that if it pleases you, but with that machine you'll never know . . .

I've run my machine both ways; at the titration study recommended pressure, and in Automatic mode set within a narrow range. Numbers were virtually the same. But I slept more comfortably in Auto mode, not waking the next morning feeling like I had been blowing up balloons all night long.

To be fair, there's a heavy bias toward automatic machines on this forum that I am not immune to. If you are happy with your machine and use it regularly, that's really the most important thing.

[adrianne]

To be fair, there's a heavy bias toward automatic machines on this forum that I am not immune to. If you are happy with your machine and use it regularly, that's really the most important thing.

There is a heavy bias for automatic machines. But, not everyone needs them. I set my machine to 10 (script is actually 14) and I get average AHI of less than 1. AND I barely notice the air anymore, to the point that sometimes I run my hand over the exhaust to make sure it's still on. The automatic machines are a necessity for some people, but some of us are just fine on the ol' CPAP.

That said, I don't know what I would do if I didn't have a data-capable machine.

[VikingGnome]

My sleep doctor does not prescribe APAP to anyone. She has a strong bias AGAINST pressure adjusting all night and feels that a constant pressue is better. So I had no say about that part. At least I fought with DME and got my fully data-capable CPAP so I'm happy.

My sleep doctor doesn't even like her patients to have data-capable machines. She believes we "don't understand the numbers". I told her I was fully educated about CPAP and understood the numbers. I'm glad when the RX was written it didn't say specifically which S9 CPAP I had to get. DME gave me ESCAPE. I negotiated and got an ELITE. That's a big victory in and of itself.

It would be interesting to see what my numbers were with an AUTOSET set 13-17 (+/-2 of my prescribed 15). They could be better but also could be worse.

One thing I have noticed that most of my events occur about the middle of my sleep time for some reason. Cannot tell by graphs if I'm getting any REM sleep yet.

[Slartybartfast]

I agree, data is the most important thing. The auto vs CPAP thing is down the priorities list a ways. I was put off by my sleep doc's paternalistic attitude. I work in a highly technical health related field and, like you, am capable of learning all I need to know about my therapy. Treating all patients like they're demented doesn't help anybody.

Like yours, my sleep doc also does not prescribe automatic machines. Says he doesn't believe they can anticipate events. My data proved him wrong, and after a few uncomfortable moments at my 30 day checkup when I showed him my data, including oximetry, he was quiet, then suddenly brightened and said the pressures the machine maintained during events validated his lab's titration pressure. He was able to thus save face and dropped the condescending attitude.

The 6 month checkup went even better: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=60160&p=564973&hili ... er#p564777

Re: REM sleep, look at the FLOW trace. Zoom in to the 1/2 hour level and scroll across the chart. Areas where you exhibit erratic breathing (my sleep doc says) correspond to REM sleep. It's easier to see if you have data from a recording oximeter. There should be 4 or 5 periods during the night of erratic breathing/REM sleep, and you'll likely find most of your events will occur during those periods.

[jweeks]

My sleep doctor does not prescribe APAP to anyone. She has a strong bias AGAINST pressure adjusting all night and feels that a constant pressue is better. So I had no say about that part.

Hi,

Yes, you do have a say. You are both the patient and the customer. The doctor works for you.

At least I fought with DME and got my fully data-capable CPAP so I'm happy.

I don't like being dependent on others for my well being. As a result, I bought what I wanted, and no insurance company was in the loop to try to mess up my treatment. Life it too short to argue with corporations, so why put up with it?

My sleep doctor doesn't even like her patients to have data-capable machines.

That is your clue to change doctors. That is like having a doctor say that they don't wash their hands because their patients don't understand germs. In contrast, a professional would be aware of all the options, and prescribe the optimal (best and most cost effective) tool for the job.

-john-