Are people using Encore pro data to set their own pressures?

[zoolander]

First of all, I acknowledge that I understand the importance of using a qualified sleep specialist to help set CPAP pressure. I do understand this.

I was wondering if people are using the Encore Pro data the they retrieve from their machines to modify their pressure settings? I'm only new to CPAP and would like to gather a little more data and information before I even consider modifying the pressures set by my sleep specialist.

Can someone explain the following (taken from 3 days of Auto CPAP use)



I know that this summary table is used by sleep specialists to set pressures so any information (referral to source or direct) would be much appreciated

For reference....I have a PhD in Biomedical science so feel free with your use of medical and scientific terminology

[Wulfman]

Yes, most of us that use Encore Pro, adjust our own pressures, if need be.

It would help if you would fill out your profile of the equipment you use (including mask) and how your machine is configured.

Looks like one of the REMstar Autos at a pressure range of 6 - 13 (or at least that's the numbers you're hitting.

How long have you been using a CPAP machine? I understand 3 nights on this Auto, but did you have one before that?

So far, a pressure of 10 is showing the best AHI. It's still a bit high, but if you've only been on the machine for 3 nights, that might explain that.

Do you have a copy of your sleep study?
Did it show whether or not you had Central Apneas?
What was your titrated pressure?......or did you have one?

Den

[Slinky]

I'm conservative. I'd try a pressure range of 6 cms to 10 cms and accumlate one full week of data before deciding on any further changes.

[DreamStalker]

The numbers are meaningless unless you have your mask leaks under control.

What mask are you using and what leak rate are you gettingand how stable is that leak rate and if unstable, how do the leaks correspond to your pressure and apnea/hyponea events?

Secondly, you also need to average about a weeks worth of data before making any changes to your settings.

Having said that, it does appear from your current 2 days worth of data that your lower pressure is too low (may the numbers continue for a few more days and your leak rate be reasonable).

[Goofproof]

Yes, We Do! Yes, I do, it makes no difference how I do it, Encore Pro or the Menu, the results are the same, better treatment based on the data.

I make my changes based on the results from the Dailies Data, making sure leaks are under control. If the leaks aren't under control, the data can be poor or false. Jim

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[Snoredog]

The numbers are meaningless unless you have your mask leaks under control.

What mask are you using and what leak rate are you gettingand how stable is that leak rate and if unstable, how do the leaks correspond to your pressure and apnea/hyponea events?

Secondly, you also need to average about a weeks worth of data before making any changes to your settings.

Having said that, it does appear from your current 2 days worth of data that your lower pressure is too low (may the numbers continue for a few more days and your leak rate be reasonable).

I agree, his sleep is a train wreck, AHI all over the place with Total avg. AHI=9.5, AHI=5.6 at 90% still way too high for my liking. Mouth breathing or mask leak may be the cause of that but the leak data is missing.

All his Flow Limitations are eliminated at 8.0 cm pressure, only gets worse when he goes above 10 cm.

I'd carefully review mask leak data and mask being used.

[zoolander]

Ok I have posted my equipment into my signature. I'll get back to you later in the day with my information on leakage and so on. Thanks for the replies thus far.

[roster]

First of all, I acknowledge that I understand the importance of using a qualified sleep specialist to help set CPAP pressure. I do understand this.

......

Then please explain it to me. Three sleep studies at two qualified labs and they did not get it anywhere near right for me.

Tweaking my settings using Encore Pro and advice from this forum and I am finally getting excellent therapy. Thank God for the good members here.

[ozij]

First of all, I acknowledge that I understand the importance of using a qualified sleep specialist to help set CPAP pressure. I do understand this.

......

Then please explain it to me. Three sleep studies at two qualified labs and they did not get it anywhere near right for me.

Tweaking my settings using Encore Pro and advice from this forum and I am finally getting excellent therapy. Thank God for the good members here.

[zoolander]

that little disclaimer that I gave (i.e I understand that you should seek medical advice and so on) was exactly that. A disclaimer. I understand it but also understand that sometimes, with enough reading and understanding, that people can control their own therapy by making adjustments to pressures.

Keep in mind though that there are pretty stupid people in this world that will adjust their pressure like their changing a TV channel without any understanding of what these pressure mean. I am not one of these people and I am seeking advice. The final decision to either adjust or not adjust my pressure will be made by me. I will take all the information that is provided and then do my research.

Anyhow....here is some more data. Note that I am only a beginner and my therapy is up and down. If you look at the compliance chart you will see a series of red blocks. Those were on my nightshift days when I had to sleep during the day. I feel that nightshift makes my sleep apnea worse. Additionally you will also notice that most of the blocks are broken. This is because I am taking my full face mask off during the evening without realising it. Here's another topic that I started re. that issue

viewtopic.php?t=28821&highlight=

Here's some more data include flow information

Daily Data



Pressure summary



Flow Information



Compliance



Event summary



Thanks all for your input so far

[RipVW]

Yep, looks like those large leaks are so prevalent that none of your data is really reliable.

[Wulfman]

Well, the "Max Leak" numbers are somewhat high, but the "Average Leak" doesn't look all that bad to me. Only 10 seconds in "Average large leak".

I think you need to scrap the Auto settings and set that thing in single pressure (CPAP) mode at 11 cm. OR......set your bottom pressure at 10 and see what happens.

Den

[ozij]

Can you please put the event summary graphs directly beneath the pressure etc. graphs.

I think I'm seeing a pattern - but I'm not sure.

Thanks.

O.

[zoolander]

Sure

Pressure summary



Event summary

[ozij]

...and the flow information chart too is what I meant by "etc".....
I should have been more specific...
O.