EPR Setting on ResMed S8 Elite

Curious at to the meaning of the settings on EPR. The book shows
Off (no EPR)
1(lowest EPR)
2
3 (highest EPR)
I realize this is set by the Dr.
Have had the unit just a few days so still trying to adjust.
I am assuming (and you know what that means) that 3 offers the most resistance. Does OFF mean you can exhale easier?
Will get back with the Dr. monday but just curious in the meantime.
Thanks for any input.

EPR Off means you'd get no reduction at all in pressure when you exhale. So, no, it would not be easier to exhale with EPR "off". With EPR turned off, you get the same pressure both ways -- inhaling and exhaling -- one single pressure.

EPR (expiratory pressure relief) has to be turned ON to give any drop at all when you exhale.

EPR "1" = exactly one cm H2O drop in pressure when you exhale.

EPR "2", = exactly 2 cm H2O drop in pressure when you exhale.

EPR "3" = the most reduction; exactly 3 cm H2O drop in pressure when you exhale.

Just a sidenote here to people who have Respironics machines with C-Flex. The C-Flex settings of "1, 2, 3" do not correspond to EXACT drops in cm's, the way EPR settings do.

C-Flex (Respironics) gives an indeterminate but definite drop in pressure.

C-Flex "1" gives the least drop in pressure; C-Flex "3" is the most drop in pressure. But exactly how much drop C-Flex can give at any of its settings seems to depend entirely on how forceful your exhalation is. I think I've read that the greatest drop C-Flex can give could be as much as 6 or 7 cm's; but again, it depends on the strength of each individual's exhalation.

C-Flex (Respironics) lets the regular pressure come back in BEFORE you are completely finished exhaling. EPR (ResMed) maintains the pressure reduction throughout your entire exhalation, bringing the regular pressure back up when you start drawing in your next breath.

C-Flex doesn't wait for you to start inhaling before allowing the higher pressure again.

EPR will wait for you to start inhaling before allowing the higher pressure again; or, if you don't start inhaling within so many seconds , EPR action will be suspended and the regular cpap pressure will come back in.

ResMed's Explanation of EPR - click here.

People who want a reduction in pressure when they exhale and who also want to be using an autopap should be aware of this: The ResMed S8 Vantage cannot use its EPR feature while being operated as an autopap. The Vantage can use EPR only when the Vantage is being used in straight single pressure cpap mode.

The Respironics REMstar Auto with C-Flex can use its pressure reduction feature (C-Flex) when operating in either mode -- cpap or auto.

Rested Gal: Thank you very much. Looks like I had things backwards and assumed incorrectly. I feel a somewhat constricted and suffocation feeling after about an hour on the machine. It's early and much more to learn. Had no problem whatsoever with the mask at the sleep test. Thought this would be a breeze.
Thanks again for your help and heading to the site you suggested.[/u]

After reading a few threads and taking into account some of the rough times this forum has good through lately, I must say that rested gal's response to this thread is what makes this forum (and her) great... what a well written and informative post!!!

Amen to that. It is much appreciated believe me.
Thanks and keep up the good work.
I enjoy the board and will participate more when I know what I am talking about.