Newbie question on setting APAP pressure range

I was titrated at 15 cm H2O. My GP prescribed an APAP set to 8-20 cm. I started off at that, and have gradually increased that range to 11-20, in one cm increments, in an effort to eliminate hypopneas and generally find a good initial range to use for a few weeks.

Should I have started out at a minimum pressure nearer my titrated presure? Although I realize we should use a pressure setting several days before deciding; that a week's data is not much data; and that the AHI versus Pressure graph should not be used as the sole grounds for setting pressure, BUT it seems to me that my best range so far is either 13-18 or even something above 18/18, since there seems to be an AHI=0 above 18 cm.



So I wonder, should I have started out at 13-17 or so? Is there any problem in proceeding directly to that range, which would be an increase of 2-3 cm (in one night)?

I'm just looking for a good starting range. I think I've heard people here say a good range is "titration pressure plus and minus 2 cm".

cwsanfor wrote:I'm just looking for a good starting range. I think I've heard people here say a good range is "titration pressure plus and minus 2 cm".

IMO the starting range should be plus and minus 3cms from titrated level. Do at least 6 days readings to see how things chart out and if necessary tighten up the span to plus and minus 2 cms. Also check for your 90% pressure level to see if it is off of what your titration level is.

On another note I'm surprised that you didn't opt for a BiPAP at your pressure level. I'm surprised the Doc didn't suggest it. The Respironics Auto BiPAP is praised fairly highly here.

On another note I'm surprised that you didn't opt for a BiPAP at your pressure level. I'm surprised the Doc didn't suggest it. The Respironics Auto BiPAP is praised fairly highly here.

I'm going to continue collecting some data, and will request a BiPAP scrip if needed.

Thanks for the feedback.