Flow Limitations don't make sense

I'm trying to lower my FL at the moment but what I'm seeing on sleepyhead doesn't make sense. I thought that given what FL is, the correct way to reduce it would be to increase the fixed pressure or increase the min pressure on an auto machine. Maybe you could also lower the EPR. I've tried raising the pressure and turning EPR off and both lead to the FL going up significantly. The 2 screenshots I've posted are just one example but having looked through my data this seems to be a consistent occurrence. Wearing a soft cervical collar doesn't seem to help either. Does anyone have an explanation as I'm completely confused?

I wonder if they can also be caused by anxiety . . .
Your AHI is well within acceptable range.
All zeros is unusual, difficult to get, and very bad to obsess over.
Be happy. Relax.

I'm definitely not one of the data gurus but have to admit that what I am seeing in your graphs is quite interesting and so will be brave enough to comment on data here.
First graph shows an absolutely wretched night, despite low AHI you have many breaks in treatment at higher pressure and no EPR.
Second graph shows a much better night, not a single break in over 8 hours which suggests you got more uninterrupted sleep, with interestingly EPR of 2 and lower pressure. Your FLs are not as bad in the second screenshot and this is probably why you had what appears to be a better night's sleep ... you weren't fighting to breathe all night.

If this is the trend I think you know the answer? Use the pressure range and EPR that gives you the best sleep.

FWIW I am an anxious person (less so now that I am on CPAP) and also a bit of a perfectionist, so at first I tried everything to chase the lowest possible AHI. My biggest problem was FLs. Weirdly in my case too lower pressure combined with EPR of either 2 or 3 sorted out my FLs and now I sleep like a baby with AHI usually under 2.

As Chunkyfrog says your AHI is excellent, but obviously something is still bothering you otherwise you wouldn't be here asking.

Maybe just curiosity? I must admit I too am interested in why this might occasionally happen .... reduced FLs with lower pressure and higher EPR, it doesn't make logical sense .... but as Pugsy says with XPAP the motto is YMMV!

Personxyz wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 21, 2018 10:32 am

I'm trying to lower my FL at the moment but what I'm seeing on sleepyhead doesn't make sense. I thought that given what FL is, the correct way to reduce it would be to increase the fixed pressure or increase the min pressure on an auto machine. Maybe you could also lower the EPR. I've tried raising the pressure and turning EPR off and both lead to the FL going up significantly.

The pressure increase EPR gives you when you inhale can help alleviate FLs. so leave the EPR on, and up the min pressure.