Recently, I read about palatal prolapse, also known as Expiratory Palatal Obstruction (EPO), Expiratory Retrograde Palatal Prolapse, or Retropalatal Airway Closure. I suspect this condition might be affecting me.
Would anyone here be able to help determine if this is the case by reviewing my Oscar data?
The Flow Rate looks very similar to the examples of Palatal Prolapse seen in sites like https://sites.google.com/view/palatal-prolapse/ and https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/51/2/1701419
Below is a data sample from last night, during which I used two different settings:
SETTING A: From the beginning until 6:40 am.
Code: Select all
Mode: ASV Auto
EPAP MIN: 11.0
EPAP MAX: 12.0
PS MIN: 3.0
PS MAX: 8.0
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Mode: CPAP
Pressure: 11.0
Yes, I’m already using a chin strap (Knightsbridge Dual Band) and a soft cervical collar. However, keeping my mouth shut and chin in place hasn’t solved the issue.
Notes: I’m fully aware of the difference in AHI between the two modes. Most events while using CPAP are central apneas, which is exactly why I switched to ASV in the first place. I am not sure why OSCAR is classifying them as "Unidentified Apneas" since there clear is no flow limitation during these events.
FULL NIGHT
ASV - Deep Sleep (Normally no events during this sleep stage)
ASV - Minutes before waking up. Possibly REM
CPAP - Minutes before event cluster
CPAP - Event Cluster - Central Apneas