Palatal Prolapse Help
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2025 4:46 pm
Hi everyone,
I’ve been on CPAP for nearly 8 years now (mostly APAP mode), and despite consistently low AHI numbers—usually under 2—I’ve never really felt great on therapy. I’m tired all the time, and some days are worse than others. It’s been frustrating, especially when the data looks “good,” but I still feel awful.
Recently, I started using an AirCurve 10 VAuto, and surprisingly, I felt better for a few nights—even though the charts didn’t look ideal. Someone on another forum pointed out signs of palatal prolapse, and when I looked closer, I realized I’ve likely had this issue all along. I can even replicate the same obstruction while awake, lying on my back with the machine on.
I’ve done extensive research on PP, but there’s almost no definitive guidance. Some people say to use BiPAP, others say don’t. Some recommend lowering EPAP, raising IPAP, decreasing PS, increasing PS—it’s all over the place.
The last few nights have been rough again—waking up feeling like I haven’t slept, needing naps during the day, just dragging. I’ve tried everything I can think of to avoid sleeping on my back (SomnoPose app, physical gadgets, etc.), but nothing seems to stick. Supine sleeping definitely makes things worse, but I can't fully avoid it.
My main concern: I’m only having obstructions on exhale, which no machine really addresses. That has me wondering if I even need CPAP or BiPAP at all—or if it’s doing more harm than good in my case.
I’d really appreciate any advice on:
Whether I should continue with VAuto or go back to APAP
Ideal starting points for IPAP/EPAP/PS settings to minimize PP
Whether fixed BiPAP (S-mode) might offer more stability
How to truly confirm PP
What others have done if dealing with expiratory collapse, not classic OSA
Here’s a [SleepHQ chart link] for reference (happy to upload more data or specific nights if helpful).
https://sleephq.com/public/0093b605-79c ... efde568d46
Thank you
I’ve been on CPAP for nearly 8 years now (mostly APAP mode), and despite consistently low AHI numbers—usually under 2—I’ve never really felt great on therapy. I’m tired all the time, and some days are worse than others. It’s been frustrating, especially when the data looks “good,” but I still feel awful.
Recently, I started using an AirCurve 10 VAuto, and surprisingly, I felt better for a few nights—even though the charts didn’t look ideal. Someone on another forum pointed out signs of palatal prolapse, and when I looked closer, I realized I’ve likely had this issue all along. I can even replicate the same obstruction while awake, lying on my back with the machine on.
I’ve done extensive research on PP, but there’s almost no definitive guidance. Some people say to use BiPAP, others say don’t. Some recommend lowering EPAP, raising IPAP, decreasing PS, increasing PS—it’s all over the place.
The last few nights have been rough again—waking up feeling like I haven’t slept, needing naps during the day, just dragging. I’ve tried everything I can think of to avoid sleeping on my back (SomnoPose app, physical gadgets, etc.), but nothing seems to stick. Supine sleeping definitely makes things worse, but I can't fully avoid it.
My main concern: I’m only having obstructions on exhale, which no machine really addresses. That has me wondering if I even need CPAP or BiPAP at all—or if it’s doing more harm than good in my case.
I’d really appreciate any advice on:
Whether I should continue with VAuto or go back to APAP
Ideal starting points for IPAP/EPAP/PS settings to minimize PP
Whether fixed BiPAP (S-mode) might offer more stability
How to truly confirm PP
What others have done if dealing with expiratory collapse, not classic OSA
Here’s a [SleepHQ chart link] for reference (happy to upload more data or specific nights if helpful).
https://sleephq.com/public/0093b605-79c ... efde568d46
Thank you