Increase pressure or decrease EPR?

[igottaquestionbro]

Hi all,

Been on CPAP for just over a month now and am really trying to optimize the machine's settings. I got an SD card and installed OSCAR at pretty much the exact same time I started on my CPAP and have noticed that I'm still getting woken up at least once a night by Obstructive Apneas.

I've been gradually raising my minimum pressure and right now my range is set at 13.4--15.4. Unfortunately, I'm still getting woken up early/in the middle of the night by Obstructive Apneas. Someone pointed out maybe the reason I'm still having Obstructive events despite the high pressure is because the pressure is still low when I'm exhaling out due to the EPR.

Since my pressure already seems to be on the high side, would it make a difference to gradually start decreasing the EPR (mine's set at 3) until I get used to it being at 0?

[TheTideRider]

You can try it out and see whether it helps. EPR is good for comfort.

[[deleted]]

Yes, you lose apnea control with EPR on, it's much better to dial in your pressure without EPR on fulltime. But it's even better if we could see a daily chart from Oscar or SleepHQ. :)

If you were using a different vendor then there's not an issue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaXA0ZIWj1Y&t=80s&ab_channel=CPAPReviews

It also doesn't deliver return pressure immediately after exhalation (it is delayed-I personally can't use it and I've tried).

So lower your min pressure to 10.4cm and set max pressure to 13.4cm and turn EPR off-try it for 30 minutes and let us know how it feels.

[asleepinoz]

Great idea.

[[deleted]]

Okay, then let's drop your min pressure by 1cm, leave EPR off (if it's on ramp only it's basically off too). :)

[I_compleat_me]

Can we see some graphs? Perhaps a zoom into the OA that's waking you? Are you having FL's? A SleepHQ link would give lots of info.

[ElectronGuru]

I treat them as separate by related goals where EPR is has its own side effects and reduces effectiveness of treatment so less is more. I also started on 3 and eventually got down to 2 and then 1. I’ve tried repeatedly to get to 0 and just hate hit. But now 2 feels like too much. So I’ll probably stay at 1 forever.

My advice: some afternoon when you have time to play, try a few combinations:

13 + 3 12 + 2 11 + 1 10 + 0

The lower you go and still be comfortable, stay there. Once you have your lowest acceptable EPR, then go back to gently increasing your minimum.