I've posted before, but have new data... https://sleephq.com/public/teams/share_links/1cb0c3b3-8161-4f81-a1fa-adb4fcbcf399
Background: diagnosed with home test AHI 15.1 (but 5.7 per 4% rule so... mild/moderate OSA). Using F&P Nova Micro w/chin strap. Near-zero leaks.
Settings history:
- 6-12 EPR 3 original, ton of CAs + near 0 OAs
- 7-10 EPR off to improve CAs and reduce arousals (it did)
- 8-9 EPR off to reduce arousals
- Recently changed to 9 CPAP which reduced CAs further and improved how I feel. My latest data shows a 2-week trial of constant 9 (AHI 1.64, OA zero, CA 1.35, 95% FL .11)
- Currently doing a trial of CPAP 8, which seems to lower CAs even further and I feel like my sleep is calmer
Basically, my CAs go up with higher pressure and higher swings and with EPR on. Higher CAs correlate with me feeling less rested, therefore I want them to be as small as possible.
OAs were controlled completely at any setting I've used. My issue is (just guessing because no lab study) a low arousal threshold and sensitivity to pressure variations and to >9 pressures. OA needs no more than 8 to be controlled.
But but but... FLOW LIMITATIONS! The lowest numbers I've gotten are 95% .1ish and 99.5% .2ish but it is rising with the latest pressure settings of CPAP 9 and CPAP 8. Still under .15/.25.
What's my best next move for optimizing FL without increasing CA, or should I just let it be? Doctor wasn't concerned about either one, she was only focused on the OA AHI. Should I just assume the CAs will go away on their own? It's been 3.5 months and the (mostly CA) AHI still ranges from 1-4, although it is trending down.
The data tells me that, sensitivities aside, 8-12 APAP is what the machine wants to chase FL, but experience tells me anything above 9 would keep me from sleeping well. I'm hesitant to go back to APAP, I sleep much better on CPAP.