Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
DankShroud
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Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by DankShroud » Sun Mar 18, 2018 12:55 pm

If it isn't causing central apneas and isn't causing any aerophagia discomfort, why shouldn't you just set your CPAP to 20 cm and rest easy?

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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by Goofproof » Sun Mar 18, 2018 1:00 pm

Why do they waste good money putting gas pedals and brakes on cars?
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!

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LSAT
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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by LSAT » Sun Mar 18, 2018 1:17 pm

DankShroud wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 12:55 pm
If it isn't causing central apneas and isn't causing any aerophagia discomfort, why shouldn't you just set your CPAP to 20 cm and rest easy?
For most people it wouldn't matter, but, as you indicated...aerophagia, and Centrals would be a concern. Also..for some people a spike in pressure disturbs their sleep, so it makes sense to reduce the max even it it means a few more events.

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PaulKTF
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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by PaulKTF » Sun Mar 18, 2018 1:52 pm

DankShroud wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 12:55 pm
If it isn't causing central apneas and isn't causing any aerophagia discomfort, why shouldn't you just set your CPAP to 20 cm and rest easy?
Because it's not necessary. You only put the pressure as high as it needs to be to prevent apnea events.

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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by Allessio77 » Sun Mar 18, 2018 3:39 pm

DankShroud wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 12:55 pm
If it isn't causing central apneas and isn't causing any aerophagia discomfort, why shouldn't you just set your CPAP to 20 cm and rest easy?
High Pressure can be very uncomfortable...Leaks, Headaches, Dry mouth, and fooling around with you mask all night trying to stop the leaks.
Also, You may have to use straps, tapes, bands and collars if you want to use a nasal mask.

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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by palerider » Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:27 pm

PaulKTF wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 1:52 pm
DankShroud wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 12:55 pm
If it isn't causing central apneas and isn't causing any aerophagia discomfort, why shouldn't you just set your CPAP to 20 cm and rest easy?
Because it's not necessary. You only put the pressure as high as it needs to be to prevent apnea events.
How do you know whether it's necessary or not? You put the setting to 20 to allow the machine to do what it needs to to prevent apnea events.

*guessing* at "as high as it needs to be' may prevent the machine from being able to go high enough in situations where it's needed.

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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by palerider » Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:29 pm

DankShroud wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 12:55 pm
If it isn't causing central apneas and isn't causing any aerophagia discomfort, why shouldn't you just set your CPAP to 20 cm and rest easy?
There's no reason not to set it to 20(or 25 on bilevel) for most people. you're right.

For the most part, it's an irrelevant setting, Like legally driving a supercar around town... sure, it'll go to 200+mph, but you're going to be stuck at 25, 30, 40 on those city streets.

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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by PaulKTF » Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:47 pm

This is why you have a doctor set it at the proper level and you do not monkey with it! :)

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LSAT
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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by LSAT » Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:08 pm

PaulKTF wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:47 pm
This is why you have a doctor set it at the proper level and you do not monkey with it! :)
Unfortunately, the majority of doctors set the machines at dafault...4/20. Unless the doctor is specializing in Sleep Medicine, they don't have any idea how CPAPs work. Using PR's analogy...Your car will go 120 mph, but you may never go over 50...no reason to stop the car from going faster than 50 if necessary.

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Last edited by LSAT on Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:15 pm, edited 2 times in total.

PaulKTF
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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by PaulKTF » Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:10 pm

LSAT wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:08 pm
PaulKTF wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:47 pm
This is why you have a doctor set it at the proper level and you do not monkey with it! :)
Unfortunately, the majority of doctors set the machines at dafault...4/20.
You get a sleep study, find out what the right pressure setting is, and make sure the doctor knows that and sets it properly. if he isn't doing his job, you fire him and find a better one. You have to take charge of your own health care.

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LSAT
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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by LSAT » Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:14 pm

PaulKTF wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:10 pm
LSAT wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:08 pm
PaulKTF wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:47 pm
This is why you have a doctor set it at the proper level and you do not monkey with it! :)
Unfortunately, the majority of doctors set the machines at dafault...4/20.
You get a sleep study, find out what the right pressure setting is, and make sure the doctor knows that and sets it properly. if he isn't doing his job, you fire him and find a better one. You have to take charge of your own health care.
The sleep study is a part of 1 night sleeping in an unfamiliar place with dozens of wires attaches. They rarely come up with a pressure that does not need to be adjusted at a later time. If you don't watch your data and occasionally make pressure adjustments when needed, you are not maximizing your therapy. Looks like you have an AUTO machine set to fixed mode at 10....how do you know that's right...take the doctors word?

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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by TedVPAP » Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:31 pm

PaulKTF wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:10 pm
LSAT wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:08 pm
PaulKTF wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:47 pm
This is why you have a doctor set it at the proper level and you do not monkey with it! :)
Unfortunately, the majority of doctors set the machines at dafault...4/20.
You get a sleep study, find out what the right pressure setting is, and make sure the doctor knows that and sets it properly. if he isn't doing his job, you fire him and find a better one. You have to take charge of your own health care.
Agree with taking charge. That is why most adjust their treatment after they have learned the basics.
Start a thread and post your data and then we can see how well your doctor is serving you.
My friend has had an AHI ~9 for over a year and his doctor told him all is good. With a little help from me (and this forum) he is now AHI ~3 and sleeping much better.
Like you said, "take charge".

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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by Wulfman... » Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:33 pm

DankShroud wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 12:55 pm
If it isn't causing central apneas and isn't causing any aerophagia discomfort, why shouldn't you just set your CPAP to 20 cm and rest easy?
Straight CPAP pressure setting or maximum APAP pressure setting?

Probably the best answer.........
PaulKTF wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 1:52 pm
DankShroud wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 12:55 pm
If it isn't causing central apneas and isn't causing any aerophagia discomfort, why shouldn't you just set your CPAP to 20 cm and rest easy?
Because it's not necessary. You only put the pressure as high as it needs to be to prevent apnea (and most hypopnea) events.
BECAUSE......... You monitor your therapy with software to find the best/optimal pressure over a period of time.


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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by prodigyplace » Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:41 pm

PaulKTF wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:10 pm
You get a sleep study, find out what the right pressure setting is, and make sure the doctor knows that and sets it properly. if he isn't doing his job, you fire him and find a better one. You have to take charge of your own health care.
Not always. I got my doctor to recommend a sleep study. Insurance said I could only do what they call an in home study.

Basically you wear a battery powered pack and have a rubber finger cover and a nasal cannula to detect your breathing. From that data they determine if you have OSA and need CPAP. No recommended pressures are involved.

It is possible if the home study data was inconclusive that they would have approved a sleep study.

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Re: Why shouldn't you always use the maximum CPAP pressure?

Post by palerider » Sun Mar 18, 2018 5:48 pm

PaulKTF wrote:
Sun Mar 18, 2018 4:47 pm
This is why you have a doctor set it at the proper level and you do not monkey with it! :)
Clearly, the cluetrain pulled out while you were in in the bathroom.

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