What do these mean?

lindas88 · Post by **lindas88** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 6:38 am

I checked my machine this morning and I know what AHI stands for but what does AI and HI stand for And is leaks of .22 and an AHI of 2.5 alright?

sir_cumference · Post by **sir_cumference** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 7:08 am

AI Apnea Index, HI Hypopnea Index, basically it's telling you how many apneas and how may hpops you're having an hour. 2.5 is fine, On APAP I started up in the 3s and after a while it's got down to the 1s ... if you compare it to how many episodes you were having during your sleep study you will see how much better it is - I suspect it is dramatically better and so you should be very pleased.

THe Leak rate of 0.22 is ok, it is telling you how badly your mask leaked last night. 0.22 isn't too bad, what mask do you use? I have used a few masks and found the swift gave me a similar figure, while the breeze reduced it to 0! If it goes much higher you perhaps ought to think about trying another mask, but 0.22 isn't too bad, especially with such a low AHI ... so in short ... good news, don't worry!

sir_cumference

lindas88 · Post by **lindas88** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 7:36 am

sir_cumference...Thank you so much for the answer.

I am using the Activa Nasal mask. I tried a couple others and had bad leaking so this seems the best. I will keep my eye on the leak numbers though.

Yes, 2.5 AHI is much better. I have an auto machine but use it with a straight pressure.. Do you think I should try changing it over to an auto again?

So an AI of 0.4 is alright too? And a HI of 2.1...what about that? Alright too?

I appreciate your helping me.

sir_cumference · Post by **sir_cumference** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 7:57 am

Both figure are good, and similar to what I had to start with!! I have the spirit and I use it on APAP and because of that I think my HI is coming down over time. Don't worry about the 2.1 that is still very good, and over time it may well also come down. However, with CPAP it's a little difficult to say how much it will come down over all. On auto as you and the machine get use to each other (so to speak) I think you start to lower the HI as it can freely go above the CPAP pressure if needed and so get rid of hypops before they become an issue. But as I said, 2.1 is nothing to worry about in the big picture.

As for going to auto, what is your fixed pressure? From that you can work out the best range. For example, if it is 8, you may want a range of 5 - 11. Then, each morning you can see the max pressure the machine went to and you know if you are in the right area or if you need to increase the range a little.

I have mine set at 5 - 11 and most nights it's in the 8.4 - 8.9 region, and as I said, both my AI (which is as low as 0.1 at times) and my HI (which is in the region of 1.2 - 2.1) seem to have come down over time. The last few nights have seen my AHI (both AI and HI) in the 1.2 to 1.8 region.

And as for masks, if the Activa works for you, keep with it! I think it is very important to feel confident in what you're using. I have tried a few masks, but mainly because after a while the swift started driving me mad! LOL So, with a lowish leak rate and low AHI and being happy with the mask, my advice would be 'if it isn't broke - don't try to fix it!'

If I were you and you are happy with the way everything feels, then leave it all alone and keep an eye on the figures. If they get worse, then consider changing, or if you are uncomfortable with the constant pressure consider auto, but if you are ok, be happy, relax, stop worrying and know that you are getting better and all is well with the world!

sir_cumference (seriously chilled)

lindas88 · Post by **lindas88** » Thu Aug 11, 2005 12:42 pm

sir_cumference...thanks again for replying. When I first started out with my machine it was set on auto....and I was told my average pressure was 10....but I was having trouble sleeping so she decided to try changing to a set pressure of 10. I was still having some problems so we tried a pressure of 11. I seemed to do really good there but had a lot of pains in my stomach and was wondering if it was of the pressure so I myself changed it back down to 10. Since then I have slept much better and feel better. SO I guess since all my numbers are doing alright then I'll leave well enough alone. I never really touched anything on the machine until the other day and seen all those letters and numbers so was just curious. I will keep my eye on those numbers though. Thanks for answering my questions. I appreciate it. You're a swell guy. :