My Tests Results - No Frame of Reference

It was like pulling teeth, but I finally got my test result from my sleep doctor. I have been trying to interpret them, but I have no frame of reference. So I thought I would throw it out to the group:

Pre-Titration:

AHI 8
RDI 15/hr
Desat: 88%
Sleep Efficiency: Poor at 74%


The questions is: where in the universe of apnea do these results put me?

My doctor said 'mild to moderate', but she did not comment on the details of the report. Assuming this is on the low end of the scale, is the benefit of xpap really worth the expense/aggravation of the treatment? Where does the dividing line fall?

I would appreciate the insight of this most knowledgable group.

Thanks!

Well, I wouldn't say I'm all that knowledgable....but I'd guess you were being treated for your oxygen desats and your "sleep architecture". Your AHI isn't all that high....but you shouldn't really be going lower than maybe 95% on your oxygen levels. And your sleep efficiency is poor, so you must not be going through the sleep stages at an optimum level.....

That's my guess...I would think the treatment was worthwhile for the oxygen desats alone....not good....

Jan in Colo.

I agree with Jan's assessment, Jere (and also her disclaimer that I'm no expert either). But I think, if I remember correctly, that some providers do not treat below an AHI of 5 without excessive daytime sleepiness, and that is considered normal by some accounts. I've seen some recommendations as high as 15 as the cut off for treatment, and it seems to be a standard that above 30 is severe. So your 8, by those accounts, would be quite mild/moderate. The desats are worrisome, though, and warrant treatment at that level. One question I would have for the doc is what are the effects on AHI and desat with the CPAP? Is it possible that whatever symptoms you have are due primarily to desat and supplemental oxygen would be enough without the CPAP? As for a frame of reference, though, Jan covered that well, so I'm agreeing with her response.

The results from my titration show the desat levels back into the low 90's while on CPAP and the AHI significantly reduced.

The desat problem also showed up about a year ago when I had my appendix out (this was pre-CPAP). The doctors almost would not let me go home until I was able to sustain a level above 90. Between the cessation of snoring and the higher desat levels, it would appear that I am getting significant benefit from remaining with the treatment.

That's good you have that information, Jere - Some people with a low AHI and symptoms get the most benefit from oxygen. It sounds like the CPAP is taking care of your AHI (always a good thing to keep low) AND the desats. And if you're feeling better in addition, I'd say way to go!

It all makes me wonder what the value of mild-moderate-severe labels are, since there are so many factors involved - symptoms, desats, cardiac response, disturbance to partner, daytime sleepiness. Different people respond very differently with varying combination of factors. What's important is that we all get the treatment individualized for our specific needs.

Glad to hear things are looking good for you, Jere! Peace and health --

Beth