AHI's Getting Worse on CPAP!

[JCGlas54]

I've been on CPAP for about 10 years - I use a Philips Respironics System One machine. My pressure is set at 13 currently. I use a full face mask as I have sinus problems and must breathe through my mouth occasionally. I have the data from my card read about twice a year when I see my pulmonologist/sleep doctor. Before using CPAP my study showed I was having over 20 events/hour. With CPAP over the years my AHI's still stay in the 7-8 range but lately they've read on average 10.1. Also, the readings on my machine show Periodic Breathing and those numbers have been in the 4%-6% range - I don't have a clue what that's all about. This has me very concerned because it seems like CPAP just is not working for me. I have other family members whose sleep studies showed they were having over 70 AHI's and as soon as going on CPAP therapy their events dropped to 1-2 and even less sometimes. What could the problem be with me? A few years ago they raised my pressure to 15 but it was impossible for me to tolerate so I had them set it back to 13. I am about 30 lbs. overweight; 64 yr. old female and have many other health issues, like COPD, GERD and heart palpitations as well as venous insufficiency and am on many meds. Could any of these play a factor in my constantly high AHI's even while using CPAP nightly? I also just had a squamous cell carcinoma surgically removed from my nose about 3 weeks ago (with flap closure surgery) and had to get a minimal contact full face mask so as to not have my current mask sit on top of my nose where the incision is. Just looking for answers and having a ton of concern about all of this. I am scared and will try to get into my doctor soon but usually takes months to get an appointment. Any insight would be so appreciated!

[Miss Emerita]

You’re going through a lot, and I’m sorry. I think there are people here who can help you if you provide some more information, but I also encourage you to press for an appointment with your doctor. If you explain that your AHI is climbing and you are seeing PB, maybe they can schedule you sooner rather than later.

To provide more information here on the forum, take a look here:

https://www.sleepfiles.com/OSCAR/

The Oscar program will take the data from your SD card and produce detailed reports. You will need a laptop or desktop computer plus a card reader. If there isn’t a reader built into your computer, you can get an inexpensive one anyplace that sells electronics.

[Goofproof]

Good trick without knowing about the equipment used or how it's set. Jim

[ChicagoGranny]

I use a Philips Respironics System One machine

There is more than one model. Which are you using?