What is an acceptable Apnea level ?

[DoninOrlando]

I am only on Cpap about 2 weeks but have made good progress, thanks to this board. But I have a question. My initial pre-Cpap AHI was in the 60's. The first week on CPAP AHI Index was 13-18. The last 4 days are running from 4.7 to 5.1 and seems to have leveled off. The Hypopneas are around 1.3 and OA's just over 3. I am comfortable with the mask, and fairly low leakage. Most mornings I wake feeling pretty good, well rested. Should I be happy at this level or is the target always 0 ? I am very comfortable with the pressure at 10. I know I could get used to higher easily now. I will wait a week or 2 but if things stay the same should I try increasing the pressure or be happy where I am ?

[KatieW]

Congratulations! You're getting very good results, after only 2 weeks. I'm sure everyone will have their own opinion about this. But if you feel good, I would wait 1-2 weeks before changing anything.

[ozij]

Don't go chasing 0 - that often simply frustrating. I agree with Katie: enjoy the good feeling you have and don't try to make changes now.

O.

[rubymom]

My doctor and the things I've read on this forum seem to indicate that under 5 is a good goal. But more important is how you feel. I agree with waiting a bit but eventually I started to make some small adjustments that have resulted in my being at 1.5 or below every night so I'm happy with that. Zero is probably elusive.

[BarryBlust]

Hiya,

I started at 99+, with O2 sat of 38% (OMG). Some of you mention changes after some positive results. I would first like to know my nightly rates, and second like to learn how and when to make adjustments. So let's start with the rates... where will I find this data (resmed), and is there a teaching hypertext?

PS Have been on bipap/cpap for 4 years. Recently went from bpap machine to cpap machine. Major adjustment I would guess. As with so many here, I received little to no assistance or follow up after the sleep study and diagnosis. Deeply appreciate all the sage wisdom here!

Barry

[Registered Sleep Tech]

All the responses are right on the money. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine denotes that a apnea/hypopnea index or (AHI)less than 5 is considered "treated". In other words, it is okay and very normal to still have a very marginal AHI. Getting to zero is very difficult and largely unattainable. Sounds like you are doing great! But do assess your own case based on how you feel. There are plenty of patients I have worked with over the years that have a combination of sleep apnea and narcolepsy though it is more rare.

[ozij]

Hiya,

I started at 99+, with O2 sat of 38% (OMG). Some of you mention changes after some positive results. I would first like to know my nightly rates, and second like to learn how and when to make adjustments. So let's start with the rates... where will I find this data (resmed), and is there a teaching hypertext?

PS Have been on bipap/cpap for 4 years. Recently went from bpap machine to cpap machine. Major adjustment I would guess. As with so many here, I received little to no assistance or follow up after the sleep study and diagnosis. Deeply appreciate all the sage wisdom here!

Barry

,

Hi Barry
You'll see the results if you hold down both right and left keys simultaneously for 3 seconds.
That will get you into a review menu, in which you can get your settings info, and your results, which consist of efficacy (events and leaks) data and usage data.

This a read only display, if you use it you can't change anything by mistake.

O.

[DoninOrlando]

BarryBlust on Thu Nov 05, 2009 9:54 am

Hiya,

I started at 99+, with O2 sat of 38% (OMG).

Wow Barry, my sleep study was 69 AHI and O2 saturation was as low as 50% and they said that was bordering being dead. Under 80's they said if I was in a hospital I would have to be on O2. They woke me after only 2-3 hours and started the titration part. I was later told they were afraid to let me continue sleeping so poorly as it would be a liability if something happened and they were sitting there watching. If my O2 was 38% I wouldn't blink without being on Cpap.