How to interpret efficacy data?

[Guest]

I'm wondering how to read and interpret the efficacy and usage data on my ResMed S8 AutoSet Vantage. It is set to run as a CPAP and with an EPR of 2. I have just finished my first week and my numbers are:
Press: 12.4
Leak:0.16L/s
AHI:20.1
AI: 9.1
HI: 11.1

I'd like to know what exactly these numbers tell me (like, does an AHI of 20.1 mean I'm averaging 20 apneas a night still?) and are they good, bad, average? What am I shooting for, and what trend(s) is this showing? Too much leak? Stuff like that.

My pre-CPAP number was AHI: 99.9, and my pressure is set at 13. I use Swift Nasal Pillows and a chin strap (hopefully former mouth breather).

[GoofyUT]

20 events anHOUR, bro!

9 apneas an hour, average. 11 hypopneas and hour, average.

AHI needs to be <5 to be considerd normal.

Chuck

[Guest]

An hour. Of course. Not good.

Thanks for the quick reply.

Does the leak number tell me anything... like, am I opening my mouth too much? I just had my study/titration 3 weeks ago, and assume the pressure should be correct.

[GoofyUT]

Your leak stats are JUST FINE. Anything <0.40L/s on a ResMed is fine.

[Guest]

I guess I need some further evaluation then... unfortunately, since my insurance covers none of this (I have bad insurance).

I appreciate your help. Thanks.

[Snoredog]

if you SUM up the AI and HI you come up with AHI (AHI=Apnea/Hypopnea Index). Your AHI is high because both AI and HI are "each" higher than ideal.

Your AI (apnea indice) is a bit high and so is your HI (hypopnea indice).

First thing first: When the AI remains high like that it can be an indicator that your Max. pressure is not high enough. If you are on autopap you could try increasing the Max. pressure by 1cm and see if it drops the next night. Same for in cpap mode(s).

Keep an eye on the HI (it should also drop if the Max. pressure is the cause). If the HI remains high, then you can also increase the Min. pressure (if in autopap mode). If on straight cpap, you can only adjust the Max. pressure.

[DreamStalker]

The leak rate number actually depends upon the type of mask you are using.

If it is a Resmed mask and you have your machine set for that particular mask, then as Chuck said ... you will want to keep your leak numbers below 0.4 L/s.

If your mask is Resmed but is not set appropriately, you will need to set it correctly in order to get reliable leak numbers.

If your mask is not a Resmed then you will need to do additional math to correct for your actual leak rate. Let us know what mask you are using and we can help you figure it out.

Being new to this you may want to read this well done blog for beginners -

http://smart-sleep-apnea.blogspot.com/

- roberto

[cybergt]

Is it true that RESMEDs overstate HI index?

My AI is almost always less than one. But, my HI range between 5 and 6. My leak range is between 0.2 and 0.6.

I have noticed that my AHI does not really depend on the leak rate. I have a hard time getting my AHI under 5. Is this normal for RESMED elite and SWIFT combo?

During the night I toss around allot on my bed. I think this contributes to the leakage. On some days, I wake up with a dry mouth.

Am I within normal range? If not, what other things can I do to improve my AHI.

[Snoredog]

[quote="cybergt"]Is it true that RESMEDs overstate HI index?

My AI is almost always less than one. But, my HI range between 5 and 6. My leak range is between 0.2 and 0.6.

I have noticed that my AHI does not really depend on the leak rate. I have a hard time getting my AHI under 5. Is this normal for RESMED elite and SWIFT combo?

During the night I toss around allot on my bed. I think this contributes to the leakage. On some days, I wake up with a dry mouth.

Am I within normal range? If not, what other things can I do to improve my AHI.