AHI low, only given for therapy?

[Oltremare]

Goodmorning everyone.
I kindly ask you for your opinion on the outcome of the polysomnography and on the diagnosis and prognosis released by the specialist to my wife.
I'm very worried about his snoring but also all the disturbances.
In our country, the threshold for entering PAP therapy is AHI> 15 but, my wife doesn't only have apnea, she also has oxygen desaturation, snoring, flow limitation ...
What do you think? Is the doctor right? No therapy for now?

Thank you very much for your attention.
Oltremare

[chunkyfrog]

Need is usually determined by the payor--(insurance, or public health program.)
The guideline of 15 is spitefully high, but if your doctor can provide documentation
that this level is a hazard to her health, you may have no option but to self-pay.

[Oltremare]

It's true Chunkyfrog, it's always a question of money but that's not our problem.
I myself have been in therapy for 4 years without any assistance program, I pay up to the last penny of all the things I use for my therapy.
I'm interested in your opinion on the report I have attached.
Looking at the report, how serious are your snoring, flow limitation, desaturation?
If the situation is risky for his health, we will look for other doctors to have clearer ideas.
I would like to know if the diagnosis is correct and if you think my wife should have a therapy.

Thank you
Oltremare

[Miss Emerita]

Oltremare, greetings from across the sea! The sleep study shows an AHI of 10.8, which in the U.S. would be classified as mild sleep apnea and treated with a PAP machine. I notice that there is a lot of snoring and flow limitation. There are a few periods when oxygen saturation levels drop below 90%. The Epworth sleepiness score is 5, which is within normal limits.

One important question is how the patient feels. Common problems arising from apnea include irritability, pessimism, impaired memory and cognition, and a strong urge to nap. These can lower the quality of life.

All in all, if this were my spouse, I would advise him to try PAP therapy, without a doubt. I’m curious what the experts here think.