How to lower AHI?

[DigiSage]

I'm on a quest to get my AHI lower. As of right now I'm between 2 and 3, which I realize is 'acceptable' but I'd like to try and get it lower anyway.

I use the Nasal-Aire II and a Respironics M-Series with A-flex & heated humidifier. I use Encore Pro.

I have my machine set to C-flex mode (I didn't like A-flex). I started with the default pressure in apap mode, which was 4.5. The machine automatically ramped it up to about 11 during the night on average, so I've been gradually raising the starting pressure, right now its at 10.5. Depending on my day, etc, the machine may ramp it up as high as 12.5.

Should I increase the low-end pressure more? I've tried different humidifier settings, I'm at 1 right now (5 is the max) which seems to be the best for me. My mask works pretty well I think, Encore Pro says max leak is 56 with average 90% leak at 39.

Any suggestions?

[EricF]

10.5 to 12 is a good range ...

The humidifier has nothing to do with your AHI ....

39% leakage at 90% is correct but can be lowered ...

May be you can adjust your mask to get little less AHI ...

2 to 3 is really good ... I never get under 4.5 yet!!

[Snoredog]

the only way you can lower your AHI any lower than the auto algorythm allows is by bumping up the Minimum or bottom pressure.

But that many times is not such a great idea, it results in:

-higher pressure
-creates more noise from the machine
-adds discomfort when falling asleep

Other than just obtaining a zero AHI you probably won't feel any better which makes the exercise kinda mute.

it is very difficult to maintain that night after night, have a single glass of wine with dinner and you can toss that AHI out the window.

Nothing wrong with an AHI of 2 or 3, those can easily be made up of residual HI which don't mean anything.