Strange AHI readings....

[Wildbuc]

Hi folks, I am looking for help due to elevated AHI readings in the past 2 months. Whereas for the past 2 years my AHI has averaged between 2-4 at cpap 13 lbs. pressure, my current AHI now averages between 6-18. My only theory is that I have stopped taking an anti-depressant during the past 2 months. My mind is much clearer than before and I generally feel better. My AHI readings have me very concerned and a little afraid.

A recent sleep study has indicated I have severe sleep apnea, with an untreated AHI of 48. This differs markedly from a study I had 3 years ago which found 18.6 untreated AHI. (I do admit adding 10 lbs of weight in the past 3 years.)

I'm trying everything I can think of to get my AHI lower. I am currently on a diet (Paleo) and am losing weight. I am experimenting with different masks and pressures but so far no real improvement. Tonight I will try taping my mask to control leaks, which are currently around 50 at pressure 15. My physician has recommended a pressure of 15. She has also noted that there is a dramatic difference between sleeping on my side and back, with the back position causing the bulk of the severe apnea.

I would greatly appreciated any tips, suggestions, or thoughts. If anyone knows a good sleep physician in the Greenville, NC area--or within driving distance, please let me know.

Thanks for any support, Wildbuc

[LSAT]

I think starting with the recommendations you mentioned will help. If you think you are mouth breathing, tape your mouth, use a chin strap or try a full face mask. Stay off your back..(try a fanny pack with tennis balls worn backwards).

[zoocrewphoto]

A couple things. Medicines affect how we sleep. It is possible that you are sleeping differently now without that medication, and thus your pressure needs have changed. Also, your doctor stated that your ahi is different while on your back. That usually means that your pressure needs are higher on your back. You need to talk to your doctor about getting an auto machine. Then the pressure can stay at the lower level when you don't need a lot of pressure, and then go up when you need more. Your sleep study results already show the need for a range of pressures, so it shouldn't be hard for your doctor to prescribe a better machine for you.

[Wildbuc]

Thanks so much for your responses. I will indeed try the fanny pack---haven't thought of that one. I have tried the tennis ball idea sewed into my t-shirt but have found that I wake up at night finding myself sleeping merrily along on my back.

I already have an auto machine, but have been reluctant to experiment with the settings since it took me a long time to arrive at the beneficial cpap pressure of 13. I've got to do something, however. It makes sense to me to have variable pressures to account for sleeping positions. I have begun using sleepyhead and have been dismayed to find that I have a proportionally high percentage of clear airway/central apneas. On a typical night about 75% are classified as clear airway apneas. My doctor did not mention this at all from the recent sleep study.

I am presently using the Resmed Swift FX pillows. I had high hopes for the Mirage Quattro full face mask but that caused a substantial number of leaks as well as greatly increased noise.

I won't give up until things get better.....

[jweeks]

I have begun using sleepyhead and have been dismayed to find that I have a proportionally high percentage of clear airway/central apneas. On a typical night about 75% are classified as clear airway apneas. My doctor did not mention this at all from the recent sleep study.

Hi,

Have you tried reducing your pressure? If these centrals are real (machines have a hard time scoring them correctly), and they are the type that are pressure induced, it could be that your pressure level is causing them. If you have lost some of that weight, your pressure needs might have dropped. That could open you up to having centrals showing up whereas it would have taken a much higher pressure in the past to cause them.

-john-

[zoocrewphoto]

Thanks so much for your responses. I will indeed try the fanny pack---haven't thought of that one. I have tried the tennis ball idea sewed into my t-shirt but have found that I wake up at night finding myself sleeping merrily along on my back.

I already have an auto machine, but have been reluctant to experiment with the settings since it took me a long time to arrive at the beneficial cpap pressure of 13. I've got to do something, however. It makes sense to me to have variable pressures to account for sleeping positions. I have begun using sleepyhead and have been dismayed to find that I have a proportionally high percentage of clear airway/central apneas. On a typical night about 75% are classified as clear airway apneas. My doctor did not mention this at all from the recent sleep study.

I am presently using the Resmed Swift FX pillows. I had high hopes for the Mirage Quattro full face mask but that caused a substantial number of leaks as well as greatly increased noise.

I won't give up until things get better.....

YOu might try a small range and see what the graphs show. Since you have a lot of centrals, you probably don't want to go higher first. Maybe try 11-13 and see what the graph is doing. Maybe you can get by most of the night with lower pressure and only go up when you need more. You will see if it stays at the lower end or tops out.

My own pressure is set at 11-17. It usually stays between 11 and 13, has a few spikes up to 15. On rare nights, it has a couple spikes into the upper 16s, and once (only once in over a year) has hit 17. You might be lucky and have good success at 10 or 11 most of the night, and only need a few short spikes higher up.