Is it bad that I'm this clueless????

[krystal]

Ok, after reading several threads, I feel like a complete bonehead about my apnea! For example...what's AHI? why do some machines have software? what's the difference in APAP vs. CPAP? what're all those other numbers you all are talking about????

All I know is that during my first sleep study, I had 103 episodes per hour. After the second sleep study with the cpap, I had about 8 an hour. They prescribed a cpap machine, the guy brought it my house, I tried several masks 'til we found one that fit right, he set up the machine & showed me how it worked & how to change the heat on it. He also showed me how to check to see how many hours (or something) I've used it (I never check this anymore, only did it once or twice) and that's about it. I do have the manual that comes with it but I never look at it. Should I know more about my apnea...all those numbers? Should I know more about my machine?

[Goofproof]

Only if you remain clueless, we all started that way.

AHI is the number of times per hour you have breath stoppages. (BAD)
AHI under 5, is the goal, under 1 is great.

There are Smart and dumb machines, dumb machines are dumb and don't use software.

CPAP treats at a set pressure, APAP is Smarter, it treats at the least pressure you need to keep your airway open. The lower pressure the less problems.

It's your life, Apnea is a very important health problem. The better it's treated the longer you get to live and enjoy life, maybe. Jim

[krystal]

Jim, thanks for the Apnea 101 class! I've been using my cpap machine for a year now and with all the drama going on in my life, I'm back to taking the mask off in my sleep. I guess I never knew I was this clueless about my apnea until I found this site just the other day. I just moved halfway across the country and haven't gotten a new doc in my area yet so maybe I should call my doc back in Florida and get a copy of my sleep studies so I can find out all my numbers and stuff.

[Offerocker]

krystal:

Click on the yellow lightbulb at the top of the page, and it will take you to much information.
familiarize yourself with the different types of machines and their features.
Have your doctor/respiratory therapist sit down with you and go over the results of your sleep study. They should take the time to explain the meanings of the terms shown, and their interrelationship. It is a LOT to digest at once; take notes.
Do a lot of reading here; maybe pick a particular topic and try to read all you can about that subject until you feel comfortable with it, then go on to another question you have, etc. It seems to never-ending for me! The more you learn, the more information you seek answers to.

Fill out your profile, with the name & type of machine you have, etc. Then when you have specific questions (not that general ones aren't OK), someone will be able to answer you more easily.

You've come to the right place for answers.
As Goofproof said, we all started out "clueless".

We are each unique here, with different situations and interests, and many 'researchers', so you'll find that most questions will be answered by someone who has had experience in that area. Glad to have you here!

[Snoredog]

DEFINITIONS:
APNEA = cessation of airflow for 10 seconds or greater.
HYPOPNEA =>50% decrease in airflow for 10 seconds or greater with a decrease in oxygen saturation of >3%.
APNEA/HYPOPNEA INDEX (AHI) = apnea plus (+) HYPOPNEA/hour of sleep.
RESPIRATORY AROUSAL INDEX (RAI) = AHI +snoring related EEG arousals/hour of sleep.
AHI/RAI** Scale =<5 events /hour = (none); 5-15 events/hour = (mild); 15-30 events/hour = (moderate); >30 events/hour = (severe).
Respiratory related sleep fragmentation: Sleep arousals due to respiratory events or snoring.
Desaturation = Drop in O2 oximetry distribution saturation by 3% below average saturation.
SaO2 scale: >89%=(none); 85-89%=(mild);80-84%=(moderate); <80% (severe).
EPWORTH SLEEPINESS SCALE =<10=(does not indicate EDS (Excessive Daytime Somnolence));10-15=(indicates daytime somnolence-not excessive);>16 (indicates EDS).
RESPIRATORY EFFORT RELATED AROUSALS (RERAs)=Sleep Arousals due to respiratory events characterized by pressure flow limitations in the airflow indicator channel without significant O2 desaturations.
StageIII and StageIV are combined and referred to as Deep Sleep.
Sleep Efficiency = Normal is >80%

[rested gal]

krystal, we were all "there" at one time when we began taking an interest in what these machines do and what various terms mean.

Here are some links that may help explain some of the stuff you see people posting about:

Types of machines:
viewtopic.php?p=56836
"Whats the differences in BIPAP, XPAP, APAP, CFLEX"

Common abbreviations and definitions:
viewtopic.php?t=14902
"Learning lexicon of cpap terms"

http://www.smart-sleep-apnea.blogspot.com
Mile High Sleeper's great information resource for cpap users.

[Slinky]

Krystal, I think we all seek and set at our own comfort level of knowledge about our health.

You've noticed the important thing: you've recently resorted to taking your mask off at night again after being on PAP for a year.

You're on the right track: call and get your sleep and titration study results, and be sure to ask for the full report, data, graphs, not just the dictated report. Then take it to a good sleep doctor, go over those results w/him and explain what's happening now.

A new sleep titration study or at least a couple of weeks on an AutoPap to see where you are at now w/needed pressures, etc. would seem to be indicated.

Good luck, God bless and have a Merry (and hopefully restful) Christmas.

[peggyb]

Thanks SO much for asking these questions! It's weird because just last night I was thinking of asking the same thing. Now I know more about what's going on - and I'll have to ask for copies, too.

[DreamStalker]

Think of apnea as a life-long illness similar to diabetes. The apnea patient has as much or more responsibility over their treatment than their healthcare provider(s). The patient must educate his/her self about their illness and also monitor (and in some cases take charge of) the treatment. This forum is a very good place for both information and support … Welcome to the group and best of luck with your treatment.

[TXKajun]

To quote someone who sounds pretty wise (don't remember exactly who, though)

"The only dumb question is the one that isn't asked!"

Welcome to the forum ALL you new folks! Ask away and don't be shy.

Kajun

[justplainbill]

Krystal-
In addition to the other valuable tips that others have posted, it seems like you are recently having problems (exemplified with removing your mask at night). I have a CPAP machine similar to yours (the F & P 234, which is very like yours but without the heated hose). If you are living at much of an altitude, your CPAP machine does have a manual altitude adjustment (described in your mnaual) that allows you to set altitude at 1500 foot increments (0/sea level, 1500 ft., 3000 ft., etc.). This is supposed to "fine tune" the pressure if you travel (or, in this case, move). You might try this feature if you are now living at an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level or higher, to see if this helps with your problem.

You can also scan the display if you want to find your pressure setting, your altitude setting, or (I believe) your humidifier setting. Your model machine does not record other than compliance data (hours used and hours per night). It does not auto-titrate (adjust pressure depending on your need) and it is not cqapable of delivering more than a single pressure. It is a top-notch machine in terms of handling humidity while minimizing rain-out.

Best wishes and good luck,
Bill

[blarg]

Everyone covered your initial questions very well. Know that you're already much more advanced than many because you took the time to ask.