Understanding Efficacy Data

bearcatx16 · Post by **bearcatx16** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 11:37 am

Until I starting reading this board I did not know you were supposed to know/understand this info. I didn't eve know what it was. Thanks for the enlightenment, now I know but I don't understand the readings.

Here are last nights reading using the ResMed S8 Elite w/no humidifier and the Activa Nasal Mask. My first mask was the Activa, 1st of Jan. switched to the Swift, it froze my nose and could not find a happy medium for heat. Tonight I will had H & H to the Activa.

Settings 8.4-12.4 with a 20min. ramp and EPR of 3.

Useage 2.45 hrs. (I am back to limited use of cpap, even though I have slept the night through in the past)
Leak 0.60L/s (think that =s 36L/m)
AHI 6.1 (know what it is but don't know if it is good or bad)
AI .3 (same as above)
HI 5.8 (same as above)

Thanks for help in understanding this data, I will not give up on cpap even though I don't normally sleep an entire night. I had the system to practeice with for 5 months and have been using it with settings for 4 months. My cpap setting from my sleep Dr. was 11cm but I started gasping for air (I know, don't mess with the settings) it is now 12.4 and I don't gasp. My next appt with sleep Dr. is 02/27

God Bless!

X16

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 5:16 pm

Your data looks very good

AI of under 1.0 is what most folk dream of

The HI number as is usually the case with Resmed machines is high but still no problem. Resmed machines will as a general rule will score higher HI numbers than say a Respironics machine & this is to do with how each brand monitors the overall airflow. That HI number if you have 0 leak, is going to be very accurate.

HI is the hypopnea index & these are measured flow limitations (reduction in your breathing as you sleep).

The general rule of thumb for scoring a HI is if the airflow reduces by 50% for more than 10 secs (not everyone accepts this particular definition but it is a good general rule).

The AI index is the measure of zero airflow (Obstructive Apnea).

So your readings look very good. If you are feeling good then that is the best indicator. If you weren't (or aren't) feeling good with results like these, the suggestion might be that the CMS setting is a tad too low.

DSM

bearcatx16 · Post by **bearcatx16** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 7:30 pm

dsm:

Thanks for the information. I am slowly but surely getting an understanding of what is going on.

X16

pedroski · Post by **pedroski** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 7:56 pm

Good going bearcat.

Like Doug said, your AI figure is excellent. Your leak rate seems a little high to me. Out of interest I use a Swift too, but am only new to this an dhave only used it in summer, but I still like the humidifier cranked right up because it's very dry, but it feels nice and warm on my nose. I hope it's the same in winter.

Cheers

Peter