AHI confusion

Namovicz · Post by **Namovicz** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 8:23 am

I contacted my DME about getting an APAP. While I am doing better over-all since I started on the CPAP I still have days when I feel like I slept without the machine at all. I believe that there might be days when I just sleep differently and might have different pressure needs. He came over to check out the machine and discovered that my AHI had risen from a 30 average of 2.0 to the 7 day average of 2.5 and he suggested I call the Doc to discuss with him. NOW today the 7 day reading is 1.5 and the 30 day reading is 1.8. What gives? Is it normal for there to be such changes? Are these numbers bad or is a reading of 2.5 normal?

mindy · Post by **mindy** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 8:32 am

Hi,

Those numbers aren't "bad" but it's a bit more complex than that. An AHI below 5.0 is supposed to mean that sleep apnea is under good control. However, if you are having large leaks, I gather than (some) machines stop recording events. So checking your leak rates is important.

Also, AHI will vary from night to night.

I'm getting the impression that each of us feels "good" at a different AHI threshold although that could also be due to leaks and other factors, including normal variation.

I'm sure others will add more info.

Mindy

curtcurt46 · Post by **curtcurt46** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 10:18 am

Mindy has some very good point to consider.

One other thing to consider is the amount of therapy sleep hours. Are you spending the right amount of time sleeping that is right for you. I know on many of the days I don't feel my best, I didn't spending enough time sleeping. Recent sleep reserach shows most adult folks don't get the correct amount of sleep needed. It all goes bad to a fast paced life style many folks are used too. I believe many of us cpappers also suffer from being on the fast track some part of the time.

Low AHI's, with low leak rates, and the correct amount of sleep should yield good results provided there are no other medical issue not being addressed.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 11:58 am

The only way to get true data is from a XPAP that collects it and the software and reader. Your machine doesn't support the software data collection.

Use of the LCD data can be miss-leading at best, wrong at worst. If you are mouthleaking the numbers will be wrong either way. I would take steps to remove the chance of mouthbreathing if I didn't have a option to record my treatment nightly. (A FF mask) Jim

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 6:35 pm

Thanks for the input. I am getting about 7.5 to 8 hours of sleep per night. I used to get more like 6 hours a night. I finally had to give in and set a scheduled bedtime to make a point of getting more sleep. T.V. shows that I liked were always on at 10. The DVR takes care of that problem. Maybe the 8 hours is not enough.

I really would love to get a better machine. If my Dr. changes my prescription it might happen. We'll have to see.

I am pretty sure I am not mouth breather. I clench my teeth so hard I wake up with sometimes wake up with sore jaws. That, in itself, probably does not help my sleep either. I need a bite block but that is cost prohibitive at this point.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sun Nov 11, 2007 7:15 pm

There are cheap mouthguards available. I've seen some post who have used them. Some are called "boil & bite".

Den