Curing Apnea events presumably during REM sleep

[scrapper]

Looking at my data from the detailed graphs with the ResScan software, I'm getting my AI/AHI relatively low--usually less than 7, often less than 5; but during the night I'm seeing several apneas that are lasting 25-35 seconds coresponding sometimes to cycles of REM sleep.....and consistently around 4 am.

My ResMed S8 AutoSet II is currently set in a range of 10-18, with average pressures 14-16. Leaks are minimal--usually 0.

The graphs don't surprise me, as I frequently wake up or remember nightmares around or after these same time frames. I know that something is happening, without reviewing the numbers. The numbers only confirm what is happening.

Being in my second month of treatment, I'm trying to honor my doctor's wisdom and expertise and allow him to direct my healthcare (as long as he's moving in the direction that I think he should be, given the "vast" education all of you have provided me)........

What are the possible answers to these questions? A closer range maybe? Higher pressure?

[Wulfman]

Looking at my data from the detailed graphs with the ResScan software, I'm getting my AI/AHI relatively low--usually less than 7, often less than 5; but during the night I'm seeing several apneas that are lasting 25-35 seconds coresponding sometimes to cycles of REM sleep.....and consistently around 4 am.

My ResMed S8 AutoSet II is currently set in a range of 10-18, with average pressures 14-16. Leaks are minimal--usually 0.

The graphs don't surprise me, as I frequently wake up or remember nightmares around or after these same time frames. I know that something is happening, without reviewing the numbers. The numbers only confirm what is happening.

Being in my second month of treatment, I'm trying to honor my doctor's wisdom and expertise and allow him to direct my healthcare (as long as he's moving in the direction that I think he should be, given the "vast" education all of you have provided me)........

What are the possible answers to these questions? A closer range maybe? Higher pressure?

These two lines I have in bold, strike me as being somewhat contradictory. You're honoring your "doctor's wisdom and expertise", but yet you're asking US questions.......???

OK. First of all, what are the make-up of your AHI numbers? (Particularly the AI number.)

Your Auto is in the range of 10 - 18. ResMed Autos aren't going to chase (singular) apneas above the 10 cm. level, so there are apparently some events that are causing your pressure to rise to the 14 - 16 level. It could be snores, flow limitations or leaks.....but you say your leaks are very good, so those may not be the reason. I see you have the ResScan software in your profile......what do you see in your reports?


Den

[scrapper]

It's harder to relate one's sense of humor and sarcasm in print Den.........yes, I am "honoring the physician's wisdom", as long as he's in line with what you are teaching me or I'm finding in the research...........only because, being a newbie, I must see the physician to get the lifetime prescription at 60-90 days to satisfy the insurance company............. there's nothing wrong with faxing the doctor information inbetween the initial prescription and that 60-90 day visit to discuss optimal treatment options......

and so, as a part of my own advocacy, I seek your expertise and wisdom........such as it is

The AI number was 2.2 last night, as an example.......what else should I consider?

[Wulfman]

It's harder to relate one's sense of humor and sarcasm in print Den.........yes, I am "honoring the physician's wisdom", as long as he's in line with what you are teaching me or I'm finding in the research...........only because, being a newbie, I must see the physician to get the lifetime prescription at 60-90 days to satisfy the insurance company............. there's nothing wrong with faxing the doctor information inbetween the initial prescription and that 60-90 day visit to discuss optimal treatment options......

and so, as a part of my own advocacy, I seek your expertise and wisdom........such as it is

The AI number was 2.2 last night, as an example.......what else should I consider?

Don't take it the wrong way......some of us have warped senses of humor.

What was the "breakdown" of the 2.2 AHI? AI? HI? (by the way, that's a good number)


Den

[DoriC]

and so, as a part of my own advocacy, I seek your expertise and wisdom........such as it is

Don't take it the wrong way......some of us have warped senses of humor.

Den

Now that is FUNNY!

[scrapper]

I think most of us have warped senses of humor........comes from the years lacking oxygen in our sleep........some things we cannot change!

[Hawthorne]

The OP said that 2.2 was her AI not her AHI. Just clarifying.

[Wulfman]

The OP said that 2.2 was her AI not her AHI. Just clarifying.

Thanks, Hawthorne. I was being prodded to go shopping this morning and obviously didn't read that well enough. Sorry 'bout that, scrapper.

Scrapper,

An AI of 2.2 may be a little high, but if you've just started therapy, it can take a little time to see some optimal numbers. And, insufficient pressure (or other things) could account for those apnea events.

Did you get a copy of your sleep study?
Were there any Central Apneas noted?
In what positions do you sleep? (sleeping on one's back could also account for clusters of (or several) apneas)
Did your doctor choose this pressure range as your treatment therapy or is he trying to find a better range or trying to zero in on a better single pressure?
(in your reports) Are you seeing any snores, flow limitations/hypopneas above 10 cm.? If so, Is there a pressure at which they cease? Are there any of those (previously-named) events in the area where you see the "clusters" of apneas? And, what happens in the way of pressure changes when you see those clusters occurring?

How soon are you supposed to go back to your doctor? (you mentioned something about 60 - 90 days)

Are you on this Auto "permanently" or are they just loaning it to you for a few months to see what your reports show?

Well, that's about all the questions I can think of at this time......from my "experience" (not "expertise").


Den