What is AHI? Mine was 49.7!

[fotoguy]

This morning I awoke feeling very sleepy and had serious bags under both eyes. When I checked my report, it said my AHI was 49.7. I know that's high, but what exactly is it?

My apnea index was 47.9, obstructive was 43.9, and central was 4.0. I still feel lousy and it's evening already.

Any help would be appreciated.

Here's a pic:

[LSAT]

AI = Apnia index
HI = Hypopnia Index
AHI = AI + HI

47 is VERY HIGH when using a CPAP
Acceptable = <5

Read the information at the light bulb at the top of this page

[fotoguy]

Thanks, LSAT! The light bulb offered lots of great info.

[fotoguy]

I also wanted to say that this is exactly why these machines should not even be sold without the software. We should know what's going on with our health on a daily basis - especially for us beginners who don't have a long history to rely on what's going to happen next.

[okitoki]

wow... thats a lot....

is your pressure set up correctly?
did something different happen last night? like having alcohol, heavy meals or cigarettes before bed time?

[fotoguy]

The pressure is just as the doctor ordered. The only thing different last night is that I got a new full face mask. The apnea index and snoring seem to be related. I've felt horrible all day today and I've been having mild chest pains (but I'm not going to the hospital). Oh, I don't drink or smoke and I've been on a diet so no heavy meal.

[okitoki]

im no expert in this, but did you have good result with your old mask before?

[fotoguy]

I didn't sleep more than a couple hours those first couple of nights. The next two nights I couldn't wear it because I just can't get enough air through my nose only.

[okitoki]

i had the same issue when I was using the nose pillow with not getting enough air... as I was using ramping, I turned my starting pressure from 5cm up to 6cm... and that helped alot...
some people here starts with 9cm... so maybe your starting pressure might need to be higher to make it more comfortable?

[fotoguy]

I start at 5, ramping 15 minutes to 9.

[SleepingUgly]

What are your leak rates like?

[fotoguy]

Leak: Median-2.4, 95th Percentile-19.2, Maximum-25.2.

I just remembered I didn't shave yesterday and had a bit of stubble, if that makes it leak.

And wasn't Zoe Saldana still sexy, even with a funky face and blue skin?

[sleepmba]

What do you have your humidifier set at? Maybe a little experimentation with that is in order. Good Luck!

[fotoguy]

Last night my AHI was 24.6 with practically no leakage. Again today I feel horrible! I'm so tired! I called the DME and was told it can take a couple months to get used to CPAP, but I don't think that's the problem. Also, when I woke up, I had to immediately take the mask off as I was having trouble breathing. This CPAP thing isn't off to a very good start.

[LSAT]

I am certainly no expert, but you said that your CPAP starts ramping at 5 and goes up to 9 and then later you say that your 95th percentile is 19.2......Something doesn't sound right.