AHI Interpretation on Machine

[Catlady]

Have a question about the AHI reading on the machine - when it gives the number (an average) of AHIs, say 2.5 for instance, does that mean that EVEN though I am on the machine, I still had an average of 2.5 apneas, OR does it mean that I had 2.5 apneas that were remedied by the machine and thus I didn't really have any? Am confused as to why I would have ANY while using the machine!

[moresleep]

I'm afraid the reported AHI is referring to the apneas and hypopneas you still have, even with the machine. Cpap is the "gold standard" for treating sleep apnea, but it's far from a perfect treatment. Also, fine tuning of the machine settings and things having to do with you, such as mask, leaks, controlling nasal congestion, mouth breathing, etc., are often needed to get the most out of Cpap therapy.

What is your AHI? Do you know what it was on your first sleep study, before Cpap? Those two figures will give you a good picture of how well Cpap is working.

[bdp522]

AHI = the number of apneas and hypopneas divided by the number of hours the machine was used.
Your machine is telling you that you had an average of 2.5 apneas and/or hypopneas for that sleep session. Of course if you had a lot of large leaks that data would most likely be wrong. Any AHI under 5 is considered normal. It is possible to get a lower AHI(I'm always under 1.0 and mostly under .5), and some people need a lower AHI to feel really good. If your leaks are good (0 leak or close to it) and you're feeling good, I'd leave it alone. If you feel the need to experiment with different pressures...go ahead, many of us do. I have yet to hear from anyone who gets 0.0 AHI all the time.

Brenda

[Cat Lady]

Thanks for the reply. My AHI at the sleep study was 18 and now is down to about 2.5 after 6 weeks of CPAP (although I have seen a lower average at times). The dr. seemed very happy with the numbers but it just seemed to me that I shouldn't be having any apneas - didn't think to ask him this question when I was there a week ago! I don't have any mask leaks and am taping my mouth shut so no mouth breathing. Also have the nasal congestion under control with a steroid spray that is working wonders.

[apneawho]

Cat lady,
You will very rarely, if at all, have zero AHI. Even people who don't have sleep apnea may have a rare one during the night.
Sounds like you are doing great. Congratulations.

[Mary Z]

Catlady, as stated before, you're doing great. Very rarely does someone have 0 AHI. Even regular folks probably have some. Under 5 is that magic number and you may find your AHI improves over time.
Good luck, keep us posted.