Seeking help with RESMED AUTO SPIRIT readings

Hey Guys,

Well, it has been a week since I switched from CPAP to APAP. The machine I received was the RESMED AUTO SPIRIT. I wanted to get the REMSTAR AUTO w/ C-FLEX, but the RT at the DME (AMERICAN HOMEPATIENT) stated that it would be very "difficult" to get "that particular machine." She went on to say that she could set me up with the RESMED equivalent (this DME seems to really push RESMED products.

I seem to be getting along with it (my only complaint is that damned humidaire 2i is much more difficult to deal with than the one made by RESPIRONICS) fine.

On to the subject where i need help. When I had my sleep study, the Sleep lab wrote that the CPAP machine should be set at 12. I wanted to try an APAP so when I switched, the doctor wrote a script for the pressure to be set at 5 - 15 and that is where the RT set it at. I have been viewing the efficacy data and the data is as follows:

Pressure: 15
Leak: 0.28 L/s
AHI: 4.6
AI: 0.1
HI: 4.4

I use a RESMED ACTIVA mask. It seems to work for me.

Would this data indicate that my pressure readings need to be tweaked?
What should the AHI be to say that I was receiving excellent therapy?
Should I be concerned with the HI at that level.
Does the Pressure mean that the machine is at 15 most of the night?

I plan on getting the software when I can save up enough money so I can visualize the info better.

Any thoughts on my questions would be greatly appreciated.

The Spirit is a good unit. I don't like it because it doesn't run from 12 Volts directly.

You need to start looking at the Apnia and hypopnia indices seperately. Yours indicates 0.1 apneas, Great ! 4.4 Hypopnias, Not so great, but ok. This may be improved by raising the lower pressure . I say may because it didn't work for me with the Spirit. I had to change to GK420E. Raise the pressure about .5 each week. Keep track of how you feel. It will take a while to get the best results. Software may help speed the process.

I'm no expert . It works for me.

:twis ted:

The 15 is the highest pressure you hit during the night. Until you get the software you won't be able to tell the duration at that presure.