High AHI even with CPAP?

Hi,

I've been a CPAP user for about 9 years. I checked the statistics on my autoset CPAP this morning, and it showed that I had an AHI of 12 -- isn't that high, given I'm using an auto CPAP? The CPAP showed that the pressure adjusted up to 12.8 at its peak, and my mask leaked at a rate of .04.

I have been wondering why I've been having such a hard time getting up in the morning, and am thinking this may be it.

Is it normal to have such a high AHI? If not, what could be causing it, and what should I do?

(BTW, I don't have statistics for more than last night, because this is the first time I've used my auto CPAP in months, because it was broken. Previously, I had an AHI less than 5 or so.)

Thanks in Advance!
Kris

Kris -- Glad to hear you are back "on the hose." Must have been a bummer to have not had your machine. There are a lot of variables in trying to find a solution to help you. It would help if you would register and list your information (text, please). Also list what pressures you have your auto set on -- minimum and maximum. If you are new to the forum you will find a lot of wise folk here who will be more than willing to help you find a solution. But -- **yes** your AHI is too high. I guess the goal is 5 or below -- but many find even numbers lower than 5 are needed to really feel good. Best of luck as you get back on track with your treatment.

gertrudemcfuzz wrote:Hi,

I've been a CPAP user for about 9 years. I checked the statistics on my autoset CPAP this morning, and it showed that I had an AHI of 12 -- isn't that high, given I'm using an auto CPAP? The CPAP showed that the pressure adjusted up to 12.8 at its peak, and my mask leaked at a rate of .04.

I have been wondering why I've been having such a hard time getting up in the morning, and am thinking this may be it.

Is it normal to have such a high AHI? If not, what could be causing it, and what should I do?

(BTW, I don't have statistics for more than last night, because this is the first time I've used my auto CPAP in months, because it was broken. Previously, I had an AHI less than 5 or so.)

Thanks in Advance!
Kris

I assume your AHI of 12 was the reading for the first night you used your Auto CPAP in some time because it had been broken. One night is not a good measure. Keep using it and let us know if that number comes down. I'd give it a minimum of 2 weeks.

Just for clarification, I was using a different, non-auto cpap for the past several months. (however, it was set on pressure of 11.) The AHI was from my first night back on my auto machine. My min was 4 and my max was 18.

My auto machine is a Resmed S8 auto, and I use the Mirage Swift II nasal pillows.

Thanks again!

gertrudemcfuzz wrote:Just for clarification, I was using a different, non-auto cpap for the past several months. (however, it was set on pressure of 11.) The AHI was from my first night back on my auto machine. My min was 4 and my max was 18.

My auto machine is a Resmed S8 auto, and I use the Mirage Swift II nasal pillows.

Thanks again!

THAT is why your AHI is so high. If your loaner machine was set on 11, that's where I'd suggest setting your Auto (CPAP Mode)......and see how the numbers look.


Den

Despite the manufacturer's hopes (and PR) automatic machines are not that good at pre-empting breathing disturbances when the minmum pressure is set too far from the optimum.

So, once again, ( ) I agree with Den . Start your return to therapy by setting your machine at what you had on your fixed pressure - and note your AHI on that for a week or two.

Based on you results at 11, you can start figuring how to use the automatic capabilities to make your therapy more comfortable. Automatic pressure adjustment works great for some people - and doesn't work at all for others....

O.

Thanks again for the responses. My auto machine has always been set to a minimum of 4 and (before it broke) I had AHIs below 5. Last night I set it at minimum of 11 and had 14.9 AHI