What does 'mild apnea' mean?

NapsWithRabbits · Post by **NapsWithRabbits** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 3:53 pm

Hi everyone, I've been reading for a little while and learning lots! I'm two weeks into a one-month rental (first week a remstar auto, now a straight cpap at 10, comfort classic mask) and have several questions... I'll try to ask them one at a time

I had a sleep study, where sleep apnea was diagnosed but cpap wasn't tried. From there I was referred to a respirologist, who discussed apnea and wrote a prescription. I have what I believe is a good DME... something I understand is a rarity?
The respirologist said that my apnea is 'mild', and that I might or might not see a difference in my energy levels (my main complaint) with cpap, and that I should rent a machine for a while and then decide if I wanted to continue treatment.

My question is, huh?
Doesn't this condition need to be treated?
Or does 'mild' mean that it's not doing any damage to me, and it's safe not to treat it?
My AHI was 24, and my oxygen level stayed nice and high... 97% Is it the lack of oxygen that causes problems?

Thanks for reading all that

Naps

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 4:32 pm

I think I'd want to have a copy of the sleep study report. You can get a copy of it from your doctor. AHI of 24 and oxygen levels staying up at 97% while sleeping sound odd.

I'm not a doctor, but I personally wouldn't view an AHI of 24 during a sleep study to be something a doctor should tell a patient "try this and then decide if you want to continue treatment or not", regardless of how well the oxygen levels stayed up during the study. I'd definitely use xpap ("x" standing in for any kind of cpap machine - cpap, bipap, autopap) and I'd use it from now on, even if I didn't see much change in my energy level for a long time.

Hypoxia during apnea/hypopnea episodes is usually the most damaging problem, but even if there wasn't much drop in oxygen, an AHI of 24 means that your sleep is probably being disturbed considerably. Cpap can prevent those disturbing events.

This biggest danger I see in the kind of "try this for a week or two and see what you think" advice by the respirologist is that cpap therapy in and of itself can also cause sleep disturbances and awakenings while we are getting used to a whole new way to try to sleep. At first, we often are trading one kind of sleep disturbance (apneas and hypopneas) for another kind of sleep disturbance (all the gear associated with the treatment - uncomfortable first masks, leaks, noises, straps, air blowing, mouth/nose drying out etc.) Can take a LOT longer than just a week or two trial to get all the pieces of the puzzle in place, and finally be getting treatment that doesn't disturb one's sleep almost as much as the sleep disorder itself. Unless a person is very, very lucky with first machine and mask, it can take a long time and a lot of changes (especially in finding the right mask) before a person even has a chance to start seeing real results from this kind of treatment. It's worth it, imho, to stick with it.

Hugh Jass · Post by **Hugh Jass** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 9:23 am

I was told anything above AHI of 15 was moderate.

Your oxygen levels may be good, but you may still be sufferring with repeated arousals during the night (which in your case would be every 2.5 minutes assuming your brain is "awakened" with each episode).

Interrupted sleep such as your can still cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, etc.

NapsWithRabbits · Post by **NapsWithRabbits** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 4:32 pm

Thanks, guys.

After doing some reading here, I sure feel better prepared to ask good questions at my follow-up with respirologist!

Naps

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Fri Jan 07, 2005 5:01 pm

Hi N w/ R,

My AHI is 12 and I had excesive daytime sleepiness (before I got my auto-pap) As I understand it an AHI of 15 or above means automatic treatment. Between 4-15 along with other conditons such as the sleepiness or hypertension etc... is also an indication for treatment. Sounds like maybe your "respirologist is just trying to lower your expectations.

How's that comfort classic? I used that mask for my titration an it leaked like a sive and woke me a number of times. Needless to say I did not choose to buy that mask for my treatment.

NapsWithRabbits · Post by **NapsWithRabbits** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 7:22 pm

Oh, the comfort classic is a real joy to use. It leaks, it hurts, it's noisy... a real delight.

Like many on this board, I just took the mask I was given. If I buy when the trial period is over (which I think I will), I will definitely be getting a different mask!
After doing lots of reading here, and elsewhere, I've decided I want to try the Breeze and the 'lovesick octopus'

Naps

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 7:30 pm

Hi nwr,

Good choice on the masks.. you won't be disapointed. I would recommend you go back to an Auto-pap when you do purchase. They can be set to a fixed pressure if you so desire. You will have all the cpap capabilities you'll ever need Really...choose an auto-pap...again you won't be disapointed.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jan 08, 2005 9:02 pm

Au-to , Au-to, Au-to, Au-to, Au-to, Au-to, Au-to, Au-to, Aut-o, Au-to, Au-to, Au-to, Au-to

NapsWithRabbits · Post by **NapsWithRabbits** » Sun Jan 09, 2005 1:37 am

lol, guest!

You bet, I am convinced that auto is the way to go! My first choice is the PB 420E, because I like the sound of its software. Like many of you, I'm 'nosy' and like to know what's going on, and I really prefer to have and active and informed role in my health care.

You guys have been a huge help, and reading everything here makes me feel MUCH more informed.

I fear finding out what all this is going to cost, but I know that it's well worth it. Besides, spending that much money will be all the more incentive to keep using the thing!

Naps