New User-need help with data card?

Hi
I am a new user-1 month, have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and am not getting any results. I sleep about 5 hours a night with or without the CPAP.

The data card reads that AHI is 3. I thought this was good. When I asked the Dr, she said they dont use this information because it is not accurate. I called the company and the equipment rep, both were less than helpful

Does anyone have experience with these cards and their accuracy?

Thanks
Bob

Machine-Respironics-Remstar Pro
Heated Humidifier
Nasal Pillows

bobnewuser wrote:Hi
I am a new user-1 month, have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and am not getting any results. I sleep about 5 hours a night with or without the CPAP.

The data card reads that AHI is 3. I thought this was good. When I asked the Dr, she said they dont use this information because it is not accurate. I called the company and the equipment rep, both were less than helpful

Does anyone have experience with these cards and their accuracy?

Thanks
Bob

Machine-Respironics-Remstar Pro
Heated Humidifier
Nasal Pillows

Hi Bob.

Welcome to the forum.
Your AHI is good and it sounds like you're doing well. You didn't mention whether you had the software to read your card or if someone else read it for you. I hope you have the software......it'll allow you to get good control of your therapy. Be sure to keep an eye on your leak data, too.

Actually, the vast majority of the users on the forum use the software to download their data and see how they're doing.

Your doctor's response is not at all unusual. In fact, it's a rare doctor that DOES accept the data. However, short of a sleep study every night (all wired up), it's the closest thing we have to go by. Yes, virtually all the data collected by the machines is based on "air flow" (our breathing), but when used over a period of time, it does give us pretty good information. Remember, these machines had to be approved by the FDA and the manufacturers tested them extensively to determine their accuracy before putting them on the market.
The sleep doctors don't want us to be able to take charge of our own therapy......it means more money for them and they'll have control over us. Our philosophy here is just the opposite......it's the users who need to take control.....after all, it's OUR therapy......not theirs.

Hang in there. You'll do fine.


Den

Thanks for your response Den
No-I do not have the software
The leaks actually were 0

It feels like exactly what you are saying about the doctor, she really doesn't want me to understand what's going on by her answers or lack of them. It is very frustrating

Bob