Low AHI but still fatigued

The pressure increase improved my AHI quite a bit! 1.75 last night, with 10 clear airways, 3 hypopneas, and one obstructive. Hopefully the centrals go away after I get used to the higher pressure.

I still feel about the same level of fatigue, but maybe that will improve with time.

isaacsmith wrote:The pressure increase improved my AHI quite a bit! 1.75 last night, with 10 clear airways, 3 hypopneas, and one obstructive. Hopefully the centrals go away after I get used to the higher pressure.

I still feel about the same level of fatigue, but maybe that will improve with time.

That sure does look like progress. Congrats. Please post an update in a week.

Also no matter how good my therapy got I just felt fatigued during the day. Going on Modafinil for a while has helped some people go back to normal daytime functioning. So far it's been great for me. With my ADD, and general "rest seeking tendencies" that I think I picked up from having Apnea for so long, it's like the perfect anti-depressant for me (note it's not actually an anti-depressant, but it is known to raise Seritonin and dopamine levels. ). It's an "awake" promoter that is now on-label for CPAP users.

I was told today by the drs office that it takes a good 3 months to get used to all the CPAP stuff. That its not perfect. I am still tired in fact I have been like this all my life. Not sure Cpap will change anything. I do know that my Ahis are down to 2 or 3. Feeling less tired? Maybe need more time.

One week later and my average AHI is down to 1.71! Thanks everyone for the advice, I can tell an improvement in my asthma and sleep quality.

I still feel fatigued though, either it'll take time for CPAP to help or something else is the cause.

nicholasjh1 wrote:Also no matter how good my therapy got I just felt fatigued during the day. Going on Modafinil for a while has helped some people go back to normal daytime functioning. So far it's been great for me. With my ADD, and general "rest seeking tendencies" that I think I picked up from having Apnea for so long, it's like the perfect anti-depressant for me (note it's not actually an anti-depressant, but it is known to raise Seritonin and dopamine levels. ). It's an "awake" promoter that is now on-label for CPAP users.

Huh, hadn't heard of that one before. I've been hesitant to use stimulants, but Modafinil's effects look like a great counteraction to fatigue. I'll look into it, thanks.

This poster is not having RERA issues, their RERA is .5. I would try raising your minimum pressure to see if you can knock down the hypopneas without increasing your CA index.

xxyzx wrote: surprised you would use a mere cpap at all when you are so picky about a perfect mask

OP is using an apap. His very first post shows sleepyhead data with pressure set for a range of 7-20.

A lot of people refer to all versions of pap machines as cpap. It doesn't mean that they are using cpap mode. It's a generic term, such as kleenex referring to facial tissue. Even the name of the forum is cpap, even though we discuss all versions of pap.

zoocrewphoto wrote:

xxyzx wrote: surprised you would use a mere cpap at all when you are so picky about a perfect mask

OP is using an apap. His very first post shows sleepyhead data with pressure set for a range of 7-20.

A lot of people refer to all versions of pap machines as cpap. It doesn't mean that they are using cpap mode. It's a generic term, such as kleenex referring to facial tissue. Even the name of the forum is cpap, even though we discuss all versions of pap.

That's why I use XPAP, it covers the range! Jim

How hard is it to spell check and look for typos in your posts? Maybe xxyzx could even learn to even write in complete sentences. Wouldn't that be a treat!

xxyzx wrote:

Goofproof wrote:

zoocrewphoto wrote:

xxyzx wrote: surprised you would use a mere cpap at all when you are so picky about a perfect mask

OP is using an apap. His very first post shows sleepyhead data with pressure set for a range of 7-20.

A lot of people refer to all versions of pap machines as cpap. It doesn't mean that they are using cpap mode. It's a generic term, such as kleenex referring to facial tissue. Even the name of the forum is cpap, even though we discuss all versions of pap.

That's why I use XPAP, it covers the range! Jim

========

xpap is a good generic name
cpap is specific to well ... a cpap

how hard it it to say
bipap
or avap
or ASV
or whatever is actually being used

but if so then just use xpap

So says the person that uses acronyms, for his posting skills ... Jim

TASmart wrote:How hard is it to spell check and look for typos in your posts? Maybe xxyzx could even learn to even write in complete sentences. Wouldn't that be a treat!

Who do you suppose deleted this?

xxyzx wrote: xpap is a good generic name
cpap is specific to well ... a cpap

how hard it it to say
bipap
or avap
or ASV
or whatever is actually being used

but if so then just use xpap

I have difficulty understanding why this is such a large issue to you, especially considering your laid-back writing style.

CPAP is the correct term. As you will see from my initial post, the machine's name is, in fact, "Dreamstation Auto CPAP". Automatic Continuous Airway Pressure. The automatic pressure adjustment does not mean it is no longer a CPAP machine. However, I do see the benefit in using more specific terms and will endeavor to do so in the future.

xxyzx wrote:AHI has no real meaning as it is just a statistic for bureaucrats to use to see if you get a cpap

Just curious, what is your source on this? Everything I've read about sleep apnea regards AHI as a useful metric.

Isaac, Modafanil has helped me a great deal. AHI is not perfect, but it gives us a starting point. Once a person gets their AHI down, as you have, then it's possible to look at tweaks. And lastly, I advise against getting caught up in attempts to derail your thread.

AMK wrote:Isaac, Modafanil has helped me a great deal. AHI is not perfect, but it gives us a starting point. Once a person gets their AHI down, as you have, then it's possible to look at tweaks. And lastly, I advise against getting caught up in attempts to derail your thread.

Modafinil has been a HUGE help in dealing with the fatigue, even after being on APAP for almost a month. My AHI is still staying in the 4-7 range, which is much better than the 40-something my take home sleep test registered. It's partially trial and error to find that sweet, optimal spot, but I know I'll eventually get there.

AMK wrote:Isaac, Modafanil has helped me a great deal. [...]

Sunnymuffins wrote:Modafinil has been a HUGE help in dealing with the fatigue, even after being on APAP for almost a month. [...]

Thanks both of you for sharing your experiences, I'll be trying armodafinil (a modafinil variant) in a few days. Hoping I get good results as well!

AMK wrote:And lastly, I advise against getting caught up in attempts to derail your thread.

Good advice.