I'm a 21-year-old male, 175 cm tall, and my weight stays around 72-74 kg. I recently did an at-home sleep study (attached) that showed a low AHI but a high RDI, meaning a lot of RERAs. I'm really new to CPAP and have some questions.
My Experience:
- Without EPR: My AHI drops to 1-2, but I feel terrible – exhausted during the day.
- With EPR: My AHI goes up, mostly due to central apneas, but I feel a little better overall. Not sure if the EPR is just helping mask the RERAs.
Background:
- I've had excessive daytime sleepiness for as long as I can remember.
- Been taking ADHD stimulants since late 2022.
- Diagnosed with sleep apnea in February 2024.
- Been using Resmed 10 APAP for three months (end of February till now).
- I have chronic nasal congestion and a slightly deviated septum.
- Currently using a nasal mask, but a full face mask is on the way.
- Tried cervical collar and it helps a little bit to lower the AHI (the obstructive events though, not the central ones).
- Planning to get a DJS and septoplasty in 2025.
- Could the EPR be making the central apneas worse?
- Is it possible that I'm feeling better with EPR on because it's actually treating the RERAs better, even though the AHI looks higher?
- Any tips for dealing with the RERAs in the meantime? Would different pressure settings help?
- Does this look anything like UARS? What can I do or try in the meantime?
Thanks in advance!
https://imgur.com/gallery/epr-off-epr-on-5D2BXHV
NEW LINK UPDATED: https://imgur.com/a/5D2BXHV
https://imgur.com/a/HfNq2Ub