Help!

jmarcol · Post by **jmarcol** » Tue May 10, 2005 2:21 pm

Can someone please explain to me what my sleep diagnostic test results mean. Apneas 6.4 per hr - Hypopneas 2.3 per hr - AHI/RDI 8.6 per Hr.
They told me I have "mild sleep apnea" and suggested I had surgery or buy a cpap machine. I chose to pay $900 for the machine but I am having a hell of a time getting used to wearing the mask at night. Also, I have been using the humidifier but my mouth still feels very dry during the night. I feel more tired now than before I started on cpap (I am sure you have heard this many times before). I guess my question to you all is: How bad is a case of mild sleep apnea? Do I need to use the machine all the time? I got a wedged pillow and I don't snore nearly as much as before but I don't know if no snoring means no sleep apneas. Please help!

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Tue May 10, 2005 2:44 pm

6.4 apneas = the average # of times your airway was closed .

2.3 hypopnias = the average # of partial closures or reduced airflow of airway.

AHI 8.6 is the above combined.

Your mouth may be open causing dryness. You will learn to keep it closed . Some use tape!

Cheers,

Chris

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Tue May 10, 2005 3:25 pm

Use the machine you bought, in the long run it will save your life. You may have to experiment with interfaces that work for you. The Remed Activa is the most popular mask and the Swift seems to be the favorite nasal pillow but their are proponents for many others. stay with it, you will get used to it. I can't sleep without it now and my spouse sures gets her sleep now as I don't snore at all and i used to shake the house.