AHI Readings Appear High - New to OSA

[Ken Middleton]

I was diagnosed with OSA January 2016. I just received my CPAP last week. In addition to seep apena I was tested for Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) the following day. The doctor is thinking Narcolepsy (considering my history along with the results – I fell asleep each session within minutes and slept the entire time, I believe there were 5 sessions for the day. Anyway, I digress.

During the initial test (first night) my oxygen saturation was as low as 73 percent with 84 events resulting in desaturation less than 90 percent. Total sleep time was 10.1 hours. Sleep onset latency was 3.5 minutes. My REM onset latency was markedly delayed at 380.5 minutes.

I’m using a Respironics DreamStation with a Heated Humidifier and an AirFit F10 mask. I have 5 nights under my belt. The AHI results are 3.36, 12.96. 13.61, 11.35 and 9.85 respectively (8/31/16 to 9/4/16). Pressure is set to 10 with a ramp of 5. SleepyHead is reporting unfavorable results. With the exception of the first day, I am concerned with the results. See screenshots of Statistics, Daily Data and the 5-day Overview.
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It was my understanding that the CPAP would improve my AHI. Provide me with a better sleep. Reduce or rid me of the symptoms (e.g., excessive daytime sleepiness, severe and unyielding pain in my joints, muscles and bones, cognitive and short-term memory loss, etc.). No remarkable improvements.

Any thoughts on my situation and my AHI results?

Thank you.

[OpalRose]

You won't see changes overnight, and you've only been on therapy 5 days.

Although every one is different.

When you get the required post count, send us a screenshot of the lastest day. The following will
show you what we need to see.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ganization
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...pnea_Board

We can't advise you to adjust pressure until we can see your data, as we don't know the breakdown of your apneas, or if you have a high leak rate.

[chill]

These machines are not as precise as a sleep lab. Not everything they assume is an event really is (e.g. it has not way of know if you are asleep or coughing, or rolling over). Disturbed sleep is not uncommon as you get used to this and disturbed sleep can be scored as higher AHI numbers. Relax, try and get used to the mask (e.g. ignore it) and see how it looks in a week's time.

[Ken Middleton]

Let's see if it works using TNET.

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[justMongo]

Need to know the type of events that make up that AHI > 5.0
If obstructive, then you are under-served by the pressure setting.

[justMongo]

Ken just break the links to Imgur by adding a space to fool the anti spam filter.
We make new users have 4 posts and 4 hours to prevent forum spammers.
In general we do not permit broken links; but will for newbies who are legitimately posting their screenshot for help.

[Ken Middleton]

Thanks for feedback justMongo.

I believe I have it this time. I'm going to get my 4.

Ken

[livingwithapnea]

Ken, I am new to all this too, just three weeks in. My numbers were much like yours. I noted the first couple of weeks is sort of an adjust, Inhad bot and and bad nights. That said, two things got me more on track. The first was an increase in pressure; I was at 9 and the RT suggested move up to 10, and add auto range 10-15. That seemed to bring my numbers down in to mid single didgets; one night under 3. Most inportant thing is to stick with it, and look at a change in pressure. Add an auto range if your machine will do it.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Ken Middleton,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more responses to your post and good luck to you with your CPAP therapy.

[Ken Middleton]

I would like to make 4th post substantive.

I am impressed with the prompt and helpful responses, they are very much appreciated.

I must say that the response from chill is a bit concerning; there is no point in having a CPAP that generates unreliable data. As to it's functionality and ability to help with my OSA/EDS that is to be seen as I will be the judge of that for the most part.

Thank you.

Ken