AHI & exercise questions
[size=large][size=medium] Definition: "The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) is used as a measure of the severity of the condition known as sleep apnea. The AHI is the sum of the number of apneas (pauses in breathing) plus the number of hypopneas (periods of shallow breathing) that occur, on average, each hour. To count in the index apneas and hypopneas, collectively called events, must have a duration of at least 10 seconds.
The AHI, as with the separate Apnea Index and Hypopnea Index, is calculated by dividing the number of events by the number of hours of sleep."
1. I am new to this CPAP stuff (2 weeks) and my AHI varies 0.3-1.5. Since I am new I still adjust the mask/pillows a lot. I asked the nurse if the adjustment of the mask, the pulling away from my nose, could fake the machine into thinking its an AHI.....she said it could. My apnea is mild and I have the machine since my oxygen levels were 81 during the first sleep test. How accurate is this reading? 
2. Also I've read about doing exercises to strengthen the muscles in the mouth and throat. Has anyone tried any with good results? I really don't want to use this machine the rest of my life. 
Thanks
RE: AHI & exercise questions
1. Adjusting the mask by pulling it away from your nose will cause a leak. This is not recorded as an apnea event by a machine, but it does record the leak. Your AHI results suggest you're getting very good treatment results, and SpO2 saturation should not be a problem for you. If you're concerned, there are data recording oximeters on the market you can buy. Probably a waste of time and money for you.
2. Exercises and even surgery are unlikely to eliminate your dependence on CPAP therapy. Some people have positive results from weight loss, but it's not a guarantee. Specific exercises to strenghen mouth and throat tissues have no documented success rate that I'm aware of.
Welcome to the club. You have a good data capable machine. Use that to your advantage.
RE: AHI & exercise questions
(03-11-2015, 07:47 AM)Exhale Wrote: [size=large][size=medium]Definition: "The Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) is used as a measure of the severity of the condition known as sleep apnea. The AHI is the sum of the number of apneas (pauses in breathing) plus the number of hypopneas (periods of shallow breathing) that occur, on average, each hour. To count in the index apneas and hypopneas, collectively called events, must have a duration of at least 10 seconds.
The AHI, as with the separate Apnea Index and Hypopnea Index, is calculated by dividing the number of events by the number of hours of sleep."
1. I am new to this CPAP stuff (2 weeks) and my AHI varies 0.3-1.5. Since I am new I still adjust the mask/pillows a lot. I asked the nurse if the adjustment of the mask, the pulling away from my nose, could fake the machine into thinking its an AHI.....she said it could. My apnea is mild and I have the machine since my oxygen levels were 81 during the first sleep test. How accurate is this reading?
2. Also I've read about doing exercises to strengthen the muscles in the mouth and throat. Has anyone tried any with good results? I really don't want to use this machine the rest of my life.
Thanks
Hi!
Just want to say welcome to the board! You and I it seems are in the same boat. I have been on CPAP since Jan 13th - my AHI ranges from .01 to .08 with most falling at .03 and .04.
I'm still learning too - I try to keep a journal each day so I can see if any correlations pop up - i.e., awakening to adjust the mask and then having a high AHI. One night I went right to sleep, didn't wake up once and had a 0.0 and 0L flow rate - I don't even know if that's a real reading - at first I didn't think the machine was even on. Rather than get too excited about it I just chalked it up as another night on the machine and hoping to maintain readings that are below my highest of .08. Its kind of like weight loss - don't let the numbers interfere too much with the progress you're making and how well you are feeling.
Tricia
RE: AHI & exercise questions
Hi Exhale,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I know CPAP therapy can take some getting used to, but it's the best treatment for sleep apnea. Just stick with it, it does get better over time.
Hang in there for more responses to your post.
Much success to you as you continue your CPAP therapy.
trish6hundred
RE: AHI & exercise questions
Exhale,
Welcome to the Board. Your numbers are very good. Keep it up!
Before I started Therapy, I practiced throat excercises simply because I figured it couldn't hurt, not because I thought it might cure my sleep apnea. It did, however, help me in learning how to keep my tongue to the roof of my mouth to avoid lip leaks.
Now I do know of one person who lost a lot of weight, and was able to stop CPAP therapy. He had a mild case of apnea when diagnosed. I think that is probably rare to expect.
I know it can be hard to accept that we may be using CPAP for the rest of our lives, but I know in my case that I would not be alive in 5 years.
Best of luck to you.
OpalRose
03-11-2015, 03:54 PM
(This post was last modified: 03-11-2015, 03:56 PM by Mr. Van Winkle.)
RE: AHI & exercise questions
(03-11-2015, 12:41 PM)OpalRose Wrote: Exhale,
Welcome to the Board. Your numbers are very good. Keep it up!
Before I started Therapy, I practiced throat excercises simply because I figured it couldn't hurt, not because I thought it might cure my sleep apnea. It did, however, help me in learning how to keep my tongue to the roof of my mouth to avoid lip leaks.
Now I do know of one person who lost a lot of weight, and was able to stop CPAP therapy. He had a mild case of apnea when diagnosed. I think that is probably rare to expect.
I know it can be hard to accept that we may be using CPAP for the rest of our lives, but I know in my case that I would not be alive in 5 years.
Best of luck to you.
OpalRose
I couldn't tell you how many times I woke up choking and gasping for air before this machine, but I can tell you since I've been on cpap I have not woken up choking yet,( I don't snore either  ). I sleep better now than I have in the last 10 years... If the machine is what I need then so be it. ( I still want to loss weight though machine or not).
I've excepted it!
RE: AHI & exercise questions
Very few people have reported much, if any, success with apnea exercises. I think most people end up not doing the exercise for very long, either.
Get the free OSCAR CPAP software here.
Useful links.
Click here for information on the main alternative to CPAP.
If it's midnight and a DME tells you it's dark outside, go and check it yourself.
RE: AHI & exercise questions
Hi Exhale! I'm new to the forum too! Hang in there and let the machine work. You may want to sign up for the "My Air" app on the resmed site. It will give you simplified daily feedback on how you are doing.
04-10-2015, 07:42 AM
(This post was last modified: 04-10-2015, 07:42 AM by Exhale.)
RE: AHI & exercise questions
Hello all - thank you for your comments and concerns. One thing is my weight isn't a big issue as I am 5'4", 145 lbs and I would like to lose a few lbs but the doctors aren't concerned about the weight with the apnea. I have tried a new mask (see other post) and I try to keep a journal of some sort. I did sign onto MyAir which is a great resource. I also bought a pulse oximeter and use that occasionally but the less gadgets on me while I sleep the better.
I have to remember to check this forum more often too!
Thanks again
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