Do I not need a CPAP anymore? In-Lab Study Results

[brehski]

Hi folks, I was originally diagnosed with sleep apnea about 5 years ago when I was 21. I would often wake up during the night, and sometimes while cathcing my breath. I would also urinate frequently, once or twice a night, and felt tired throughout the day. I was 170lb 5'9 and about 12% body fat. I am currently 180lb, at around the same body fat percentage and live a relateively active lifestyle.

After the diagnoses, which was moderate of an AHI at 15, I was put on CPAP.

I stopped using it after, but restarted, and had AHI's of < 1 while on CPAP. However, I still kept waking up nightly, usually once a night to urinate.

This is when I got the in-lab study where it showed I had 15 events the entire night, none of which were OSA. I am curious on how to interpret this data. From what I've read, CPAP isn't prescribed until 15 AHI hourly. 

One thing I noted is that I had REM for less than an hour. I also do feel better with CPAP, but it's hard to tolerate it with the noise of the machines and the masks. Anything else pop out here?

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[SarcasticDave94]

You have some isolated limb movement causing arousal, count of 11 times.

While you didn't have Obstructive or Central Apnea, you had 15 Hypopnea. These Hypopnea events are roughly a half to three quarters restricted compared to full Apnea. Hypopnea still respond to CPAP therapy, but the therapy should have either something like a ResMed AutoSet with EPR on full time, or the VAuto with some pressure support.

You should consider downloading and viewing OSCAR charts. Here's the link.

Why would you want OSCAR charts? Just like you need instruments on your car, you should see data on your Apnea therapy to know how well its going. You'll again need OSCAR and an SD card in your CPAP to capture data overnight, viewing the data the next day on your computer. This SD card is standard size, between 2-32 GB capacity, formatted to FAT32.

Armed with OSCAR charts posted, we can help you tune up the CPAP to work much better than it probably is now.

[Deborah K.]

According to your sleep study, you have an AHI of 2.7.  No one usually prescribes a pap machine unless the patient has an AHI of at least 5.  I think you probably do not need to use the machine, but wait for one of the Moderators to show up before stopping in case I am wrong.  Then again, if you feel better when using it maybe you should stick with it.  It's up to you.  

[kwhenrykerr]

my experience... my condition has improved with CPAP/BIPAP I may not "need" it but I sure do not want to go backwards. I use my equipment.

How will you know if it helps you ? Not using without some way of keeping track seems ?

[SarcasticDave94]

I missed the item AHI. 2.7 huh? Maybe you don't really need CPAP. I don't know that either way though.

[BoxcarPete]

Yeah, AHI 2.7 all hypopnea and RDI 8.1 which indicates some UARS but nothing too severe. If CPAP helps enough to be worth the trouble, use it. If not, you can look into some alternatives to help keep your airway open. Have you had your airway scoped? Could be something in there that's simple to clean up which may give you some years before CPAP becomes necessary. If you go that route, it's something to keep an eye on though, as it is likely to get worse as you age so it's worth revisiting every once in a while to make sure you're still all good.

[Deborah K.]

I suggest that if you keep using it, you download Oscar and post reports.  That way we can help you get your best settings in place and help with your therapy and comfort.