AHI vs Desaturation -which is more important?

[vwboop]

I am using a Resmed Aircurve 10 ST. My usual pressure is 15 / 10. My AHI is in range most of the time but my oxygen sat is erratic and all over the place (some drops into the 70's). I reduced my pressures for a couple nights to 12  / 9 (sick of ingesting air) and my AHI went up considerably...15.6 but my oxygen was more rhythmic with very few drops and no lows under 90%. What is more important?

[Jay51]

Welcome to ApneaBoard, vwboop.  Great question you pose here.  This is just my opinion, and I will explain why I am thinking this way.  IMO, SPO2 is just about the most important overall to look at during sleep.  It may not show the quality of sleep per say, but from the research I have done on sleep apnea, and the things I have learned here at ApneaBoard and from my healthcare professionals, the most substantial problem that sleep apnea can pose is hypoxia (which can damage some organs of the body - heart, brain, etc.).  Keeping SPo2 up during sleep is about the best way to prevent this (either naturally, with pap therapy, or even using supplemental oxygen if necessary).  

As far as feeling rested, spo2 can still be quite good, but with a lot of flow limitations and arousals, etc., a person can still feel horrible after a pretty decent looking night by OSCAR, etc.  Pursuing better quality sleep is in this area is definitely a good goal.  

I expect others to post on this topic also.