Increased Pressure, Increased Events, What to do?
While my AHI readings are generally very good, I worry about my RERA results thinking that they affect my overall well being during the day. I feel that I should be even more alert than I am but that might be just wishful thinking at age 65.
I followed advice to try and lower them by increasing the minimum pressure. What seems to be happening is that my 95% and max pressures are going up as well.
Currently my min pressure is 13 (the recommended level after titration). I've upped it gradually from 10 fro the last 6 months. The max blew out to 19 last night - unheard of for me. What's worse is that a few months ago OAs were virtually non-existent and hypopneas were minimal. Two nights ago I had 9 OAs and 11 Hs. While the OAs were dealt with quickly the hypopneas were lasting between 20 to 30 seconds. There were 27 RERAs.
So what is the extra pressure doing - not helping that's for sure.
RE: Increased Pressure, Increased Events, What to do?
How's your leak rate? For some machines, a leak could be read as an apnea, triggering it to raise pressure. (It is possible to raise your pressure too much and get worse results.)
Have you noticed if you tuck your chin down? If yes, that may adversely affect breathing. A cervical collar or pillow to prevent that may help.
Do you sleep on your back? If yes, check if sleeping on your side improves your results. It often will do so for obstructive events.
Have there been any changes in what/when you eat? Later and/or heavy meals may affect your apnea
Alcohol and other sedating drugs can affect your apnea.
Level of fatigue, exercise during the day, reflux, other medical conditions etc. may affect your results too.
Note: I'm an epidemiologist, not a medical provider.