AHI was Higher After CPAP than During Sleep Study

[GoliGoli]

Hi all,

I had a sleep study done about a year ago and found I had an AHI of 11.4. Time spent below 90% oxygen was 31.7 minutes. My main symptoms are just fatigue throughout the day and no longer getting morning erections. I was prescribed CPAP but put it off for a long time and only last night did I finally use it for an entire night (7 hours 45 minutes total). 

However, when I woke up this morning and checked my AHI my machine told me it was 12.3 - so higher than during my study. The machine also said my mask fit was good so I don't think that was the problem, however when I use it I do feel a little air coming out of the nose piece. I was a bit disappointed that my AHI wasn't lower.  

On the bright side, I did have a dream last night which is very rare for me which tells me I was getting some REM sleep. I also do feel a bit better than usual today, although I wouldn't say its a night and day difference and it might just be placebo. I also took a Unasom (Sleep aid pill) last night so that might be some of the reason I feel better this morning than normal.

Question: Do I just need to call my sleep doctor and have them ramp up the pressure on the machine? Or should I give it another couple of nights before ramping up the pressure? What do you folks recommend.

Thanks and I look forward to joining this community to get my apnea under control!!!

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A bit more info: I am 6'0 160 pounds so very thin and in good shape. I use the AIRFIT P10 Pillow (Nasal Pillow) as my mask, should I maybe try going with the smaller size?

[staceyburke]

Welcome to the board.

We base what we tell people on data. We get the data using a program called Oscar which is totally free at the top of the site.

You need a SD card between 2 gb to 32gb (Cheapest you can find). Record for a night and post the charts. I have a beginner link in my signature.

[GoliGoli]

Thank you, I will run to Walmart after work and buy a SD card and report back tomorrow with some results. 

Just at first glance, what are your thoughts on the fact that my AHI was higher using CPAP than it was 1 year ago during my sleep study? Or is it too hard to make any basic conclusions from that alone?

[Gideon]

Conclusion is that something needs to be addressed. That's why we need the data. Our suggestions could be polar opposites if we guess and may actually make things worse. Having data clears up questions on what needs to be adjusted and that dictates how to adjust for it.

[OpalRose]

.....what are your thoughts on the fact that my AHI was higher using CPAP than it was 1 year ago during my sleep study? Or is it too hard to make any basic conclusions from that alone?

"Untreated" Sleep Apnea will not likely improve, it can only get worse.  

As Stacy suggested, download the OSCAR software.  We don't like to guess as to what's going on.  

To set up your OSCAR charts, go to View > Reset Graphs > Standard. That should arrange them in the proper order.

To take a Screenshot, use the F12 key (on a Mac, Fn+F12)
Then use the Attachment feature to post a Screenshot.

There are links in my signature line to guide you.

[GoliGoli]

Thank you all for your replies - I really feel good about being able to get my Apnea under control now that I've found this forum. Sometimes dealing with your actual sleep doctor just seems futile.

 I will download the OSCAR software and buy an SD card tonight and post data tomorrow. Thanks again

[GoliGoli]

Quick question. I bought a 32gb walmart brand SD card and it fits into my ResMed AirSense10. When I put the card in it comes on as a steady orange light. After a few seconds it goes from solid to flashing, and then the orange light turns off. Is this working properly or should the light be staying on as solid/steady orange?

[Crimson Nape]

It's working correctly. It lights up when there is I/O activity.