Should I be satisfied?
Hi everyone, after a failed start on CPAP therapy a number of years ago, I've had better luck the second time around. This is partly due to more effort on my part, but also to better equipment (AirSense 10 and AirFit nasal pillows P10). Over the last three months, my AHI has averaged 2.83 (obstructive 1.35). What I wanted to ask was how satisfied should I be with that AHI? I have actually had a handful of nights where my AHI was below 1.0. Is there an obvious tweak in the pressure settings to help stay down there? I've attached a recent SleepyHead report below. Thanks for any insight!
i.imgur.com/N09DE0Ch.png
RE: Should I be satisfied?
I would be happy if I was sleeping well, all night. The number is not as important as the quality of sleep.
CPAP is a journey like “The Wizard of Oz”. It’s a long slow journey. You will face many problems and pick up many friends along the way. Just because you reach the poppies, it doesn’t mean you are in Kansas.
RE: Should I be satisfied?
I have been doing this since 2008 and recently I get my AHI to less than 1 more nights than not. However an average AHI less than 3.0 is a good accomplishment, and will probably improve in time. Usually when obstructive apnea is still a feature in your sleep, slowly applying small increases in the minimum pressure is a good tactic. Give any change plenty of time to average out, and don't make large changes, or you'll miss the sweet spot. The obstructive apnea is often replace by CA and H resulting in what seems like no progress; however the CA seems more likely to drop out in time, and is not as disruptive when it is in isolated sporadic events.
Good luck, and welcome to the forums. Images should post for you after 4 posts.
RE: Should I be satisfied?
Hi richcrab,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more answers to your question, it sounds like you are doing pretty well.
It's good that you decided to restart your CPAP therapy, good luck to you as you continue it.
trish6hundred
RE: Should I be satisfied?
Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. Will try to slowly bump up the lower pressure (currently 11/15).
RE: Should I be satisfied?
Bumping the pressure from 11/15 to 12/15 did help produce a better AHI for the night - 1.68 with an OA of 0.46. Took a little adjustment and I swallowed air a couple times, but not too bad. Thanks!
RE: Should I be satisfied?
Glad that worked Rich. Again, give it time to average out.
