Sudden increase in AHI

[BobbieM]

My average AHI has gone up over the past two weeks from an average of 2 to 4.

It began with me trying to fix my mouth and throat being uncomfortably dry on waking despite a humidifier.  I used a skin tape to tape my mouth shut hoping that would help. The dryness went away but AHI that night shot up to 10.9 and 95% pressure rose to the mid-teens. 

I thought the mouth taping was the problem so I removed the tape for a few days. AHI came down to an average of 3.8-4 but never went back to the previous 2. And I wake up groggy and tired. 

I have not changed my sleeping position. Not even new pillows or blankets.

Background: Two months ago, I increased the minimum pressure from 6.5 to 9 and disabled A-Flex. AHI improved - ranging from 0.55 to 4.5 with an average of 2. But after a few weeks when my ears started popping uncomfortably, I switched A-Flex back on 3. Nothing much changed except the popping stopped.

It was when I started taping my mouth that AHI went up.  I do not know how to read the rest of the OSCAR information so I do not know if the increase in AHI is something to worry about.  

I thought of sending OSCAR snapshots but I'm not sure what exactly information I should send and what time frame would be relevant. Any thoughts, anyone? 

[staceyburke]

We need to see OSCAR charts.  oscar is free download at the top of this site.  We can learn a lot from seeing those.  I have a couple of guesses what it is but without the charts they are only guesses.  see the bottom of this post on how to organize the charts and use the F12 button to take a screenshot. Make it a whole night.

[BobbieM]

Thanks. Just one night?

[BobbieM]

I have uploaded the night when AHI shot up to 10. P

[Sleeprider]

Bobbie, when you started taping, you began acquiring the problem we call positional apnea or chin-tucking. This bend in the cervical spine cuts off the airway in a characteristic clustered pattern. We often fix this with a soft cervical collar, which in your case would also replace the need for taping, as a properly fitting collar will provide enough support to the jaw to keep your mouth closed. The wiki articles show before and after examples of chin tucking, and the similarity to your chart is unmistakable.

Positional Apnea: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...onal_Apnea
Soft Cervical Collar: http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...cal_Collar

[BobbieM]

Thanks Sleeprider. It works. I didn’t use a cervical collar but I used a neck pillow like the ones people use on aeroplanes. AHI dropped to 1.2 even though the mask fit was only 90%. I feel refreshed this morning. Thanks again.

[Sleeprider]

Whatever works and is comfortable for you is the best solution. Sometimes just awareness of the issue is enough. There is a good chance this problem was present before you started taping, but you just opened your mouth and recovered. The improved sleep position is a better solution. Glad to hear things are back to your normal, and keep an eye out for backsliding.

[BobbieM]

So do you think it would be a good idea to resume taping? The tape does not bother me. But then I wouldn’t be able to “recover” by breathing through my mouth. Is it possible to learn to always sleep in a way that would not result in positional apnea?

[Sleeprider]

I have never taped. If the leaks are controlled, just roll with it. If you need some leak assistance, a collar can help. The mask primer wiki has other ideas. See signature links.