[Treatment] High AHI but Good ODI

[tclam662]

I have been diagnosed with Severe OSA many years ago (titrated pressure was 18cmH20 at time of diagnosis), I tried lots of different devices (CPAP, APAP, BiLevel) through the years but my AHI seldom below 10. 
I wake up feeling refreshed without headache with an average AHI ~ 12 and my doctor said its ok, but I strived and attempted to lower the AHI by trying different things: machines, settings, masks, eating habit, exercises, muscle toner on the chin, weight loss, Modified UPPP surgery (Yes, I got the surgery last Dec with some part of my tongue removed but my AHI still not improved much, the ENT is still investigating on that).....etc without obvious result.

Recently my Dreamstation was broken and I changed to a BMC G2S A20 with SpO2 module, I tried a few days, my Average AHI is 9.6, its the first time I ever get an oxygen desaturation index (ODI) reading and its 0.5, Avg 95the percentile SpO2 = 98.3%, Min SpO2 91.9%.

I think my ODI is pretty normal even with the mildly high AHI, so should I actually stop caring the AHI number? or if there is any correlation between ODI and treatment quality?




Report screenshoot attached

[Jay51]

From the research I have done, AHI and ODI correlate very strongly.  90% to 95% were the numbers I remember.  That said though, I have seen a few large differences in AHi and ODI here at ApneaBoard.  

There could be a problem with the sensors for both or one (for ODI could be wrongly calibrated or sensor moves and less detection, etc.)  A member posted here recently that his machine was not calibrated correctly for leaks, so it could be a calibration issue with AHI or the software determining AHI on your specific machine.

If you are only have short hypopneas, etc. then that could raise your AHI (but not affect your ODI nearly as much).  Your study showed mainly OA's though.  So?  

Just some thoughts.