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+--- Thread: [CPAP] High AHI but technician says all OK... (/Thread-CPAP-High-AHI-but-technician-says-all-OK)
High AHI but technician says all OK... - Benzi - 05-04-2020
Hi
This is my first post to the forum so forgive me if I sound like a newbie (which I am).
About 6 months ago I started using a CPAP machine, for the 3rd time in my life. The 2 earlier times failed miserably, I couldn't fall asleep with the machine. This time I was determined to succeed, and with the help of a dedicated technician I adjusted to the machine, and within a few weeks I was sleeping all night, usually without waking up, had an AHI of 4 or 5, and was feeling much more alert, found it much easier to get up in the morning. So far, a success story.
As of a couple of months ago, following a bad cold, my AHI jumped to between 7 and 13, and I'm feeling tired again. Now it seems to have stabilized at around 8. I'm also waking up once or twice to go to the toilet. I sent the technician the data from the memory card, telling him that the AHI had risen and that I'm tired. He says that the data shows that my apnea is under control, despite the AHI, and that if I'm feeling tired it must be from something else. I feel that the AHI indicates that the apnea is NOT under control. The technician told me to talk to a doctor to see what's making me tired.
Before I go that route, has someone had a similar experience? I installed OSCAR and have the data from the machine, so I can share it if someone can look at it and voice an opinion.
Thanks!
Benzi
RE: High AHI but technician says all OK... - SarcasticDave94 - 05-04-2020
Welcome to Apnea Board. Without seeing data, I would agree with you. AHI is used as the identifier to say apnea therapy is successful or not. That success or fail number is 5 AHI. 5 or less and you should be OK according to the medical world.
If you have a CPAP machine that's compatible with OSCAR, I'd get that on your computer and use it to post a chart of a sleep session. This is to give us a visual of the data and we can suggest things to change on your CPAP settings. If you also had a sleep study and have a copy of its detailed report, you can include screenshots of this as well. Redact or blacken out the personal data aspects, name address etc.
RE: High AHI but technician says all OK... - Benzi - 05-04-2020
Thanks Dave for responding so quickly. It's extremely frustrating that after finally getting benefit from the CPAP, it seems things have regressed.
I'm attaching the details (I hope) of my last OSCAR session. If this isn't what you meant, please let me know.
BTW, over the last couple of months I've put on about 3 kilo (about 6.6 pounds); weeks of isolation, much more eating and much less exercising. Maybe that could have an effect on the AHI?
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Sorry, just found out I can't attach a csv... I guess I'll have to read the wiki...
RE: High AHI but technician says all OK... - SarcasticDave94 - 05-04-2020
You're welcome. Yes, weight gain or loss can affect the AHI. Example: I had bariatric weight loss surgery in 2016. I lost 100 pounds, from 300 to 200. That cut my untreated AHI in half, down to 37. I still needed an ASV due to high central apnea.
Here's the wiki on attachments. See if this helps on adding in your screenshots. http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php/Attaching_Images_and_Files_on_Apnea_Board
RE: High AHI but technician says all OK... - Benzi - 05-04-2020
I understand how to attach a file, but how do I get OSCAR to display all the data so it can be seen in a screen shot (without scrolling)?
RE: High AHI but technician says all OK... - OpalRose - 05-04-2020
Benzi,
Follow the link in my signature line below for organizing your daily page and using the attachment feature.
For now, we only need to see the following graphs: Event, Flow Rate, Pressure, Leak Rate, flow limitation.
Include Left Side Bar minus Pie Chart and Calendar.
RE: High AHI but technician says all OK... - Benzi - 05-04-2020
Thanks for the guidance. I couldn't see much data when I put all 5 graphs on the screen, so I took 2 screen shots to show more data. Hope this shows the relevant information.
RE: High AHI but technician says all OK... - OpalRose - 05-04-2020
Three things:
1. Turn the EPR setting to Off. Lets see if that reduces the Clear Airway events.
2. Your minimum pressure is a bit low. Try moving it up to 6cm.
3. The Obstructives events show they are clustered together, meaning you may be tucking your chin to your chest, which in turn cuts off air supply. Have you ever tried a soft cervical collar? This had helped many other members.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=Soft_Cervical_Collar
If you want to try just one change at a time, start with turning the EPR off.
RE: High AHI but technician says all OK... - Benzi - 05-04-2020
Thanks! I'll try changing the epr to ramp-only and see whether that makes a difference.
RE: High AHI but technician says all OK... - OpalRose - 05-04-2020
As long as your ramp time isn't set too long. With such a low minimum pressure, you shouldn't need to use ramp.