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That is a very mild case of sleep apnea. The issue with using a CPAP for that minimum level of apnea is that the discomfort (at least until you get used to it) of wearing the CPAP may more than offset the reduced number of apnea events.
MrsT1961
+0 points
·
over 4 years
ago
Original Poster
Oh I'm use to the machine. What I don't understand is why I don't feel any different, any better. I use the machine every night, all night. Very frustrating. I don't see my doctor until April 15th. 😕
You didn't mention the AHI you are now getting with the CPAP. But assume it is 1, then it is really not that much lower than your diagnosis 5.4. My wife was diagnosed at an AHI of 83. She now regularly gets an AHI of <1. She feels much better now. I was diagnosed with an AHI of 37, and now I get an AHI in the 2-3 range. I really do not feel all that much better, but I really was not having trouble sleeping even before I started the CPAP. The benefits vary from person to person. In the UK a CPAP is not diagnosed unless you are over 15 for AHI. The benefit of treating apnea in the Mild category is somewhat controversial, although it is commonly done in North America.
MrsT1961
+0 points
·
over 4 years
ago
Original Poster
The lowest ahi I've had on the machine is a 3.4, the highest 11. That's what I'm confused. I still struggle with daytime sleepiness. Not good driving or at my desk at work.
If your diagnosis AHI was 5.4, and you are now getting an AHI of 3.4 to 11 with CPAP treatment, that indicates your CPAP is not providing much help, and may in fact be making your apnea worse (AHI 11). If your apnea is central or clear airway in nature, a CPAP may not be of any help. or may make central apnea worse. This is something you should discuss with your sleep doctor or sleep clinic.
Sherry
+0 points
·
over 4 years
ago
Sleep
Commentator
I would not wait on my appointment in April. I would call your provider now and see if they couldn't go ahead and make some adjustments prior to your appointment. Perhaps they could put the machine on an automatic setting for example. That made a huge difference for me. Then by the time your appointment date arrives, you will be further along than if you wait. My experience is that it does take a long while to find the right pressure and the right mask to get to the place where you feel great in the AM. Keep on keepin on and never hesitate to call your provider to let them know that it's not working both now and in the future.
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