I am using this title to attract experienced and knowledgeable users. I hope it works.
My AHI is all clear airway apneas (well almost) and I believe they are harmless, BUT, I feel I should be able to eliminate them. Here’s why.
I got a recording oximeter and finally got a good synchronization for the last half of the night. Upon close examination it appears the clear airway apneas occur at high oxygen levels (95% and above) and higher oxygen occurs at higher pressure. That is why I believe they are harmless. In addition, I am getting enough sleep as I have eliminated my afternoon naps and cannot stay in bed more than 8 hours.
HOWEVER:
For the entire month of December, my average AHI was 1.08 and so far this month it ranges from 3 to 4.
I have 3 screen shots to demonstrate this –
1. Is the full night with oximeter readings for the last 4 hours. This is a typical day in February.
2. A small section of that same night.
3. And a typical day in December.
http://imgur.com/a/XJifT
Here are MY thoughts on why my AHI has suddenly taken a jump.
I have allergies to Bayberry. It is a seasonal problem that occurs January to March each year, causing my nasal passages to become restricted. This might cause my flow limitations to increase my pressure greater than needed to eliminate any OA’s thus the higher SP02 levels.
Here are MY thoughts on how to eliminate the clear airway apneas.
1. Switch from a large pillow to a medium to reduce the flow.
2. Increase my EPR from 1 to 2 (or even 3). EPR of 2 is the most comfortable followed by 2.
3. Decrease humidity from 6 to 5 or even less. I live in Florida and even on a dry day, the humidity is 40% or greater.
4. Lower my maximum pressure to the point I just start to get obstructive apneas. My 90% pressure has been a very constant 8 cm for the last 11 months.
Please feel free to “Correct me if I am wrong”.
Any other suggestions will be appreciated.