Is there a correlation between pressure and AHI?
I'm a bit concerned and I would like to hear if there's a correlation between pressure and AHI.
When I got my CPAP machine my doctor in Illinois set my pressure to be 13 - 17. When I was in for my checkup 2 weeks ago my doctor here in Florida said that my pressure was close to my high point of 17. He also said that in his practice they set a wider range and ordered my DME to change the pressure to 8 - 20. Prior to the change my average AHI for any given timeframe was no more than 3.5 with 4.0 being about as high an AHI that I've ever had. Since the change my last two nights have been 4.6 and 6.9 so I'm concerned that this change, at least on the low end was a mistake and that I'm going to start exceeding the magic number of 5.0 on a regular basis. What are your thoughts?
RE: Is there a correlation between pressure and AHI?
For fudge sake. Change your pressure back. Wide open (8-20) is silly for someone who is already using CPAP.
If you started with 13-17 and your AHI has been fine, put it back to that. If you have been hitting 17 a lot, then set the max to 18 and wait.
Do you have Sleepyhead or other software to use?
PaulaO
Take a deep breath and count to zen.
RE: Is there a correlation between pressure and AHI?
I agree with Paula. Go back to the pressure settings that gave the best results. The machine uses pressure to prevent events. Some of us need more and a different range than others. If you get free SleepyHead software (See the link at the top of the page) and post some data as described in the links below we will be able to help you optimize your pressure settings.
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RE: Is there a correlation between pressure and AHI?
I generally shoot for the median for the minimum pressure, but with the Resmed machines, it is responsive enough to stop apnea anyway. It will still be more effective if the minimum is closer to what your need. Your doctor's decrease to 8.0 doesn't make much sense to me.
RE: Is there a correlation between pressure and AHI?
Thanks everyone. I use the RESMED software and in 4 days my average AHI went from 3.3 to 5.0. I sent my result to my DME who agreed that the minimal setting needed to go back up from 8 to 13 so I made the change myself and he's letting the doc know.
RE: Is there a correlation between pressure and AHI?
I prefer keeping the minimum pressure close to where your needs are so I would set the min to 13 and max to 20. Post the resulting data and then we can see about fine tuning. You likely would benefit from setting the min to 14 or 15 but get solid data first.
Setting the min pressure "close enough" to where the need is very important to minimizing AHI.
Prevent the obstructions instead of chasing after them.
