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New with question please
#1
Question 
New with question please
Hello everyone. I recently had an at home sleep study done and it showed AHI of 16.6. From what I've read that's only one over mild apnea. Should this be treated by a CPAP or APAP machine? Are there any alternatives? Thank you very much!
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#2
RE: New with question please
Welcome to the forum.

There are 3 levels of machines,  CPAP ( which includes Auto CPAP), BiPap/BiLevel, and finally ASV (Auto Servo Ventilator)

Without seeing your sleep study it is hard to say which category you would fall into.  Your initial sleep study will spell out what type(s) of Apnea you have.

Assuming you only have Obstructive Sleep Apnea you will fall into the CPAP/Auto CPAP category.

Most important is to get a full detailed data recording machine.  This will tell you, down to a breath by breath detail, what is happening.  The cheaper (to the DME) machines record hours of use and AVERAGE AHI for the day.  Good enough IF (the big if) you are doing extremely well with the Rx which is determined in a strange room, on a strange bed, wearing a mask on your face for likely the first time, with a couple dozen wires attached to your head torso, and legs, while being watched via a camera all night.    Is your normal night close to this?  Didn't think so.  The bottom line is that your therapy requirements will likely change over the 5+ years you are likely to have this machine.   Data is VERY important.

Auto CPAP can be used as a straight CPAP if needed, but roughly using an Auto CPAP in auto mode is like having a sleep study every night in your bedroom.  Easily provides all the data you would ever need if you get a model we recommend.

I do suggest that you read the articles linked in my signature.  They are intended to provide someone new to apnea a lot of information.  

Remember that if you do have questions to please ask here.  Please keep your posts to a common thread so a history is maintained.


Below covers ALL levels of machines 

(best choice) indicates a full data capable machine that has Sleepyhead software capability and an Auto Mode.  These are in general the best available machines

Always specify the exact machine you wish, This removes all ambiguities and prevents substitutions.
DAW (Dispense as Written) prevents substitutions.
General Information on DreamStation Models from Philips Respironics
Current acceptable in Production Machines (ResMed and Philips Respironics, the 2 most popular manufactures)

  • ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet (best choice) (E0601) (Fixed CPAP, Auto CPAP)

  • ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her (best choice) (E0601) (Fixed CPAP, Auto CPAP)

  • ResMed AirSense™ 10 Elite CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier (37205) (E0601) (Fixed CPAP)

  • ResMed AirCurve 10, all models

  • ResMed AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier (37211) (E0601, E0562) (best choice) (Fixed CPAP, BiLevel S, VAuto (Auto-BiLevel))

  • ResMed AirCurve™ 10 ASV BiLevel Machine w/HumidAir™ Humidifier (E0471) (best choice) (Fixed CPAP, ASV, ASV Auto)

  • Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine (DSX500x11) (Not all DreamStation Models, Check SN on bottom, bricks look the same) (Fixed CPAP, Auto CPAP) (best choice)

  • Philips Respironics DreamStation CPAP Pro (DSX400x11) (Not all DreamStation Models, Check SN on bottom) (Fixed CPAP)

  • Philips Respironics DreamStation BiPAP Pro (DSX600x11) (Not all DreamStation Models, Check SN on bottom) (Fixed CPAP, Fixed BiPAP)

  • Philips Respironics DreamStation BiPAP Auto Machine (DSX700x11) (Not all DreamStation Models, Check SN on bottom) (Fixed CPAP, Fixed BiPAP, Auto BiPAP) (best choice)
Current Machines to Avoid

  • Any ResMed AirStart (Lack of full data capability)

  • ResMed AirStart™ 10 CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier (all models, 37201) (Lack of full data capability)

  • ResMed AirSense™ 10 CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ (37015, 37203) (Lack of full data capability)

  • Philips Respironics DreamStation CPAP (DSX200x11) (Not all DreamStation Models, Check SN on bottom) (Lack of full data capability)
Note: These are current machines, there are older models that have full data capability that are available via secondary markets if budget is an issue. Please inquire on the forum and your questions will be answered.

Fred
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#3
RE: New with question please
Anything over 5.0 falls into the "needs treatment" category.  AHI is a very, very crude yardstick that only gives an overview of frequency while ignoring severity (are not not breathing for 10 second or two minutes?) and impact (lowered oxygen saturation).  The mild/moderate/severe rankings are only based on frequency and not on how it impacts your sleep or health.  They are only useful for statistical purposes in medical research. 

Personally, I'd feel pretty much dead if I had an AHI of 16 on a regular basis.  I am usually at 1 or less (with CPAP) and even a day of 3 leaves me feeling groggy and run-down.

There are alternatives to CPAP, but all are worse and usually only result in partial treatment that eventually means you have to use CPAP.  Surgery and Mandibular Advancement Devices (AMD, goes in your mouth and pushes jaw forward leading to permanent bite misalignment) are the two most common.

CPAP is not so bad and the results can be life changing.
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#4
RE: New with question please
You did a home sleep study which is notorious for under-estimating AHI since it does not subtract time that you are not actually asleep. You should request an Auto CPAP because, if you did not do a clinical sleep study, you clearly are not going to do a clinical titration study. We can help you use an auto CPAP machine to self-titrate pressure. Do yourself a favor and request the Resmed Airsnese 10 Autoset.
Sleeprider
Apnea Board Moderator
www.ApneaBoard.com

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#5
RE: New with question please
Hi Vegasq,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
CPAP therapy is the best treatment for sleep apnea.
Good luck to you on your decision.
trish6hundred
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