AHI varies each night...Is this normal?
I have borderline sleep apnea...AHI between 4-15 without CPAP. I have a digital pulse oximeter that records my pulse and oxygen levels throughout the night. I review the data in the morning and it provides me an AHI reading for the night. Since I have recently lost some weight, I tried sleeping without my CPAP to measure my AHI. My AHI varies from 4 to 15 depending on the night. Is this type of AHI variation normal? Is a nightly AHI measurement a good way to evaluate whether I need to use CPAP? Thanks.
RE: AHI varies each night...Is this normal?
Hi garyrgraham,
May I ask what oximeter you use that gives an AHI reading? Although an oximeter is an excellent tool to check on oxygen levels. A low level or continuous drops during the night is a sign that needs attention.
If your AHI runs between 4-15 per hour with CPAP use, then that would be considered high. We would need to see some data to be able to advise you.
Your DreamStation Auto is supported by
OSCAR, which you can download. Does your APAP have a SD card in it? If not, you will need to purchase one.
Once you have that set up, follow the links in my signature line to guide you on organizing a chart and posting it here.
OpalRose
Apnea Board Administrator
www.ApneaBoard.com
OSCAR Chart Organization
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
