Same AHI at low and high pressures

[abagail_32]

Hi All, so I am a bit confused. I am new to CPAP, I've been using it for about a month now.

My prescription was for 6-16 to then see how that went and possibly narrow down on a single pressure (I'm currently hiring a machine, and it is much cheaper to buy a straight CPAP here, however I'm thinking I might import the machine I am hiring from the US).

I initially had no real problems adjusting to CPAP - I could wear the mask the whole night etc, however a month in, I noticed I was gassy and I was still waking up during the night more than normal. A few nights I also had issues where the pressure had gone up to the maximum and the mask leaked like crazy and I had to stop, adjust and start again.

My AHI had been ~0.4 from the very start of using CPAP - so I thought I'd try a couple of nights of lowering the pressure to see if this would make it more comfortable - expecting it to increase my events.

So I've spent a few nights now with a 4-4 pressure (I found it quite comfortable to breathe at) - and my AHI was basically exactly the same ~0.4 - I still had 3-4 OA towards the end of the night, just like the nights where I had the higher pressure. The funny thing is, this was never when the machine increased the pressure, there was always a lump earlier in the night.

From my sleep study they would have prescribed a straight pressure of 10 apparently - I had a only 2 OA, but a number of Hypos during the night as they titrated me.

I'm a little confused by the whole thing really - is it normal to have the same AHI at low and higher pressures?

[retired_guy]

My son's experience is similar to yours. In his case, just a little pressure seems to resolve his events. That's nice, but confusing to an old guy like me. What to do, what to do?

I think in your case and his case it comes down to what is comfortable. For me a pressure of 4 and I'm going into panic attacks because I don't think I'm getting enough air. For him, 4's not bad. We sort of compromised and set him up at 6. He's very comfortable with that, his ahi is very very low, he's able to keep a good seal on his mask (he's using a ffm also) and his father thinks he's getting enough air.

So go to where you are most comfortable. If not sure, ask your pop.

[trish6hundred]

Hi abagail_32,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for more answers to your questions and much success as you get into the groove of your CPAP therapy.