How to reduce my events while using my Cpap

Posted by alan bruce @alanbruce, Feb 25, 2019

I track my events, usage, seal and total score daily on Myair which is a Resmed product. I have used a Cpap machine for about 6 months and have had good success however my events seem stay below 5 for a few days and then jumps up to 8 or 9 for a day and then goes back to below 5.. It seems to be a regular pattern however I have not been able to determine why my events go up. Any suggestions are ideas on how to reduce my events would be great.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 8, 2021

In reply to @rileygirl1 "My number of events is usually under 6. My events for last night were 26.3. Has..." + (show)

Hello @rileygirl1, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. My events go up and down quite often. I will have an AHI between 1 and 3 for a week and then it will go up above 4 for a day or two. I sometimes have trouble sleeping due to hip pain depending on which side I'm sleeping on so I toss and turn some during the night. I use a small pillow between my legs to help with it.

@thankful and other members may have some tips or suggestions to share with you. How long have you been using a CPAP?

thankful | @thankful | May 8, 2021

In reply to @rileygirl1 "My number of events is usually under 6. My events for last night were 26.3. Has..." + (show)

@rileygirl1- I have used C-pap for quite a few years and I can't remember my early years having issues with high AHI numbers. Seems like my sleep doc has always been happy with my numbers. I believe that they often will increase the pressure to your mask in order to reduce the higher AHI's. I've had them do that occasionalily and I have found that it often helpful to have them change the ramp time so as the pressure increases often you are already asleep.
The other thing I'm always speaking about is to be happy with the mask you use. In my opinion the mask fit, etc. is critical for establishing a long term relationship with your C-pap.
Happy Zzzz's to you! Jim@thankful

akalsas | @akalsas | May 9, 2021

In reply to @rileygirl1 "My number of events is usually under 6. My events for last night were 26.3. Has..." + (show)

I had ahi below 5 in sleep lab but at home ahi from 17 to 21 and feel horrible.

marye2 | @marye2 | May 11, 2021

Probably not recommended to change pressure yourself, but you might call and request that. Also, do you have a humidifier attached as well as temperature set to around 72? Headgear gives me grief, but I also take THC/CBD to help sleep.

akalsas | @akalsas | May 12, 2021

Have done all but ahi still increased

gramps | @gramps | May 12, 2021

What percentage of the events are obstructive and what percentage central? The CPAP only reduces the obstructive apneas

akalsas | @akalsas | May 13, 2021

In reply to @gramps "What percentage of the events are obstructive and what percentage central? The CPAP only reduces the..." + (show)

70-90% osa

gramps | @gramps | May 13, 2021

In reply to @akalsas "70-90% osa" + (show)

Ok, so you do need to find the optimal setup and settings for you. My case is the opposite: the CPAP reduces my osa to near zero, while the csa is 7-8. I'm trying to figure out why....

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | May 13, 2021

In reply to @gramps "Ok, so you do need to find the optimal setup and settings for you. My case..." + (show)

@gramps I wish I had some suggestions for you. My CPAP program only shows clear airway apneas, hypo apneas and obstructive apneas. From what I've read about central sleep apnea is that it's somewhat different than OSA and usually people with CSA have an underlying medical condition. Is your diagnosis central sleep apnea? Here's more information I found when I was trying to understand the difference.

Obstructive vs. Central Sleep Apnea: Key Differences and Treatment Options: https://www.aastweb.org/blog/obstructive-vs.-central-sleep-apnea-key-differences-and-treatment-options