What Is Normal AHI on CPAP?
The goal of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is to reduce the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep, which is measured by the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI). An apnea is a complete cessation of breathing for at least 10 seconds, while a hypopnea is a partial reduction in breathing that results in a decrease in oxygen levels.
A normal AHI is generally considered to be less than 5 events per hour, while an AHI between 5 and 15 events per hour is considered mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), an AHI between 15 and 30 events per hour is considered moderate OSA, and an AHI greater than 30 events per hour is considered severe OSA.
With CPAP therapy, the goal is to reduce the AHI to less than 5 events per hour, which is considered within the normal range. However, the optimal AHI may vary depending on the individual and their specific health conditions. In some cases, a higher AHI may be acceptable if the individual is experiencing significant symptom relief and is tolerating the therapy well.
It's important to work with a healthcare provider to monitor AHI and make any necessary adjustments to CPAP therapy to ensure that it is effectively reducing the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour and improving sleep quality. In general, it's important to have your AHI checked regularly to ensure that your CPAP therapy is effectively reducing the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour and improving your sleep quality. This may involve a follow-up sleep study or home sleep testing to assess your AHI and the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy.
The timing and frequency of follow-up testing may depend on factors such as the severity of your OSA, your response to CPAP therapy, and any changes in your health or lifestyle that may affect your OSA. Your healthcare provider may recommend follow-up testing within the first few weeks or months of starting CPAP therapy, and then periodically thereafter based on your progress and individual needs.
It's also important to monitor your own AHI and report any changes or concerns to your healthcare provider. Some CPAP machines have a built-in feature that allows you to track your AHI and other sleep data, which can help you monitor your progress and make adjustments to your therapy as needed. Your healthcare provider may also recommend that you keep a sleep diary or log to track your symptoms and any changes in your sleep quality over time.
CPAPMAN offers remote monitoring service for select CPAP machines. Please contact us for details.