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Suggest Treatment For Sleep Apnea
Posted on
Thu, 17 Sep 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 17 Sep 2015
Answered on
Wed, 7 Oct 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. I have been using the cpap machine for 2 months and do not feel any different. The only difference is that I do not get up in the middle of the night. I used to get up 1 time per night. My question is...the AHI is showing 0.9. Do I need a machine? When I use the machine I tend to feel spaced out the next day. Could I be over doing it and really not need a machine?
Brief Answer:
You can do intermittent use of machine
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a syndrome which gives rises to further complications if left untreated.
Your AHI levels are pretty much in normal range.
Firstly cpap machine is used so as the apnea should not strike in, it is used in patients with AHI levels more than 5.
As per the ahi levels you do not need machine as such because you fall in mild OSA rsnge that too lower range.
You can disconnect the cpap for few days and see whether the symptoms of day sleeping, excessive fatigue or other OSA related symptoms are reccuring back or not.
If yes then you need cpap again and this time it shoud be used regularly for 2 to 3 months.
The main things causing OSA are obesity, smoking and alcohol.
If you are overweight or obese it is strongly advisable to reduce your weight because obseity is number 1 cause of OSA followed by smoking.
Alcohol can be consumed but not atleast 4 to 5 hrs prior to sleep.
Other things are you can avoid sleeping supine which will also help.
So all in all, i feel you do not need machine for now. But if your symptoms come back then you might have to use it again for longer period.
Follow above given advices and you may be not cpap and can be OSA free.
I hope i have answered your query well, if you have any more query kindly write back to me will be happy to answer them.
Thank you
You can do intermittent use of machine
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a syndrome which gives rises to further complications if left untreated.
Your AHI levels are pretty much in normal range.
Firstly cpap machine is used so as the apnea should not strike in, it is used in patients with AHI levels more than 5.
As per the ahi levels you do not need machine as such because you fall in mild OSA rsnge that too lower range.
You can disconnect the cpap for few days and see whether the symptoms of day sleeping, excessive fatigue or other OSA related symptoms are reccuring back or not.
If yes then you need cpap again and this time it shoud be used regularly for 2 to 3 months.
The main things causing OSA are obesity, smoking and alcohol.
If you are overweight or obese it is strongly advisable to reduce your weight because obseity is number 1 cause of OSA followed by smoking.
Alcohol can be consumed but not atleast 4 to 5 hrs prior to sleep.
Other things are you can avoid sleeping supine which will also help.
So all in all, i feel you do not need machine for now. But if your symptoms come back then you might have to use it again for longer period.
Follow above given advices and you may be not cpap and can be OSA free.
I hope i have answered your query well, if you have any more query kindly write back to me will be happy to answer them.
Thank you
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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