The frequency of apneas and hypopneas during sleep, measured as events per hour, represents the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). In the context of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, a high AHI indicates that the CPAP device is not effectively preventing breathing interruptions. For instance, an AHI of 15 events per hour on CPAP suggests the individual is still experiencing 15 instances of reduced or stopped breathing every hour, despite using the device.
Reducing the AHI on CPAP is crucial for improved sleep quality, reduced daytime sleepiness, and a lower risk of associated health complications, such as cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment. Historically, managing AHI relied solely on manual pressure adjustments by clinicians. Current advancements involve sophisticated algorithms within CPAP devices that automatically adjust pressure settings based on real-time breathing patterns.
