Posted by Sandman on September 18, 2009 at 20:43:42:In Reply to: Falling Asleep. posted by madcow on September 18, 2009 at 07:29:21:
The criteria for mild sleep apnea varies from lab to lab. The RDI isn't the best criteria for severity. The best criteria is how you feel the next day. If you are feeling refreshed in the morning and wide awake during the day then it would be considered very mild. If you feel bad in the morning and have trouble staying awake during the day, then it is severe. The RDI or AHI don't really matter, basically it is a number used for insurance purposes, they like numbers.
Loud snoring is never normal. With load snoring and a low RDI there is a high probability of UARS (upper airway resistance syndrome)which resembles normal breathing during sleep. UARS can have consequences as severe as full blown OSA. Most labs don't test for UARS because it is difficult to measure. They would need to insert a catheter down your throat to measure esophageal pressure. It is a very small flexible infant feeding tube. Stanford uses it on all their patients and requires the technicians to have training in the insertion and technical monitoring of the equipment.
There are many labs today that use the technique, you should contact other labs in your area to see if they test for UARS.
Best wishes,
SandmanDisclaimer, I am not an MD and my opinions should not be taken as medical advice. If you feel that you need assistance with medications and/or diagnosis, you should seek medical advice from a qualified physician.