Let's talk about the MyAir app from ResMed, which many CPAP users rely on for feedback on their sleep therapy. While the app’s designed to be user-friendly and reassuring, it’s potentially doing more harm than good, especially for people who rely on it for accurate results.

The Illusion of "Excellent" Scores

The issue with MyAir is that it offers overly positive feedback, even when it may not reflect your true sleep health. For example, one user shared their results on a Facebook group, where the MyAir app showed an "excellent" score, even though their AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) was 16. An AHI of 16 is considered moderate sleep apnea, not excellent, which leads to the question: how reliable is this app?

The Problem with MyAir's "Everyone's a Winner" Mentality

MyAir gives you a score that looks good, but it doesn't accurately reflect your therapy's effectiveness. For instance, in this example, the app says the results are excellent when, in fact, they are far from it. This can mislead users, making them think their treatment is on track when it actually needs adjustment. This is why we need to look beyond the app’s feedback.

Research Reveals the Inaccuracy of AHI Scores

Let’s get into some research to shed light on how inaccurate these CPAP-generated AHI scores can be. In a study where simulated breathing data was analyzed by both CPAP machines and top respiratory physicians, the machines often gave results that did not match the actual severity of sleep apnea.

For example, when testing the ResMed AirSense 10 (a popular CPAP machine), the data showed that the machine's AHI scores were often underestimated. If the device scored an AHI of zero, it could actually be closer to a 10, and if it showed a 16, it could have been more like 25-30. This discrepancy reveals a significant issue—while your machine might show a "great" score, it could be masking a much bigger problem.

Comparing CPAP Machines and Their Accuracy

Let's dive into how different CPAP machines performed in this research:

• ResMed AirSense 10: One of the most widely used machines, but it often underestimates AHI. The data showed that it could score a 10 or 16 when it should have been higher.

• Philips DreamStation: Surprisingly, this machine did a better job at accurately reflecting AHI. While it might not be the best at lowering AHI, it at least gives an honest score.

• SBox (CFAM): This French company’s device scored somewhere between the AirSense 10 and DreamStation, with moderate accuracy.

• Lenin Prisma 20A: This machine performed the best, showing highly accurate results similar to the DreamStation.

Hypopneas: The Hidden Issue

Most of the discrepancy in the CPAP machines’ performance comes from hypopneas, which are medium reductions in breathing. While apneas (complete blockages of the airway) are typically flagged correctly, hypopneas often go unflagged, leading to an underestimation of how severe someone’s sleep apnea really is.

For example, with ResMed’s AirSense 10, it might mark hypopneas as "normal" when, in reality, they are causing significant disruptions to sleep. These missed hypopneas can prevent accurate diagnosis and treatment adjustments.

The Role of Blood Oxygen Levels

The best way to evaluate your CPAP therapy’s effectiveness is by looking at your blood oxygen levels. If your oxygen levels are stable and high, your therapy is likely working as it should. If they’re fluctuating or low, this is a sign that your therapy needs adjustment.

Conclusion: Trust Your Oxygen Levels, Not the MyAir Score

While the MyAir app might give you an "excellent" score, the truth is that your AHI might be higher than it seems. The most reliable indicator of effective sleep therapy is your blood oxygen levels. If you’re still feeling tired despite high scores, it might be time to dig deeper and adjust your therapy for better control over your sleep apnea.