How to Read Your AHI Score: What the Numbers in Your Sleep Report Mean

What is AHI

AHI stands for Apnea-Hypopnea Index - the average number of times per hour that apnea (a breathing pause) or hypopnea (abnormally shallow breathing) occurs during sleep. This is the main measure doctors use to assess the severity of sleep apnea from sleep test results or CPAP device data.

What each AHI range roughly means

Doctors generally divide severity roughly as follows: AHI under 5 events/hour is considered within the normal range, 5-15 events/hour is mild, 15-30 events/hour is moderate, and over 30 events/hour is severe.

These numbers are general guidance only. Accurate interpretation requires considering them together with symptoms, other health factors, and the treating doctor's judgment. You should not use the number alone to draw your own diagnostic conclusion.

Why keep tracking AHI even while already using CPAP

Once you start using CPAP, the goal is for the AHI measured by the device to drop to within or close to the normal range. If AHI stays high despite consistent use, it may mean the pressure setting isn't right, the mask is leaking, or another factor needs a doctor's attention to adjust treatment.

Seeing an AHI trend graph over time, instead of just a single day's number, helps you notice anything unusual sooner. This is why continuous tracking is more useful than only checking results at a scheduled appointment.