Reading your sleep data
What Is a Good AHI on CPAP?
On a diagnostic test an AHI under 5 events per hour is considered normal, and many clinicians look for a treated AHI on CPAP in that range. Your clinician decides what is acceptable for you, and a treated AHI that stays high, or keeps rising, is a reason to see them.
How AHI severity is defined
Adult severity categories are commonly given as normal under 5, mild 5 to under 15, moderate 15 to under 30 and severe 30 or more events per hour. A review in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine notes these cutoffs were formalized largely empirically by an AASM task force in 1999.
Medicare uses 15 or more, or 5 to 14 with symptoms or certain conditions, as its threshold to cover CPAP.
Your CPAP AHI
The AHI your machine shows is what is left after treatment, sometimes called residual AHI. Because a normal diagnostic result is under 5, a treated value in that range is a common goal.
One number does not tell the whole story. How you feel during the day, your usage hours and leak all matter, and your clinician weighs them together.
Why it bounces around
Alcohol, sedatives, sleeping on your back, nasal congestion, a new mask, leaks and short nights can all push AHI up for a night. Short sessions are especially noisy because a few events in a short period make a high hourly average.
Look at a 7 to 30 day average, as Philips' DreamStation reports and apps like myAir allow.
When to call your clinician
Call if your AHI stays above the target your clinician gave you, if it rises over weeks, if most events are central or clear airway apneas, if you snore or gasp on CPAP, or if you still feel very sleepy.
Do not raise your pressure yourself. Your clinician may adjust settings, change your mask, or order a new study.
Supplies that can help
A pillow with cutouts or a contoured edge so a mask and hose are not pushed out of place when you sleep on your side.
A soft strap that supports the jaw to help keep the mouth closed, used mainly with nasal and nasal pillow masks to reduce mouth leaks.
Salt water spray that moistens and clears the nose, a simple aid for the congestion and dryness some people get on CPAP.
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Frequently asked questions
Is an AHI of 5 on CPAP good?
Many clinicians aim for a treated AHI below 5, since under 5 is considered normal on a diagnostic test. Ask your clinician what target they want for you.
Is an AHI of 10 on CPAP bad?
It is higher than the usual goal. If it is a one off, look for causes like leak or alcohol. If it persists, contact your clinician.
Why is my AHI higher some nights?
Back sleeping, alcohol, congestion, leaks and short sessions commonly raise it. Watch the trend over a week or more.
Can my AHI be zero?
Yes, some nights it can. A zero is not required; a consistently low value with good daytime energy is what matters.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error