My study was 15 years ago. I don't remember the number, but I could hardly ever forget what my doctor said: "If you don't have UUUP surgery TOMORROW you could be dead or seriously brain damaged by the day after." And he went on to tell me that even with the surgery, which he called painful and dreadful, the best I could hope for was to cut the number in half, which would still be "extremely severe apnea." He may sound rather dramatic, but over the years I have learned he is/was anything but. He is just a blunt, no B.S. kind of guy.
Anyway, I had the surgery the next day, spent a few days in the hospital high on morphine, later fought like heck with my insurance company because they had not pre-approved the request despite my surgeon telling them that my life was in danger, and soon got my mask, and slept for the first time in years.
Didn't adapt to the mask easily, but by now I love it. Really, really love it. I travel with it, fly with it, camp with it, sail with it, etc. I'm on my 4th different machine over the decade plus.Wouldn't think of trying to sleep without it. Put it on, count to three, and I am out cold. My son's rock band could play in my bedroom with the amps blaring, and I wouldn't wake up.
Ave pressure is 14 plus or minus.
AHI is always under 5, and mostly under three. If I have a glass of wine, and no more than two, I am usually under ONE. (Yes, wine HELPS my apnea if I limit my consumption)
Sleeping with a mask is A LOT better than being dead, I believe. My wife and kids sure think so. In fact, it is a piece of cake.