11-10-2015, 04:09 PM
(This post was last modified: 11-10-2015, 04:14 PM by spottymaldoon.)
Blood oxygen level drop during an event
I am monitoring my blood oxygen levels overnight before starting to use my machine once again after being off it for a number of years.
I believe the SPO2 machine I have occasionally gives the odd very low reading (in the 80% range). Readings are recorded every 30 seconds and, usually, when I get a low reading it is flanked on either side by a normal one - i.e. 95% 85% 95% for example.
It seems to me that such a big desaturation could not happen and then recover during the space of only one minute - when I hold my breath it takes over a minute before my SPO2 starts to fall! Also, when this happens, I don't see any change in my heart rate, which I should expect.
Can somebody comment on the expected onset time and recovery time of an apnea or hypopnea initiated desat?
I am in excellent health and age 74 - no known problems other than apnea/hypopnea.
Thanks
Spotty
RE: Blood oxygen level drop during an event
I will suggest to you that a person breathes much more shallow during sleep.
Comparisons to when one is awake are probably not valid.
In my personal experience, I have observed that inexpensive pulse-oximeters are not very accurate.
Which SpO2 meter do you have ?
RE: Blood oxygen level drop during an event
(11-10-2015, 04:41 PM)justMongo Wrote: Which SpO2 meter do you have ?
BCI Fingerprint, made in USA! mid range model.
RE: Blood oxygen level drop during an event
(11-10-2015, 04:45 PM)spottymaldoon Wrote: (11-10-2015, 04:41 PM)justMongo Wrote: Which SpO2 meter do you have ?
BCI Fingerprint, made in USA! mid range model.
Actually a bit more expensive than some home recording meters.
If I'm looking at the right model, it appears it's now discontinued.
RE: Blood oxygen level drop during an event
Hi spottymaldoon,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Much success to you and hang in there for more answers to your question.
trish6hundred