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Machine: AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her Mask Type: Nasal mask Mask Make & Model: AirFit P10 for Her Humidifier: unsure CPAP Pressure: 6-9 CPAP Software: Not using software
I'm brand new to this board, after being diagnosed with sleep apnea last summer.
I have a question I'm hoping some people can respond to, as I've been searching the internet for a few hours now without finding what I need.
After complaining of insomnia to my primary care, I did a home sleep study. The results showed that I had an average of 21 AHI and that my oxygen level was below 88% for 123 minutes, and declined as low as 75%.
I started CPAP and have been using it religiously. According to my machine, I'm down to having only .5 - 1.5 AHI/hour.
Last month, my doc wanted me to use the oximeter overnight again, to measure my oxygen levels. They were basically the same: 121 min below 88%, lowest decline at 76%.
Saw a pulmonologist. He is going to do a pulmonary function test but wants to start me on supplemental oxygen right away. I have concerns! Any help with the following questions would be most appreciated!
-- How can my levels be so low even with CPAP?
-- What are the risks of using supplemental? I've heard your body can get used to it and not be able to function without it.
-- I saw a cardiologist and had an echocardiogram, and it was fine. What else could be causing such low oxygen readings?
02-02-2018, 12:07 AM (This post was last modified: 02-02-2018, 12:12 AM by ajack.)
RE: Low oxygen even with CPAP
Get some sleepyhead charts up, if you want to. The forum may see something worth mentioning. You may need the pressures adjusted, to help for now.
Normally you move from cpap to bpap and then o2 if needed. He might be giving the o2, till the testing and another sleep study on to bpap is done? You could ask what the plan is.
First I wouldn't panic. Oxygen is not something to be scared of. I had to use it for a while and I didn't become addicted to it. You'll find though with the oxygen you'll feel better in the mornings. I'd guess that he's giving you oxygen for a short term while they do tests to figure out the cause. Sometimes it can be corrected with a BIPAP machine without oxygen.
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Machine: AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her Mask Type: Nasal mask Mask Make & Model: AirFit P10 for Her Humidifier: unsure CPAP Pressure: 6-9 CPAP Software: Not using software
Machine: Resmed AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: Resmed f20 Humidifier: Resmed Integrated humidifier CPAP Pressure: 11/14 CmH2O CPAP Software: Not using software
Other Comments: I started CPAP in 2008. Totally blind since birth.
I'm going through the same thing. I was on cpap for years but my o2 levels were too low. So they added supplemental oxygen. That works but my sleep doc switched me to bipap in the hope that would work instead. In April I'll be tested and if all goes well the oxygen will be eliminated. Let's see how it goes.
Machine: AirSense 10 AutoSet for Her Mask Type: Nasal mask Mask Make & Model: AirFit P10 for Her Humidifier: unsure CPAP Pressure: 6-9 CPAP Software: Not using software
OK, so I spent some time this weekend getting an SD card and downloading Sleepyhead, and trying to figure out how to use them!
It looks like because I didn't have an SD card in before last night, I have only incomplete data for the nights before last night. So I'm attaching one file that charts just last night, with the details.
I'm also attaching 2 records of my O2 saturation, preCPAP (5-16-17) and while on CPAP (10-12-17). Unfortunately they look very similar in terms of number of minutes below 88% -- about 2 hours both nights. (And both nights I slept only about 5 hours.)
I would love any help in deciphering them, as well as any suggestions of things to pursue.
My big concern right now is that the pulmonologist prescribed oxygen, which the RT then delivered. I just don't know enough to know if it's safe. Also, while I have a pulmonary function test scheduled, I'm concerned about using O2 when no one seems to know why my levels are so low at night.