Hypercapnia
Could anyone share their opinion about hypercapnia and CPAP ? I recently had some blood work done because of an electrolyte inbalance. The co2 level in the blood was higher than the lab value. I don't smoke and I don't think I have asthma either.
Is it possible that I could be rebreathing the CO2 because I pull the blankets way up over my head even though I have my CPAP machine going every night? I use the Swift FX for her mask and my machine is the S9 Autoset.
I have the climateline hose and also use the short stretch hose that attaches to the mask at one end and also attaches to the climateline at the other end.
Frequently I will wake up with a headache in the morning and I've never had many cpap problems until recently. My AHI is anywhere from 0.2 to 2.5.
My husband suggested that maybe my headaches and the higher CO2 level could be because I cover my head with our blankets.
RE: Hypercapnia
But that level would be gone with just a few minutes of waking. CO2 is expelled when we breathe out, the body is constantly doing this with each breath. It would not take long for the blood to even out.
Or at least that's how I understand it.
PaulaO
Take a deep breath and count to zen.
RE: Hypercapnia
While it's possible to cause CO2 buildup by blocking the vents, I have my doubts that any reasonable amount of blankets will block the outflow enough to matter. The pressure should be enough to lift up the blankets enough to let the air escape sideways, and even without that, it's not that hard to exhale through the blankets. You'll breath fresh air in through the hose, and exhale into the space under the blankets.
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If it's midnight and a DME tells you it's dark outside, go and check it yourself.
RE: Hypercapnia
Hi GrammaBear,
I think there is another thread about getting off the benzos on this board. If you can, you should try like anything to get off those, I know it can be VERY difficult. I wish you GREAT SUCCESS with that.
trish6hundred