(02-12-2013, 11:22 AM)rickm Wrote: Supplemental oxygen appears to be uniformly dismissed as a remedy for sleep apnea, yet I find but two minor studies of this possibility on Pubmed. Is there any clinical support for the application of supplemental oxygen to sleep apnea? I would appreciate responses from those who: (a) Have tried it, and (b) Who know more than I do.
This is not a specific answer to your question, but I would like to share some things with you that may help.
I use the Contec CMS60C pulse/oximeter and before I had the APAP machine, my doctor put me on 2Lm Oxygen concentrator with a cannula after I showed him I was going into the low 70s during sleep (probably REM sleep). I showed him the printouts and he immediately ordered an O2 concentrator/cannula for me during sleep. The supplemental O2 raised the SpO2 ten points from the low 70s to the 80s and many, many times, nomal readings (mid to upper 90s). However, low 80s is not acceptable either, therefore a sleep test was ordered and I showed an AHI of 38 and of course, an APAP was ordered.
Those same SpO2 numbers occurred after I got my APAP machine and I have dozens and dozens of recordings to back up both of these findings (AHI dropped to low teens though). Also, I have severe peripheral neuropathy and used to wake up with black toes and dead hands and feet and other parts and I really don't care what the studies show or even if there are any. I believe in patient empowerment and so does my doctor and I believe in
common sense and educating myself. You can't argue with success.
My suggestion, if you don't have an oximeter, get one. They aren't that expensive and test yourself all night to see where you are. Those low numbers that I was experiencing are not acceptable. Oh, in case it's not obvious, I'm using APAP and supplemental O2 injected during sleep. Either way you look at it, AHI 38 and SpO2 in 70s and 80s is... well, neither is acceptable... you're dying - my opinion. It's just a no-brainer to me.