Are centrals my big problem

[PaulaO2]

I merged the two threads together.

[PaytonA]

My understanding is that a regular cpap does not help with CAs, only OAs, RERAS and HAs. Central are where the brain does not send the "breath" signal. The other events are where your throat is partially or fully obstructed. CPAP (Continuous Passive Air Pressure (I think)) forces your through open so you can breath. It can't force your brain to send the breath signal.

You are right, regular CPAPs do not normally treat central apneas but high pressure or pressure changes may precipitate CAs and if that is the case, some pressure adjustment may help.

Another thing to think about is is only guessing what kind of apnea event you are having. It can detect a partial or blocked airway by sending pressure pulses and measuring the resistance. If it sees your airway is not blocked but you are not breathing, than this may be a central apnea. Without an eeg, it can't know for sure.

The algorithm on each machine is different. I could be way off in left field here. If I am, hopefully someone corrects me.

Right again. It takes an EEG to definitively score central apneas. The machine can accurately tell if you are breathing or not and can reasonably accurately determine if your airway is open or not. If your airway is open and you are not breathing for 10 seconds, it is a pretty good bet that you are having a central apnea.

Best Regards,

PaytonA