LATEST OXIMETER FINDINGS - Printable Version +- Apnea Board Forum - CPAP | Sleep Apnea (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums) +-- Forum: Public Area (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Public-Area) +--- Forum: Main Apnea Board Forum (https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Forum-Main-Apnea-Board-Forum) +--- Thread: LATEST OXIMETER FINDINGS (/Thread-LATEST-OXIMETER-FINDINGS) |
LATEST OXIMETER FINDINGS - MCS2014 - 12-05-2015 Was diagnosed with mild OSA (AHI of 12.5) in late 2012. I had also been diagnosed with a deviated septum since 2001 which in time I believe has worsened. Here are my findings using a ChoiceMed W11SM pulse oximeter: NO TREATMENT (external nasal strip only): Avg Sp02 <88: 180 Avg event level: 84 Lowest level: 81 Other: morning hypertension BIPAP+ external nasal strip : Avg Sp02 <88: 56 Avg event level: 86 Lowest level: 84 Other: morning hypertension; chronic dry mouth following usage; mouth-breathing because could not breathe through nose OASYS ORAL DEVICE (OSA mandibular advancement device) + external nasal strip: Avg Sp02 <88: 389 Avg event level: 82 Lowest level: 80 Other: morning hypertension; transient intermittent TMJ/TMD after a few night usage O2 CONCENTRATOR + external nasal strip : Avg Sp02 <88: 16 Avg event level: 85 Lowest level: 78 Other: morning hypertension, but better Conclusions: 1) Pulse rate spikes in the majority of desaturation events but not in all cases; can be immediate spike in PR or a gradual response to varying levels of desaturation or sometimes with no desaturation at all. 2) 02 + external nasal strip resulted in 12 out of 34 sessions with Sp02 of 88 or greater. There was a much higher average >95 Sp02 than with the other treatments. I suspect <88 Sp02 results are mostly due to transient nasal congestion. 3) By far, the 02 concentrator direct to the nostrils via cannula @ a 4-5+ setting with humidifier cup attachment + external nasal strip produces the best results and the least desaturation events <88 (most consistent 02 @ 98). Although I have not had a followup polysomnography to confirm 100%, my preliminary findings would indicate that my intermittent nocturnal hypoxia/hyponeas stem from my nasal obstruction/constriction/congestion mainly due to the deviated septum and possible rhinosinusitis due to airborne allergens. My ENT doc was right all along when all the other docs said a deviated septum/nasal congestion does not cause OSA. This goes to show that not all OSA is related to soft tissue/throat issues. Would welcome any additional input. |