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detecting 3% spO2 drop
#1
detecting 3% spO2 drop
There seems to be a consensus that commercial spO2 sensors cannot be trusted to better than plus or minus 2%. That is perhaps not surprising, but I would think that they would still be accurate in detecting a 3% drop such as 92% to 89% even if the calibration is off and it is really a drop from 94% to 91%. Does anyone know if this is true? I am looking for something that can reliably determine a 3% or 4% drop so that I can use it as an indicator of my apnea under various circumstances and test out various strategies as replacement for cpap. I have been told that there is no commercial product that is reliable, but is that really true if I am just looking for apnea events as a change in reading, which should be close to truth even if the calibration is bad?
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#2
RE: detecting 3% spO2 drop
Welcome to Apnea Board,

I don't really know if there's an oximeter that will definitely be accurate enough for you. So I'll move on to CPAP choices.

I'll make it simple, ResMed is the brand.

Next, answering what level do you need, it should be according to a PSG diagnostic sleep study detailed report, or home study. If it's simple moderate Obstructive Apnea and Hypopnea, the ResMed AirSense 10 or 11 AutoSet will be fine. If you need a standard bilevel, ResMed AirCurve 10 or 11 VAuto is it.

Above that, if you happen to have Central Apnea, the ResMed AirCurve 10 or 11 ASV is the target. Lung disease, ResMed AirCurve 10 or 11 ST-A maybe ST.

You'll want OSCAR charts, the free report tool linked above.
Mask Primer

Positional Apnea

Attach OSCAR, etc.

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#3
RE: detecting 3% spO2 drop
i don't know about your percentages. if your o2 drops below 88 or 89 for more than something like 6 minutes total over the whole night you would need and should get supplemental o2. the doc would have to order a test with a medical grade o2 sensor to verify. o2 sensors we can buy without a prescription are not normally medical grade and may not be a million percent accurate.
First Diagnosed July 1990

MSgt (E-7) USAF (Medic)
Retired 1968-1990
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#4
RE: detecting 3% spO2 drop
(02-04-2025, 10:19 PM)UnsureGuy Wrote: I would think that they would still be accurate in detecting a 3% drop such as 92% to 89% even if the calibration is off and it is really a drop from 94% to 91%.

Based on my general experience with detection devices, I agree that relative changes can be measured accurately even when the calibration is off. 
One can imagine a situation where the sensitivity slope is also misaligned, altering the reported 3% drop. However, the usual sensitivity misalignment should not significantly influence a 3% absolute change reporting because the 3% relative change is small compared to the full scale. When it does, the instrument is better discarded because it is just so bad.
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