First test Baseline Summary            
Sleep Time:  150
Sleep Efficiency:  61
Sleep Latency:  28
REM Latency:  328
APNEA-HYPOPNEA INDEX:  101/hr
Lowest Oxygen Saturation:  73%
INTERPRETATION:  CPAP was initiated and titrated from 5 to 13 cmH20.  Obstructive hypopneas persisted at every level along with central apneas.  
I used a "pillow" mask and tolerated it very well.

Second test one month later due to surgery was a terrible experience.  The tech did not know the proper way to fit the mask.  The first one was the smallest without being a pillow mask.  That one killed the bridge of my nose.  The second one was a half mask with a gel in it to help seal.  As soon as it was put on my nose immediately plugged up.  I used that one until I was sure I was not getting any air!  The third one we used was a full mask, which she kept telling me "always leaked".  She kept tightening it from one side until the left side of my face hurt really bad from the pressure...and I was still leaking air on the other side!  I told them if I had to put up with this, I would not wear the mask!  
INTERPRETATION:  bilevel was initiated and titrated from 13/8 up to 24/20 with obstructive hypopneas and central apneas persisted.  
I was requested to be fitted with a proper mask before the third study and to go to a lab that had a ASV machine.

Third Test one month later was done with a full mask.  After a few air leaks around my mouth, a chin strap was put in place and the next thing I knew it was morning.
INTERPRETAION  The optimal BiLevel pressure was 25/20 cmH20 plus supplemental oxygen at 3 lpm with a backup rate of 12 breaths per minute

The ASV was not used.  I'm at a loss where to go from here.  My Doctor doesn't seem to know much about Sleep Apnea per his words!  I see him next week and see where I go from here.  Is there any other testing I should have for the central apneas??

Where does the backup rate come from?  Does the Bi/level machine give you this????

Due to the central apneas I would look for a Neurologist who specializes in Sleep Medicine.  There is a link on this site for Board Certified Sleep Specialists.

Many Drs are not fully aware of SA...thank goodness you have one that has not let his/her ego get in the way...and admitted it.  My GP also admitted it and was pleased to learn whatever he could from me about my views and what I have learned.

The centrals may be coming from the O2 desaturation...I may be totally wrong on that but I believe I have read it before.

Seajay, How old are you?  Were there any symptoms above the norm that caused you to have a sleep study?


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BiPAP Auto M 13/8 Mirage Nasal Swift. 20 years+ undx'd. RLS/PLMD, Hypersomnia & more.

Thanks for the advice Mrs. Rip Van Winkle.

I am 69 years old.  I retired three years ago and have been sitting around since then.  I was having  pre-op work done when the Cardiologist found I had high blood pressure and put me on meds.  I always had normal blood pressure in the 120/80 range. I was concerned about my sudden weight gain in the past three months.  The Cardiologist then suggested I get a Sleep Study done.  I have also been a very shallow breather and overweight most of my life.  I have severe Osteoarthritis and had a total hip in 2000 and was facing a total knee in April.  The surgery went fine but I was sent home on oxygen 2L.  I only use that when I sleep.  For two months I could sleep anytime of the day..all day.  Something has happened and now this week I can't sleep.  I was taking vicodin PRN for my arthritis and then after surgery was up to 6 per day.  I have cut back to one or two per day and hope to be off of it by weeks end. I know this must have an effect on the sleep study.  

My brothers and sister all have the simple sleep apnea.  I wonder how long I've had this condidtion?  I seem to be getting along just fine except I'm up many nights...that may be due to the fact I worked nights for many years.

Yeah...meds can play a big part in things.  There are basically two types of sleep docs that become Board Certified in sleep medicine....Neruo's and Pulmonolgists.  Look for either one but make sure they are sleep docs.

I asked your age due to wondering if you have narcolepsy...or form there of.  This usually shows up in the early years...but often mis dx'd as other things.  That was in response to your question if you should have any other testing done due to the central.

When researching your stuff...see if you can find info that can relate low O2 and central apneas.  I think (and I am no medical person) the centrals and the O2 are related from what you have described...again...this is only my thought and by no means take my ideas as fact.

You should se a big difference once on your xPAP.


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CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

BiPAP Auto M 13/8 Mirage Nasal Swift. 20 years+ undx'd. RLS/PLMD, Hypersomnia & more.