I have determined that the next step in my treatment of my mild OSA is to get an Oxygen saturation monitor.  I want one that keeps a constant running tab on O2 AND pulse, something that I can check after an arousal, or even in the morning.  A machine with these features seems hard to find, where can I get one?  Do they exist?

Also, is there a way to "rent" one of these for a month or so, just to see where I am at? Should I check with some local hospitals to see if they have any old machines they are gettting rid of?

I seem to be able to keep sleeping positions which all but eliminate my episodes, but I have no sleeping partner and I might still be having episodes I am not aware of.  This machine will solve this for sure.  I HAVE NO HEALTH INSURANCE, SO SLEEP STUDY IS OUT OF THE QUESTION FOR NOW!  

Thanks.  THis site is truly great.

Hi Guest,

You simply need a return to your doctor to discuss possibly switching to an APAP if you are currently using a CPAP.  Pulse-Ox's are only good at showing O2 desaturation and pulse.  They aren't a great way to follow apnea because many people with apnea don't register on a pulse-ox.  The airway obstruction causes arousals before it shows up on a pulse-ox.  A pulse-ox. cannot fix your apnea, at the best, it only gives you information about desaturations.  It cannot open your airway and correct the obstruction.  The only way to do that is with CPAP therapy.  Even if you think you have found a position where you desaturate less, there is no way to know for sure if it is really working.

They are readily available online but, you need to discuss your therapy and choice of XPAPs with your doctor.  The return visit would cost less than a pulse-ox. and be 1000X more effective.

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Vicki wrote:

Hi Guest,

You simply need a return to your doctor to discuss possibly switching to an APAP if you are currently using a CPAP.  Pulse-Ox's are only good at showing O2 desaturation and pulse.  They aren't a great way to follow apnea because many people with apnea don't register on a pulse-ox.  The airway obstruction causes arousals before it shows up on a pulse-ox.  A pulse-ox. cannot fix your apnea, at the best, it only gives you information about desaturations.  It cannot open your airway and correct the obstruction.  The only way to do that is with CPAP therapy.  Even if you think you have found a position where you desaturate less, there is no way to know for sure if it is really working.

They are readily available online but, you need to discuss your therapy and choice of XPAPs with your doctor.  The return visit would cost less than a pulse-ox. and be 1000X more effective.

Vicki

Hey Vicki thanks for the reply.  I will take it into consideration.

  To clarify, Many people with OSA have arousals before their sat levels drop?  Or is it that the machine does not pick up the desaturation quickly enough?  I guess many people don't sleep deep enough for the choking process to start, correct?

Hi Guest!,

I jsut asked about that recently and I think that the first senerior is correct, that some people get obstructed but are aroused before their O2 sats drop.  There are some people much more expert than I on this forum who might explain it better, Sleepy Dave?

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.