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== references Physiology of Respiratory Control == Deviations from normal arterial levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH are sensed by central and peripheral chemoreceptors. The central chemoreceptors are the major sensory organ of arterial carbon dioxide while the peripheral chemoreceptors are most influential in sensing arterial oxygen and pH. These signals are sent to the brainstem respiratory center which in turn signals the muscles of breathing that modify the alveolar ventilation rate. Finally, changes to the alveolar ventilation rate return the arterial oxygen, CO2, and pH levels to their normal values. Central Apnea is the interruption of this cycle resulting is a pause or temporary stoppage of breathing. === Role of CO2 ===Changes to the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide are sensed by both the central and peripheral chemoreceptors. Increased arterial partial pressures of CO2 strongly stimulates the central chemoreceptors which send level signals to the brainstem respiratory centers that increase respiratory drive. The resultant increase in alveolar ventilation results in pulmonary elimination of carbon dioxide and thus the restoration of lower arterial carbon dioxide levels. Important from a central apnea point of view, a decreased arterial partial pressures of CO2 strongly suppresses the respiratory drive and thus reducing ventilation, allowing for a buildup of arterial carbon dioxide levels. === Role of O2 and pH ===Acidosis (decrease in pH) increases respiratory drive, thus increasing ventilation which helps increase the blood pH by breathing off of carbon dioxide. Conversely, alkalosis (increase in pH) decreases respiratory drive, thus decreasing ventilation which helps reduce the blood pH by slowing the elimination of carbon dioxide. The peripheral chemoreceptors are the only sensory components that directly sense and respond to changes in the oxygen levels. When hypoxemia ensues the peripheral chemoreceptors are strongly activated and increase respiratory drive by activating the respiratory system resulting in increased ventilation thus increasing oxygen levels. It should be noted that this does little to suppress respiration. == References ==
[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21206741 Treatment of positive airway pressure treatment-associated respiratory instability with enhanced expiratory rebreathing space (EERS).]
[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3998090/ Alternative approaches to the treatment of Central Sleep Apnea]
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