[Health] EMF and Central Apnea

[April]

Does anyone suspect that electromagnetic forces (EMFs) are related to central apneas?

[Melman]

I doubt it. I'm surrounded by EMFs and have no central apnea.

[April]

Thank you for responding. Do you have any other sensitivities to EMF?  Only a small percentage of people are so adversely affected by EMFs that they notice it.  Maybe it is not affecting you enough to notice.  I do not know the EMF levels in my house.  My body is highly sensitive to other factors.  It's a question I have since I'm having many central apneas.  I am trying to figure out the cause.  Maybe I'm not used to my equipment yet.  I don't get to see a sleep specialist until Aug 2. Until then I'm doing what I can on my own.

[Shulamet]

I purchased a Vortex Bio shield transviber for my Dog....he passed last week so I am now using it in case I am sensitive to EMF..I have not seen studies that EMF affects sleep other than sleep hygeine protocols that say no blue screen two hours before bed, no alchohol, caffiene or sugar....

I am also trying to figure out if I have Centrals and need a different machine (AVS). Based on my research, Sleep disorders may be anatomical or neurological..unresolved they can create additional health risk factors.... This Forum focuses on "traditional" protocols to try. There is a lot to learn and one size does not fit all......

[SarcasticDave94]

On the aspect of Central Apnea, have you had a diagnostic sleep study and do you have your detailed copy to post a redacted version? You need to have your own sleep study and titration reports in your personal file as a safeguard. HIPAA law permits you to request and receive them. Get these reports and post it.

I'm aware of 3 types of Central Apnea: treatment emergent caused by CPAP due to more effecient flushing out CO2, pre-existing or predominant CA, and idiopathic. I can do my best to help with CA but not so much when it comes to EMF affecting any type of Apnea.

I would look for a different sleep specialist if they cannot see you for over 4 months. Check in with your PCP to help out. The primary doc can write scripts for CPAP. I've had diagnostic and titration studies redone recently that only took a week or so delay on the scheduling.

[April]

Thank you for your response.

I'm sorry about the passing of your pet.  You obviously loved him or her dearly.

I have been researching sleep apnea and EMFs.  I don't think I can post my favorite link.  All of this is so complex, especially if different factors are influencing each other.  I am aware and follow the good sleep hygiene guidelines.  I will keep experimenting nightly to find the sweet spot for CPAP machine, mask, keeping mouth closed, etc.

[April]

Thank you for your requests and kind suggestions.  

There was a cancellation and I got an appointment with a sleep medicine doctor yesterday.

The doctor looked at two sleep studies from 2014 and 2016 (4 years old!) and the recent 30-day summary from my Respironics DreamStation with humidifier.  The first 2 studies indicated that I do NOT have sleep apnea!  There is the start of my problems. In my mind the OSCAR data proves that I have sleep apnea.

I had a home study in October of 2020 but didn't have a copy (I had 30 mins. lead time before the appointment) that showed hypopneas and apneas, so I do not think he trusted the information without seeing the results. He was confused by the discrepancy.  I do not even think he looked at any of the "flow data" or other wave charts, but I cannot be sure.  

He told me my 3 masks were not leaking too much and to continue at the pressures that I set (4-9 with the flex at 3).  That would rule out the central apneas caused by CO2.  He feels that I am treated adequately.

He said my Central apneas could be caused by taping my mouth. I guess I will try some nights taping and others with a chin strap.  My chin strap slips off during the night.  I am not a fan of them for that reason.

Fortunately, he is willing to check the data from my CPAP again in 3 months.  He ordered a one night oxygen desaturation home test because I told him I dipped down to 88 % between 10 and 40 times regularly.

I did not bring up EMFs.  He was skeptical about water-damaged buildings causing biotoxin illness with sleep apnea as a symptom. So I didn't want to open the EMF topic, as more research is needed.

Would posting any results or OSCAR data be useful? Since I got in yesterday, I can keep using my machine and see what he says in 3 months.

[SarcasticDave94]

OK that's good that you've gotten seen earlier. Sure, you can post OSCAR data. It may show data that we can help dial in your therapy. I get the vibe from your comments on your doc that Central Apnea knowledge isn't one of his bright spots. I'm not so sure taping can affect CA at all.

And despite what doc says, your Flex 3 may still be a source of some issues. We've seen several Respironics users try Flex 3 and it was disruptive. Maybe back it to 2 at some point and see if things get better.

[April]

Thank you for the information about the Flex setting.  I will move it to 2 and watch what happens.  I've only had my new mask for 6 nights.  I plan to post and ask for suggestions in the future.

The information in the WiKi and the Forum is super helpful.  I'm reading.  There is so much to learn.    

The sleep doctor and I did not mesh.  I do not know if he is aware that patients read the visit notes.  He was not complimentary about me in his notes which confirmed my suspicions of his not believing me.

His notes were inaccurate.  I have to find out how to fix that.  He noted I had no brain trauma.  I have grey matter loss from an accident. In my mind, that could cause central apneas, but it probably depends which part of the brain is damaged. There is only one clinic, but maybe I can switch to a different doctor.

[Hydrangea]

That's great you were able to get an accurate take on your doctor! That gives you wisdom on what more to disclose/trust him with.

Invisible diseases/disorders/problems are so tough, especially with not being believed.

I don't currently have a sleep doctor. I fired mine for being horrid & uncaring. So I just use my Rx at my DME (that I chose, independent of the dr) to get supplies, and use this board as my resource. I'm not saying this is the way it should be done. But if you're happy with your machine choice, then it's not necessarily imperative to lean in to the doctor.