07-30-2020, 10:18 AM
Central Apnea on CPAP
Hi everyone...so I need some help (like everyone else I'm sure)...So I have been a regular user/daily of CPAP for about 14 months now due to a diagnosis of Moderate Sleep Apnea. Since utilizing nightly CPAP, my AHI has been relatively good ranging from 0.8 to 3. Initially, I started with a Dreamwear facial mask (full face) that sits under the nose and covers the mouth). It was fine for awhile, because I was a mouth breather, and it seemed to work. However, in time, as I am a restless sleeper, with some insomnia, and shift side to side, it became a nuisance. So, I utilized the chin strap and moved on to the Dreamwear Nasal Prongs (which I use to this day). I eventually weened off needing the chin strap, and functionally it has been great. However, having lived at ranges from from those stated previously, I noticed lately (last month or so), my AHI was slightly ever increasing (3.7, 4.2, etc) which I never had initially. I would look at my log, and it would show, for example, 2 hypo, 2 Obstructive, and 22 Central apneas. By the way, this is at pressure of 8.5 and a Flex of 2 on the Dream Station, which seemed to work over time, with my 90% pressure averaging around 9.3, with a Flex of 2. So I began playing with the pressures, but then it became erratic. I then scheduled a re-titration study to determine how I was doing overall at the Sleep Lab. It came back, utilizing the same mask, with only having 1 obstructive and 2 Central apneas at a pressure of 7. The first night I returned, placing pressure on 7, AHI was high. Went back to 8.5. Long story I know, but, why am I getting so many centrals, and is there something the board would recommend? I really appreciate any help after that long winded explanation
