My own overnight testing for OSA

[tedgreen]

Hi all,

I have been diagnosed properly with some very mild OSA a couple of years ago (home sleep study, followed by clinic sleep study).

I have used CPAP intermittently since then, always getting a very low AHI when used (less than 2). I have also lost quite a lot of weight changing my diet and exercise.

Using a wrist SpO2 monitor with finger sensor (Contec CMS50F), I measured last night the actual SpO2 trend over 4 hours (not using CPAP).

Average SpO2 was about 94% and it never really dropped below 92% (apart from one event).

My understanding is that OSA is determined by SpO2 dropping below 88%.

The report created by the device software shows 28 events during the 4 hours period, but I can't really see any massive drops of SpO2 during that time below 92%. Please see screenshot of report attached, as well as the full report (PDF).

How should I interpret those results??? When I use CPAP, I tend to wake up after 3 or 4 hours, so I think CPAP is disturbing my sleep possibly more than helping.

Thanks!

   

  Full Report - 02 Mar 2021.pdf (Size: 334.73 KB / Downloads: 7)

[SarcasticDave94]

88% on the oxygen is not directly going to give an answer whether or not there's Apnea. It can indicate a possibility either way however. The 88% oxygen level is more useful if you have frequent oxygen level drops from a breathing issue and when determining the need for supplemental oxygen.

If you're trying to determine the need to continue CPAP or not, contact the doctor. You'll need to do an overnight sleep study. Using what data you have isn't a clear definite indicator of no Apnea. Further, the use of OSCAR data when using a CPAP isn't going to definitely rule out necessity or not either.

[tedgreen]

Thanks. Unfortunately, my private insurance will not pay for another sleep study. As far as they are concerned, mild OSA was diagnosed and CPAP machine was suggested. End of story.