Low Oxygen Levels on CPAP

[idobelieveinfairies]

Hi Everyone,

I was recently diagnosed with OSA and have been on my CPAP machine for about two weeks. While there have been some ups and downs in my results, the machine is generally reporting that my AHI is being lowered below 5, which would make me, technically speaking, successfully treated.

The problem is, I am still separately tracking low oxygen levels throughout the night--typically in the mid-80s, but sometimes even in the 70s. Additionally, I still find myself waking up groggy and feeling exhausted, despite sleeping long hours and with an reportedly low AHI. 

I should mention, I am not obese (only a couple of pounds overweight) and not a smoker. 

After a fatigue-related scare behind-the-wheel, I returned to my doctor only to be soundly told off by the nurse for coming back to the office too soon. Right now, I am stuck for answers that will help be get back to functioning normally and safely.

Any ideas what could be causing this? I am happy to provide any details that could be relevant.

[Walla Walla]

Best way to help you would be if you could download sleepyhead software and post a couple of charts here with daily data. the links for sleepyhead and directions for posting are below. Even though your AHI may be below 5 doesn't mean you can't have O2 drops to events and even flow limitations. Of course it could be caused by other factors also. Is the Doctor you mention your family Doctor or a Sleep Doctor? If he's a sleep Doctor you may want to talk to your family Doctor about being referred to a pulmonologist.

[Sleeprider]

#Sleepyhead software will report AHI, as well as let is know some respiration statistics like tidal volume, minute vent and breathing rate. We can also look at flow limitation and other suspects in low oxygen saturation. We certainly can help you understand the problem, and possibly mitigate it, however with SpO2 dropping into the 70s it is appropriate for you to advise your doctor of these results. There is a strong probability you will need an alternative to CPAP, and I think your doctor is going to want to evaluate those alternatives in a titration test.

[Gideon]

Hi Everyone,

I was recently diagnosed with OSA and have been on my CPAP machine for about two weeks. While there have been some ups and downs in my results, the machine is generally reporting that my AHI is being lowered below 5, which would make me, technically speaking, successfully treated.

The problem is, I am still separately tracking low oxygen levels throughout the night--typically in the mid-80s, but sometimes even in the 70s. Additionally, I still find myself waking up groggy and feeling exhausted, despite sleeping long hours and with an reportedly low AHI. 

After a fatigue-related scare behind-the-wheel, I returned to my doctor only to be soundly told off by the nurse for coming back to the office too soon. Right now, I am stuck for answers that will help be get back to functioning normally and safely.

Any ideas what could be causing this? I am happy to provide any details that could be relevant.

[url=http://OSCAR Official Download Page ----> CLICK HERE ./]SleepyHead[/url] software will report AHI, as well as let is know some respiration statistics like tidal volume, minute vent and breathing rate. We can also look at flow limitation and other suspects in low oxygen saturation. We certainly can help you understand the problem, and possibly mitigate it, however with SpO2 dropping into the 70s it is appropriate for you to advise your doctor of these results. There is a strong probability you will need an alternative to CPAP, and I think your doctor is going to want to evaluate those alternatives in a titration test.

I included Sleepriders comment here because it is VERY important.  IMHO you want an Appointment with your doctor TODAY!!!,  take the results of your overnight SpO2 in with you.

Sleepyhead is a tool we use to provide advice with knowledge,  Please download it and post your dailies.  And do include your SpO2 results along with how you feel.

Fred

[Sleep2Snore]

Without your data to go on, I would suspect that if you have a nasal mask air is short circuiting through your mouth.  Or you might have a lot of centrals or you are tucking your chin in while you sleep.
You might have a more complex type of Sleep Apnea requiring a more complex machine, the only wat to know is do what Sleeprider suggests with Sleepyhead.