Oximetry report - data interpretation

[Possum]

One of the primary observations in my sleep study was blood oxygen "desaturation events." There were actually more desaturation events and than apnea events.

That said, I decided that it would be wise to purchase a pulse oximeter, specifically the Innovo CMS 50F, which is fortunately compatible with Sleepyhead as well. In this case, though, I actually found the native software for the oximeter to be more didactic.

I have attached a report from last night and am wondering if there are any oximetry analysis experts out there who would like to assess it for me? I also attached a screenshot from Sleepyhead, in case anyone prefers that view.

It looks to me like I still have a significant issue with oxygen desaturation events, which would explain that despite my having successful CPAP treatment from the standpoint of my typical AHI (<1), I still often feel pretty tired in the morning. Unfortunately I have no baseline prior to CPAP treatment so I'm not sure if my oxygen levels have improved. I might try sleeping without CPAP one night just for comparison, but not sure when.

Is there anyone willing to take a shot? Of course I understand that you are not an MD and cannot diagnose any disease. Just looking for an educated opinion.

Thanks in advance!

   

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[Possum]

Aww, c'mon folks! I know amongst all the smart, well informed users out there, there is an oximetry genius lurking. Come forward!

[Crimson Nape]

I'll put my two cents in here. One day does not make a trend. You need to observe your SpO2 levels for a week or longer to get an accurate picture. With that said, remember that the CMS-50 accuracy is (was) +/- 2%. Also, I have one finger probe that records 1% lower than the other. I'd recommend that you establish a theoretical baseline by recording a time period while you are awake. The last thing I'd recommend is to get a reading from your doctor's oximeter for data correlation.

Good luck.

[Possum]

I'll put my two cents in here. One day does not make a trend. You need to observe your SpO2 levels for a week or longer to get an accurate picture. With that said, remember that the CMS-50 accuracy is (was) +/- 2%. Also, I have one finger probe that records 1% lower than the other. I'd recommend that you establish a theoretical baseline by recording a time period while you are awake. The last thing I'd recommend is to get a reading from your doctor's oximeter for data correlation.

Good luck.

Point taken.. Night 2 actually looked much different (see below), although I used my middle finger instead of index - so now I don't know if that changed the readings.

   

[Crimson Nape]

Since we tend to use our index finger for many things (I'll let you use your imagination), the data seems to be more stable and accurate using the middle finger. While the descriptive data includes them, you can disregard the spikes (artifacts) and look at the overall waveform geometry for a better picture of what's happening. I think that each point is a 6 second snapshot, so it has to be taken with a grain of salt.

You're off to a good start.

[PaulaO2]

Look at the data and at the SH data together. Are you having events at the time the O2 dips?

Overall, it is not that bad. Yes, you did below 92 but not that often and not for long.

Compare the two data and see what is happening during both.

[Possum]

Look at the data and at the SH data together. Are you having events at the time the O2 dips?

Overall, it is not that bad. Yes, you did below 92 but not that often and not for long.

Compare the two data and see what is happening during both.

Thanks so much for the feedback, Paula! I have not looked at CPAP and the oximetry data in tandem yet. I do a weekly data upload on my work computer every Friday, but one of the charms of using this oximeter is that the data upload must be daily. Even though it stores 24 hours worth of data, it only stores one session at a time. So, I'm compiling a week's worth of oximetry data and then I'll add the CPAP data on Fri.

[PaulaO2]

Also do a daytime O2 check. Several times a day. While resting, while active. Before and after exercise or whatever. The sleeping O2 needs a reference. If your normal O2 is low, then dips aren't unexpected. And you'll know this is something to discuss with your physician.

[Possum]

Also do a daytime O2 check. Several times a day. While resting, while active. Before and after exercise or whatever. The sleeping O2 needs a reference. If your normal O2 is low, then dips aren't unexpected. And you'll know this is something to discuss with your physician.

Normal for me while awake and active is >95%, pretty consistently. So, I am looking at some level of SP02 depression while lying down and/or sleeping, which seems to be fairly common according to my research thus far. It looks like as long as I'm averaging >88% while sleeping, doctors will not prescribe supplemental oxygen. I'm still somewhat young, but I might be looking at that in the future. Hoping my gradual weight reduction will help take some of the burden off my respiratory system.

[PaulaO2]

Sleeping O2 should be about 90 to 92. Dips lower than that are not too concerning. It is when it goes that low and stays there, that's a sign of a problem. Or when the daytime O2 is lowering as well. My guess is you are having clusters of events at about the same time as the dips. For some people, it does not take much.