Random nights of CSA

[PastorMeador]

I have finally started using ResScan to track my data. I am finding that while I have very few events, most of them are central rather than obstructive. But I can go days without any events and then have a night with a hour that had four centrals. Then they disappear again for a few days. I know very little about central apnea. When does it become a serious matter even when on cpap?

[justMongo]

Since CA is included in the AHI tally, technically it is an issue when it brings the AHI to greater than 5.
Look at the duration flags. You may have some pressure induced CA. If the flags are 10, 11, 12 seconds, then perhaps not a big deal.
I flag a 10 second CA once in a blue moon.

BTW -- Your profile says RemStar Airsense 10 -- that's not right. I believe you mean ResMed Airsense 10.

[PaulaO2]

I think it is perfectly natural to have some central events during the night. Central events are the cessation of breathing without an obstruction. A vivid dream, talking in your sleep, and other factors can cause one. For many people, just the sensation of the pressure alone can cause them. If you are having that few, don't worry about them. As long as the AHI stays below 5 and you are feeling rested, all is well.

[vsheline]

I am finding that while I have very few events, most of them are central rather than obstructive. But I can go days without any events and then have a night with a hour that had four centrals. Then they disappear again for a few days. I know very little about central apnea. When does it become a serious matter even when on cpap?

Centrals can be influenced by medications or diet.

I think a random hour now and then with 5 centrals is nothing to be concerned about, especially if the centrals are short, like 20 seconds or less.

I think insurance companies never approve coverage for upgrading a standard CPAP/APAP/BiPAP machine to one capable of a backup respiration rate unless the average number of centrals per hour of sleep is 5 or higher, counting every hour of sleep.