Should I be dead?

[Snot Rocket]

I guess what I'm really asking is... Did my pulse oximeter have a bad reading? My Spo2 was in the range of 85 - 72 for 50 min, with the majority of that time below 80. I woke up with a headache. I don't see any reason for it to have dropped so low. Flow limits were good, and breathing was normal, with almost no apneas. It looked like I had an amazing night of breathing except for the low oxygen levels. Should I be concerned. 

I've only been using Oscar for a few days, but from past experience 92 is a normal Spo2 level for me. I've been an avid cyclist for 15 years, I don't know if this is why my baseline is so low?

[Crimson Nape]

I would suspect the sensor probe on the oximeter. What brand are you using?
- Red

[Snot Rocket]

contec cms50f

[Snot Rocket]

It happened again last night for maybe 15 min.

[Sleeprider]

You changed the EPR settings between these two nights. As a result your machine with EPR 1 last night was more responsive to obstructive events and you had fewer of them, but your flow limits increased a bit. I think to get some consistency in your results and a better oxygenation, we really need to get your minimum exhale pressure out of the cellar (4.0 cm) and increase your minimum pressure. For starters, I'm going to suggest a minimum pressure of 7.0 and EPR at 2. The deep SpO2 desats look like a connection issue due to the very steep decline and recover back to the "normal" levels.

[Snot Rocket]

Sleeprider, I found that I am most comfortable between 9-13, but I put the settings back to what was on my prescription a few days before I had an appointment with my Dr. A general practice Dr.  I didn't know how he'd feel about me messing with the setting. This was all before I installed OSCAR or had an oximeter so it's hard to say how I responded to the higher pressure. I thought I'd give it a week at my prescribed levels before changing anything so that I had a baseline in OSCAR. I'm going to ramp up my pressure a bit and check back in on the data. 

The oximeter levels have me worried. I don't feel like the finger cuff is slipping in the night, but who knows what happens as I toss and turn. Is it normal for it to keep reading and just be low rather than drop off altogether when it's not fitted perfectly?

[Sleeprider]

The problem is that with EPR, your pressure must be higher than 4.0 + EPR setting or the machine cannot respond to obstruction. Put your settings where you feel best and tell your doctor "this is what works for me". That is the way it is done. Your doctor set a default range in the absence of a titration test, and it was always up to you to optimize. No need to ask for permission or forgiveness. Use what works.

[Snot Rocket]

At what point should I be concerned with low oxygen?
Last night I had two drops that stayed below 90 for a prolonged period. To me it does not look like a finger slip, as they correspond well to 1. a series of repeated 20 sec apneas and 2. a 33 second apnea. The desats slowly returned to normal which also makes me think it was not just a finger slip. 

Yes my Spo2 levels at rest are low, If I put the sensor on other people it will measure higher, or if I'm not at rest it will also measure higher. I think a 92 baseline is just normal for me at rest.

[Jay51]

A person with SPO2 during sleep that cumulatively falls below 88% for 5 minutes total time or greater, qualifies for supplemental oxygen according to Medicare.  

From all the research I have done, around 95 or 96 average during sleep seems to be around the normal level.  I have read where drops into the low 90's; a person should keep an eye on these.  Drops below 90 seem to be when they recommending doing more:  reporting this to care providers, etc.  

This looks like a tough call since you are on the border here.  A big question to ask would be:  how do I feel when I wake up in the morning after sleep?  If it gets worse, then maybe more action needs to be taken IMO.

[SarcasticDave94]

From a guy with some oxygen level issues when awake or sleep due to Emphysema COPD and heart PVCs...

Some perspective info questions

1. Do you have any oxygen dips during the day and night or just night?

2. Any underlying cause you're aware of, producing number 1?

3. Any testing for this at all? 6 min walk test, etc.

Maybe a data overload at least for yourself is necessary. Like measure O2 in the day and night at times, or something similar as applicable.

Context from me, my same model Contec oximeter would have heart rate jump up while resting in recliner with corresponding drop in O2, like heart rate 100, O2 89%. FWIW I can feel when my O2 levels are 92% or less, accurate call on being low when in docs office or ER, getting O2 checked.