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Recently, I've been waking up around 4:00-4:30 AM for no apparent reason. This happens every night around the same time. This is a full awakening, not just a disturbance. Once I'm awake, I have a very difficult time going back to sleep and usually don't. This has only started in the last 3 months or so. Prior to that, I would sleep soundly for a full 7-8 hours.
I'm wondering if my O2 levels are dipping very low around that time. I do have COPD and of course, this is a progressive disease so it could be getting worse all of a sudden. I am wearing my mask for at least 7 hours nightly and my OSCAR results don't show any glaring issues...that I know of. I realize I should address this with my pulmonologist...even though she is clueless...to see if I may need supplemental O2 added to my therapy. But I was just wondering if low O2 levels would cause something like this.
If needed, I can post some charts if anything might be determined from OSCAR data.
Thanks.
upsman,
Yes, please post a chart. Others may see something that isn't obvious to you.
Are you monitoring your Oxygen levels while you sleep? Also, in the last three months, think of anything that changed, like adding medications you weren't previously taking.
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Thanks Rose.
No changes in any medications.
Sleep hygiene same as always.
I have a Contec oximeter with a finger clip. It doesn't work with OSCAR, but I've used it several times and I'm not really sure the results are valid. I feel like the connection is a bit sketchy.
Here are a couple of OSCAR screenshots. Last night is pretty typical. Thursday night is a little high for AHI.
Machine: Lowenstein Luisa Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: Resmed Quattro FX Humidifier: separate F&P humidifier CPAP Pressure: Epap 4-20 PS 4-20; "auto" rate CPAP Software: Not using software
Other Comments: Using 45 degree angle upper body wedge (36"x36") and 4.5"soft cervical collar; 500 assured tidal vol
Upsman, your pressure seems to rise significantly during the 3am hours and then fall back down to normal (probably after you wake up). Pressure rises to combat flow limits, hypopneas, and obstructions. Do you wear a soft cervical collar? It might helps stop this. Do you change postions from back to side or vice versa? Tall, average, or low pillow height?
Advisory Members serve as an "Advisory Committee" to help shape Apnea Board's rules & policies.
Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
I've never felt the need for a cervical collar.
I probably sleep 95% of the night on my back with a medium to flat pillow. This has been the case for many years and never bothered me or caused any sleep disturbances like these.
Machine: Lowenstein Luisa Mask Type: Full face mask Mask Make & Model: Resmed Quattro FX Humidifier: separate F&P humidifier CPAP Pressure: Epap 4-20 PS 4-20; "auto" rate CPAP Software: Not using software
Other Comments: Using 45 degree angle upper body wedge (36"x36") and 4.5"soft cervical collar; 500 assured tidal vol
The "resistance" to airflow could be coming from your lungs (since you have COPD). My Pulmonologist and RT have talked to me about the same issue. In the vast network of bronchial tubes, etc.; these tubes could: 1. constrict (causing resistance to normal air flow; and/or 2. mucous like material could form inside of them increasing resistance). A test would be (when you wake up at 4 or 4:30 am) immediately turn off your machine and take off your mask. Start breathing and see if you feel resistance in your lungs (or even in your nose or throat area). Your Pulmonologist might be the only one to diagnose what is going on with her testing. If you choose to see her (you said are reluctant) try to take this exact OSCAR photo to show here how your pressure ramps up significantly right before you wake up and see what explanation she gives.
Advisory Members serve as an "Advisory Committee" to help shape Apnea Board's rules & policies.
Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
She wasn't interested in the OSCAR information I showed her a while back while asking a question about it. She had no clue and just said, "Your AHI is good, so no problem".
I did have pneumonia a few months ago and was cleared up with a round of antibiotics and steroids. But I also did just have my annual PFT and she said nothing had progressed. I'll try and speak to her in layman's terms next time and see if I can find out anything pertinent.
