[split] ResMed AirSense 10 - Diabetes and Low O2

[sitewolf]

I wasn't sure whether to start a new thread or where to put this, so my apologies if it seems I'm derailing the thread.

I have had my Airsense 10 for a couple years now, but have been using Philips Dreamwear for a mask and do love both the machine and having a mask with a hose attaching on top of my head instead of by my nose...far quieter. I had also changed my cushion to one with a slot instead of nasal prongs (or whatever the term) and have normally loved that, too...nothing stuck up my nose.

Seemed my perfect setup and maybe still is, but the last few weeks, while I've generally slept well, I've been a bit more tired than normal. Some of it I had put off as adjusting my diet to work on my weight and diabetes. However, this past week I'd been thinking my blood sugar was dropping a little low in the morning, then leveling out by noon when I'd feel better again. But, I just got a smart watch and, while I'm not sure how much to trust those readings, it reads my 02 level among other things and has been low 90s in the morning since I got it, upper 90s later in the day.

So, it has me thinking...maybe it's not my diet adjustment that's the reason I've felt a little lightheaded in the morning, an adjustment of some kind is needed in my therapy. Tonight I think I'll start by changing my nasal cushion and see what that does.

Sidebar, if any of you have used the Dreamwear mask, did/does it feel to you like you can't quite get the cushion at the optimum angle? With one negative to that mask being...that angle isn't as adjustable as with others.

[srlevine1]

You may have a lower oxygenation percentage in the morning after rest -- sometimes affected by weight, sleeping position, heart rate, or other underlying issues -- and it tends to increase as you become more active with an increased heart rate and respiration.

If you are experiencing a feeling of being lightheaded upon arising or suddenly sitting up, it might be positional hypotension -- low blood pressure. Time for a call to your physician because non-cpap events can be indicative of other medical conditions and the last thing you need is to pass out or fall.

Do you have the new and improved Dreamwear mask with the arms or the old one that slips more?

Best of luck.

[JJJ]

Seemed my perfect setup and maybe still is, but the last few weeks, while I've generally slept well, I've been a bit more tired than normal. Some of it I had put off as adjusting my diet to work on my weight and diabetes. However, this past week I'd been thinking my blood sugar was dropping a little low in the morning, then leveling out by noon when I'd feel better again. But, I just got a smart watch and, while I'm not sure how much to trust those readings, it reads my 02 level among other things and has been low 90s in the morning since I got it, upper 90s later in the day.

Sleep and diabetes work together - good sleep makes the diabetes easier to control, and good diabetes control makes it easier to get good sleep. Keeping them both working properly is a PITA, but it's possible. It just takes a lot of trial and error to get them both right. 

You didn't mention what therapy you are using for the diabetes - pills (which?), insulin, weekly injections (which?), or just diet and exercise? There are whole web sites devoted to diabetes, but for now I should say that low BG in the morning should not affect your sleep unless it is really, really low. Your BG is supposed to be on the low side in the morning because, after all, you haven't eaten anything for a long time.

Your O2 levels should be fairly constant, except if you are exercising heavily they normally drop. If you are low in the morning that may mean that something is affecting your circulation at that time. And normally, when your O2 level drops you automatically breathe deeply, huffing and puffing if necessary. When your O2 levels are low, do you feel shortness of breath? If not I would question the accuracy of your watch. Maybe the moisure/salt on your skin changes and then affects the readings of the watch.

[staceyburke]

A cheap O2 monitor is only 20 some dollars, i'm sure it would be more accurate.  If it is really concerning the cheapest night time O2 monitor is CMS 50F.  It costs about $100 on amazon and 75 on ebay.  I own one and it can be imported to OSCAR or downloaded to the software that comes with the monitor.  It can be worn all day if you want and record the entire day for review.

[srlevine1]

A cheap O2 monitor is only 20 some dollars, i'm sure it would be more accurate.  If it is really concerning the cheapest night time O2 monitor is CMS 50F.  It costs about $100 on amazon and 75 on ebay.  I own one and it can be imported to OSCAR or downloaded to the software that comes with the monitor.  It can be worn all day if you want and record the entire day for review.

Take precautions to ensure the seller is not a flake and the pulse-oximeter is not a fake. Ordering these from China is a crap-shoot. My goto guy for pulse-ox advice and equipment is Keven Cooper -- Vendor #19. Their knowledge, pricing. and customer service is all first-rate.

[staceyburke]

As you already know you can return any item to amazon.  The O2 meter may be made in another country buy you are dealing with amazon. I have been on O2 24/7 and it is important that I keep track of the O2 level in my blood. I have purchased several monitors over the years and have never had a problem.

[wlr1974]

I have sleep apnea and COPD. When I sleep at night I breathe very shallow and my oxygen level drops below 90. I therefore have oxygen piped into my ResMed Air Sence 10 Autoset to bring my oxygen level up while I sleep. Without the oxygen I am completely drained in the morning with no energy.

[srlevine1]

I have sleep apnea and COPD. When I sleep at night I breathe very shallow and my oxygen level drops below 90. I therefore have oxygen piped into my ResMed Air Sence 10 Autoset to bring my oxygen level up while I sleep. Without the oxygen I am completely drained in the morning with no energy.

@wlr1974

Do you inject the supplemental oxygen into the hose or directly into the mask using a mask port?