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Central Apneas positional? - zzzZorro - 07-01-2018

I have been noting numerous occasions that would give rise to the question, "Can Central Apneas be initiated by a positional event?"  [ie:Airway restriction]

Here is a prime example of steady sleep with a disturbance and immediately followed by a CA.  A soft Cervical Collar works wonders for the OAs but occasionally they creep past-  as I would guess CAs maybe can..

[attachment=7121]


RE: Central Apneas positional? - Walla Walla - 07-01-2018

Central Apnea has nothing to do with positional causes. The event you showed is commonly called a sigh. It's a large inhale and exhale of air which causes the CO2 balance to drop. It delays breathing until the CO2 builds back up. It's a normal thing that happens to everyone and is not a central event. Chalk it up to a false report by the machine.


RE: Central Apneas positional? - zzzZorro - 07-01-2018

(07-01-2018, 12:58 PM)Walla Walla Wrote: Central Apnea has nothing to do with positional causes. The event you showed is commonly called a sigh.  It's a large inhale and exhale of air which causes the CO2 balance to drop. It delays breathing until the CO2 builds back up. It's a normal thing that happens to everyone and is not a central event. Chalk it up to a false report by the machine.

Thanks Walla.  That is good to know.  50-60% of my CAs are 'sighs' then.   Okay 
Glad I finally asked..


RE: Central Apneas positional? - DeepBreathing - 07-01-2018

Quote:Central Apnea has nothing to do with positional causes.

I have a paper somewhere (can't find it at the moment) where positional aspects of central apnea were examined. The result (which surprised me) is that there is in fact a small correlation between sleeping position and central apnea. Side sleeping is better for both obstructive apnea (to a large extent) and for central apnea (to a small extent). Of course side sleeping can be a right pain in the ar** for people with spinal problems.


RE: Central Apneas positional? - zzzZorro - 07-02-2018

(07-01-2018, 07:55 PM)DeepBreathing Wrote:
Quote:Central Apnea has nothing to do with positional causes.

I have a paper somewhere (can't find it at the moment) where positional aspects of central apnea were examined. The result (which surprised me) is that there is in fact a small correlation between sleeping position and central apnea. Side sleeping is better for both obstructive apnea (to a large extent) and for central apnea (to a small extent). Of course side sleeping can be a right pain in the ar** for people with spinal problems.

Hmm?  As I have to sleep on my back I would be interested in the paper should you find it... Thanks!


RE: Central Apneas positional? - Sleep2Snore - 07-02-2018

(07-02-2018, 09:01 AM)zzzZorro Wrote: Hmm?  As I have to sleep on my back I would be interested in the paper should you find it... Thanks!

That may be the worst position you could sleep in, but if you have to you have to.


RE: Central Apneas positional? - zzzZorro - 07-03-2018

(07-02-2018, 03:54 PM)Sleep2Snore Wrote:
(07-02-2018, 09:01 AM)zzzZorro Wrote: Hmm?  As I have to sleep on my back I would be interested in the paper should you find it... Thanks!

That may be the worst position you could sleep in, but if you have to you have to.

Probably, but consider running a 22cmH20 IPAP... necessitating a FFmask.  Restricted side to side movement and laying on the back is a plus from the leaks and mask pharting standpoint.  It is what it is Bigwink


RE: Central Apneas positional? - DeepBreathing - 07-04-2018

zzzZorro Wrote:Hmm? As I have to sleep on my back I would be interested in the paper should you find it... Thanks!

I can't lay my hands on the paper I referenced above, but a quick Google search turned up this one, which references ten other papers: http://www.sleepreviewmag.com/2017/03/can-positional-therapy-help-treat-patients-central-sleep-apnea/


RE: Central Apneas positional? - Walla Walla - 07-04-2018

From that one article it appears it may have a benefit for those with heart problems. Sounds like there's less pressure on the heart when sleeping on your side. It doesn't really address if it helps those without heart problems though.


RE: Central Apneas positional? - Sleeprider - 07-04-2018

We often see CA events from sleep transition, arousal, changes in sleep position etc. It's hard to say what this one is, but I agree with Walla that there is a breathing change like arousal and you probably just held your breath briefly as you changed position a bit.