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Can a CPAP machine treat central apneas?
Sleep Health | Last Active: Jul 9, 2023 | Replies (30)Comment receiving replies
Thanks for the links. They say that CPAP may not be effective in treating central apneas. I hope that's not the case with mine. To go through adjusting to CPAP, only to find out that it doesn't work for me....
The sleep doctor doesn't believe in explaining why the CPAP should help with the centrals. Basically he told me to either work with the technician or leave. If that doesn't help he'll tell me what else to do.
As he's the only sleep doctor available from my insurance I don't have much of a choice right now. The way I see it, he's going to see how high he can raise the pressure before concluding that the CPAP doesn't do the job. Which can take weeks or more.
I'm not even sure he has anything else i(besides CPAP) in his tool box. But he still thinks he's G-d....
Sorry for venting all this. It's just bloody frustrating....😣
Replies to "Thanks for the links. They say that CPAP may not be effective in treating central apneas...."
Whatever it takes, change doctors. Find a neurologist who specializes in sleep apnea. Ask him/her about the Remede system.
Sounds like my new sleep dr. and one I had in the past.
I just saw this post; I realize I’m two years late. Hopefully you or someone will see it and find it useful.
I don’t care how bright someone is, or how many diplomas hang on his/her wall, there is no excuse for the way he talked to you.
If he can’t take a few minutes to answer your questions/ concerns maybe he’s better suited to research where he doesn’t have to deal with human beings who have feelings.
I understand about the insurance and sympathize with you. Can you find a sleep doctor or facility who will work with you financially? Will MAYO?
Most of the progress I made with my Cpap was on my own, reading patient forums (cpaptalk.com is a good one, plus this one) and Dr. Google. I just let the technician do what he was ordered to do, then I took it from there.
I know some people will disagree, but it really is how I did it. Not telling anyone not to see a doctor, just relating my own experience FWIW.
BTW, I have read that higher Cpap pressures can encourage centrals in some people.
Best of luck to us all🙏
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@gramps, Sorry for the confusion. I was asking if there was something in the CPAP machine that says "central apnea". I'm guessing they have to download all of the data from the CPAP machine to see the time periods where a central apnea occurred. I was thinking about the way the CPAP machine shows my AHI.
From the link below -- "Central sleep apnea occurs because your brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control your breathing. This condition is different from obstructive sleep apnea, in which you can't breathe normally because of upper airway obstruction. Central sleep apnea is less common than obstructive sleep apnea."
-- Mayo Clinic - Central sleep apnea - Symptoms & Causes: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/central-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352109