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Can a CPAP machine treat central apneas?

Sleep Health | Last Active: Jul 9, 2023 | Replies (30)

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@eliza419

Central Apnea Elevated and Machine Problems
I have been using a ResMed Air Sense 10 CPAP bec diagnosed with obstructive and central apnea. I used CPAP for years but never ckd my oxygen levels. I thought the machine tracked on the provider level. Lo and behold I found out during COVID the machine doesn’t track it either. I have levels below 90 with a oxygen meter and then found out my Apple Watch tracked my oxygen hot years. My hypopneas were averaging 5-9 before COVID and my oxygen from my Apple Watch was going down to the low 80’s. My pulmonologist then said I needed a new sleep study to ck oxygen levels. After the study they said I needed oxygen bec my levels were too low for a prolonged period during sleep. They chngd my machine to a Bipap. They said I am having central apnea episodes which the CPAP didn’t pick up and my pressure level was changed from 14 on CPAP to 22 on ResMed Air Curve Bipap. My episodes now are averaging between 56-87 per hour w this machine. They say it’s not working for me snd now I need another study to get a ST machine. Does anyone else have this problem? My dtr sd my breathing is worse than someone twice my size. I am now tired every afternoon and have to take naps. I fall asleep using my computer. They can’t do another sleep study until May 11. My oxygen levels are good on the machine with oxygen but the issue is the apnea episodes and tiredness. Any input would be helpful.

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Replies to "Central Apnea Elevated and Machine Problems I have been using a ResMed Air Sense 10 CPAP..."

Welcome @eliza419. I moved your question about CPAP issues with elevated central apnea to this existing discussion:
- Can a CPAP machine treat central apneas? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-a-cpap-machine-treat-central-apneas/

I did this so you can read previous posts and connect easily with fellow central apnea members like @hindsight @cyrusmanz @kudzu @gramps @roxiesmom13 @renu18 @leefuller1 and others.

You might also be interested in this related discussion:
- Diagnosed with Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)? How's therapy going? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/central-sleep-apnea-csa-suitable-therapy/

If you have a nightly AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) of more than 5 events of any kind per hour, you are considered at risk and need refinement of existing treatment or to start treatment.

If you have persistent CSAs (central sleep apnea), which the RESMED clan call 'open airway', then a BiPAP will not serve you well. You need what is called an ASV (adaptive-servo-ventilator). They cost an arm and a couple of your legs, but you can look on the open market, or even get a good used one, for a lot less than the DMEs will sell you one (Durable Medical Equipment suppliers). It is a shame that so many sleep experts and DME sellers will suggest that BiPAP machines will help someone with CSA. They do not. A BiPAP will help to stent the airway when pressures are insufficient to those set as the main settings by adjusting flow to suit the need. That is not how to treat CSAs.