Sleep Apnea Support Group

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. People with sleep apnea partially awaken as they struggle to breathe, but in the morning they may not be aware of sleep disturbances.

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PolarBear427 03/24/2009

Hello, I'm fairly new here. I'm not new to DS or this group, but haven't posted here before. Anyway, my question is, my doctor recently had my pressure raised from 12 to 15 on my CPAP. I also have oxygen added and that level is 2-1/2. After my pressure was raised this time, I notice that I have more energy, wake up earlier and don't require as much sleep. It was raised on Friday, so I'm giving it time, but that is great if I'll have more energy from now on. I've generally had more energy in the past, but not like this!

Anybody else?

Thanks!

Hugs,
Sheri

deleted_user 03/24/2009

wow...i hope this adjustment helps..i was diagnosed with sleep apnea about a year ago. i have had 3 sleep studies, been given the cpap, then the bipap, with various masks along the way. you said you have oxygen added. is this a part of the cpap machine? or is it separate? i am seeing my neurologist friday, and would like to see if this would help me, because i also have shortness of breath from sarcoidosis. if you get a chance, could you give me more information? thanks

deleted_user 03/24/2009

My husband has the CPAP and is unable to use it unfortunately. This is his 2nd machine. He has had 3 sleep studies and about 10 masks...to no avail. I did not know you could add oxygen...I am curious if this is a special machine too.. Glad it works for you..

BreatheEasy 03/25/2009

They only add oxygen when they find a medical reason that requires it. IE if you desaturated, (low oxygen saturation) in the night while you are sleeping, or if you have heart failure or lung disease of some sort or another. I have COPD and Heart Failure. My BiPap is on 19 over 8 and I use 5 liters of oxygen with it as well. The oxygen concentrator is a completely different machine, although it ties in to the system at the top of the hose with the use of a little adaptor. I also have liquid oxygen which is in a huge tank.

deleted_user 03/25/2009

Wow! Congratulations! This is wonderful news. My setting were switched from 12 to 15 as well and I did notice some improvement but not as much as you have. I wonder if you feel so much better because you haven't slept through the night in such a long time and it made a noticable difference when it did. I don't mean to sound like a Grinch but if the way you feel starts to taper off don't be too alarmed. It kind of did with me but I still feel much better than I used to. Hopefully you will be one of the true success stories. Good luck!

jimgreg 03/26/2009

im sure thats what it is what uhter said you havent slept that good in so long..i,m the same way..im on the cpap and i still getr btired threw the day..at my 1st sleep study it was 66% they put me on full face mask ther lowest was stil 76% the higest was 90% so i think i need the oxgen too..thats great that you have a great do\c its been a yr now i havent heard from my pulmanay doc..the last time when i went there my blood p was 170/110 thats all he talkled about..so i want to get another study done..ive lost 55 popunds since then also.. beenm threw 4 masks sam,e machine

deleted_user 03/29/2009

I feel like a wimp. My setting is 6! Have had my machine since October, and was wondering how I would know if the pressure needs to be increased. Any hints?

BeckyJoMcd 03/31/2009

JuneBug63, my pressure setting is 6 also. My pressure setting was originally set at 9 when I was first diagnosed 14 years ago & stayed that way for 5 years, until I had a new sleep test (before insurance would replace my worn out machine). I've been on 6 since 2000, so I think it just depends on how severe your apnea is and how you are feeling physically.

Since it's been only a few months since your sleep study, your insurance may not want to pay for another sleep study yet. Have you had the machine itself checked to make sure it is really producing a 6? Your CPAP supplier should be able to check that quickly-just give them a call to set up a time to get it checked. I get mine checked once a year-they also can check your headgear, hoses, et. to make sure you don't have any tears, breaks etc. that would prevent you from getting the required pressure.

deleted_user 03/31/2009

BeckyJo,

I have had my thyroid checked. I have two small cystic nodules on it. They are not affecting its function at this time. I see an endochronologist once a year to make sure they don't change in size or shape. Am due to see him in October.

Thanks for the advice.

Akie 04/05/2009

that is great news! I'm wondering if I need a pressure increase, I have a BiPAP that is at 8/4. It was great for about 2 months now I'm feeling sluggish like I did before I got the machine.

deleted_user 04/10/2009

Dear Polar,
The increase in energy and reduction in needed sleep time suggest that the pressure adjustment has led to better correction of your sleep apnea.That is Great!!
As a rule, adding oxygen only helps if you have underlying lung or cardiac disease that leads to chronically low oxygen levels even when awake.
OSA is a dynamic disease and most patients will need to be restudied and have there pressures adjusted over time.

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