I've just been diagnosed with severe mixed apnea (+300 episodes a night, roughly 2/3 obstructive and 1/3 central). I'm going in next week for my second Sleep Study, this time with a CPAP. Feeling very anxious about it all; so much so, in fact, that my sleep is now suffering further because I'm so keyed up about going to sleep and the damage I'm doing myself every night.

Anyway, here's the question: every time I read about CPAP machines, I see them referred to as treatment for obstructive apnea.

Does this mean that, even with a CPAP machine, I'll still be having scores of central apnea episodes every night? Or does CPAP treat central apnea as well, directly or indirectly?

Thanks for any information that'll help.

Josh

Josho wrote:

I've just been diagnosed with severe mixed apnea (+300 episodes a night, roughly 2/3 obstructive and 1/3 central). I'm going in next week for my second Sleep Study, this time with a CPAP. Feeling very anxious about it all; so much so, in fact, that my sleep is now suffering further because I'm so keyed up about going to sleep and the damage I'm doing myself every night.

Anyway, here's the question: every time I read about CPAP machines, I see them referred to as treatment for obstructive apnea.

Does this mean that, even with a CPAP machine, I'll still be having scores of central apnea episodes every night? Or does CPAP treat central apnea as well, directly or indirectly?

Thanks for any information that'll help.

Josh

Hi Josh,

You will probably be titrated on CPAP first, and if it doesn't clear all your events (and control desats) they will switch you to BiLevel therapy (BiPAP/VPAP) which is the standard for Central Apnoea. This will be done on the same night. I suspect (just a general opinion) that CPAP will be sufficient.

The purpose of the titration is to use whatever machine is necessary to clear ALL events.

Kind regards,

Daniel.


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Daniel,

Many thanks for the response. I'll start looking into the BiPAP/VPAP machines and see what I'm in for.

Best regards,
Josh