oxygen levels

[bigeasy]

My oxy levels were just tested with out my cpap. The average is 94%. I had a low level of 76. I am curious. Without doing another test how can i determine if the cpap is actually helping this problem.

I also have to wonder what other people levels are at night.

I have lost a shade over 80 lbs since xmas and I just went back for a post sleep doc appointment. I told the P.A.that I was feeling great but it wasn't cause of the CPAP. I then asked if i actually did sleep better the second night with the cpap on. He went to the file and realized that I didn't sleep much better however my blood oxy levels were greatly improved.

What kind of oxy levels do others have at night?

[ahujudybear]

Hi Bigeasy!

I've had 2 sleep studies done, one with and one without the Bi-pap. During the one without the Bi-pap my O2 levels stayed below 90% and at one point they said they "had to" put me on O2 because my saturation levels had dropped so much.... but I'm not at all sure just HOW much. I did get a look at the summary and saw that several readings were around 85%, but don't know if that was the lowest.

But the study with the Bi-pap showed that my O2 levels stayed above 90% all night, even though there were times when I was having to breath out through my mouth because the E pressure levels were too high.

During the daytime my O2 levels have been around 92% to 95% when measured in the Dr.s' offices.

Hope that helps you?
- JB

[jdacal]

I was curious about this myself and purchased a portable oxymeter. So far the readings I've taken during the night have been normal. And during the day occasionally I feel shortness of breath but oxy levels have been above 90% at all times, so its possibly more anxiety causing the sensation.

These portable units range from $200-$300 dollars and do not log data. You can only use them to take occasional readings.

They slide over your finger and give a nearly instantaneous reaading.

[ozij]

These portable units range from $200-$300 dollars and do not log data. You can only use them to take occasional readings.

Does that mean you were awake for you night measurement?
O.

[Guest]

This is Illinois RRT here,

I've posted about this before but wanted to reiterate: any DME worth its salt should do an overnight oximetry report for you AT NO CHARGE. You will need an order from your doctor if you are not already a patient of the DME, but call around if you want to have your levels rechecked without purchasing an oximeter yourself (which I think is a bad idea anyway but that's another thread altogether). I know our units will keep all of the data on heartrate and O2 sat and print up a report for your doctor. And nothing is billed, it's just a matter of having someone dropping it off and picking it up (or you doing it at the location). Just some food for thought

[FL andy]

Hey Bigeasy,

Prior to my sleep study, my O2 level (while awake) was 91%

During the study, the lowest SaO2 was 69%

After I found a good, board certified pulmonologist and had my bi-pap settings correctly adjusted, he wanted me to first get three weeks in on my bi-pap on his new settings, then he had me take an overnight oximeter test.

The initial O2 reading (while awake) was 97% and the lowest during the night was 90%. And I am a smoker!

Some great improvement, Huh? It pays to get a good knowledgeable doctor.

Best wishes to you,
Andy

[neversleeps]

I know there are members of this forum who recommend the FingerPrint Sleep Hand-Held Pulse Oximeter/Summary Printer manufactured by Smiths Medical PM Inc. It does collect data and prints it out. Unfortunately it costs around $700.00.

FingerPrint® Sleep Hand-Held Pulse Oximeter/Summary Printer
The FingerPrint® Sleep Hand-Held Pulse Oximeter with built-in Summary Printer was specifically designed for sleep screening studies in the sleep lab, clinical environment, or home. With its easy-to-use, 2-key operation, it also provides fast, reliable spot-checking measurements of SpO2, pulse rate and pulse strength for use in clinical or hospital environments.

[meister]

if you are interested

[IWannaSleep]

My O2 level fell to 79% during my first sleep study. 3 weeks after starting CPAP they loaned me a logging oxymeter to track it over night and it stayed above 94%, or normal.


Ron

[2listless]

The reason no one can give you a straight answer is because the medical community is not in agreement. I am using supplemental O2 with my CPAP. I have controlled asthma. An overnight oximetry during an asthmatic episode had my O2 levels down to 75%. So much for asthma medication! Pulmonologist did 2 hours of pulmonary tests and my levels stayed above 95% with a sudden drop to 76% for a second and then return to normal. The pulmonologist considers anything below 92% problematic; however, during sleep it is Normal to see O2 levels drop into the 80s - something magical happens in your body to compensate. My pulmonologist said it is the length of time for decreased O2 levels that are important. Evidently at 85% they get hysterical. During my No Sleep Study, my O2 levels never dropped below 88%. During my No Sleep Titration study, my O2 levels still dropped to 88%. Neither the Sleep doctor or my Pulmonologist were concerned - said that I did not need supplemental O2. My personal physician ordered supplemental oxygen - she wants my levels to stay above 90%. So I had a follow-up study with CPAP and supplemental O2 - all levels stayed above 91%. Been on O2 for 6 months. Went back to sleep doctor, you do not need oxygen but I do not have the final say. Went back to the Pulmonologist, my O2 level was 99% in his office. He ordered an overnight oximetry with CPAP and without O2 which ticked off my personal physician. Results came back - no levels below 90%. Pulmonologist took me off oxygen. Personal physician still ticked. I am thrilled. Of course, it all boiled down to a final decision by my cardiologist - his comment - told sleep doctor to tighten up control of my sleep problem, address my insomnia not just hypopneas. He wants a new sleep study done in which I actually sleep. Told the Pulmonologist to find some better acting meds for the asthma. Told my physician -no supplemental O2 without confirming with him. So.............the answer to your question is - who knows? Maybe it depends on whether or not they get a kickback from the DMEs. Personally, the only one I trust is my cardiologist - his comment was unless you experience shortness of breath, your nailbeds are turning blue or your O2 levels drop below 90% while awake - you do not need O2. If O2 levels drop below 85% while asleep, for extended periods of time - find a new sleep doctor!! Love a guy with a sense of humor!

[Mary]

HI, my cardiologist doesn't consider much of any thing that is not is her field, my family physician found the O2 problem and sent me to a sleep lab, so it really is how informed the doctor is as to the results and information that you can get. I happen to be married to a retired physician and he was quiet upset that my cardiologist didn't pick up on the problems that I was having, so you really have to pay attention to how you are doing and consider the answers that you get to your questions. Keep searching for your answers.