oxygen levels

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?

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

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.

jdacal wrote: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.

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

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

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.

if you are interested

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

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!

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.