Respiration Rate: How High is too High?

Last night, using a ResMed VPAP Auto set on CPAP 11 cm I got good numbers, with one exception, on both apnea and pulse oximeter records. Respiration Rate numbers were Median 27, 95% 35, Maximum 41.

Are those numbers too high?

If I use VPAP I/E 11/7, PS2, I get similar good apnea and pulse oximeter records with Respiration Rate numbers around Median 14, 95% 22, Maximum 32 but---
With any variable setting the Pulse BPM record shows that the irregularities (that I never feel) in BPM, that I have had for many years, become greater in number and last longer. (Irregularities consist of going from a pulse rate in the mid 60’s to the mid 80’s and lasting from a minute to 5 or 10 minutes, sometimes repeating, sometimes not). Irregularities are a minimum when I leave off the apnea .reatment—but I feel better the next day when I do use the treatment.

Regardless which type of apnea treatment I use there are no physical sensations or differences in sleep patterns.

Please, for now. which is worse. high Respiration Rates or more pulse irregularities?

Here is an interesting article that discusses, among other things, the effect of respiratory rate on oxygen exchange in the lungs.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK365/

So, under certain circumstances, having a respiratory rate in excess of 30 BPM can reduce your ability to take in oxygen.
With your statistics, this is not happening too frequently. Can you recheck your numbers by repeating the circumstances in which this appears to happen? It would then seem to be a topic to bring up to your doctor.

JDS74 wrote:Here is an interesting article that discusses, among other things, the effect of respiratory rate on oxygen exchange in the lungs.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK365/
So, under certain circumstances, having a respiratory rate in excess of 30 BPM can reduce your ability to take in oxygen.
With your statistics, this is not happening too frequently. Can you recheck your numbers by repeating the circumstances in which this appears to happen? It would then seem to be a topic to bring up to your doctor.

I'd agree with this. These are above average RR numbers requiring some observation, possibly a consultation with your doctor.

If the respiratory rate is high enough to trigger a central apnea, then it's too high. If that's happening then it's definitely time to talk with a doctor.

I'm still too new to know exactly what you're talking about. Does my machine calculate my respiratory rate? Thanks.

Yep. It reports it as average breaths per minute (BPM)
If you have either one of the Encore programs or a version of SleepyHead that works properly with your series 60 machine, it will be in the reporting.

My thanks to all who replied.

Two MD's, one of whom is new in town and is a neurologist with a sleep lab, did not know about apnea treatnent exacerbating an irregular heart beat. The neurologist said he would look into it.

There are some very sharp and knowledgable people on this forum--thought I would ask.

Right now I am going to opt for keeping the Respiration Rate down--I have had the irregular heart beat for many years.

Thanks again.