Clear Airway Event vs Resp. Rate

Noob here...thanks for your patience
I am puzzled about the CA events displayed in SleepyHead graphs vs the displayed Respiratory Rates for the given events.
I am lead to believe a Clear Airway event is a session of no breathing but the graphs show breaths per minute continue (perhaps a bit lower on some of the events) during the event(s).
One of the information segments I came across, implies that the Resp. Rate graph can be ignored.
AHI's are good. Less than 4 "generally" but some clarity on these CA events would be beneficial.
Thanks for your time and expertise. I appreciate it!
Cordially,

Gord K

The ca with the green line down it looks like a deep breath or a roll over before holding your breath. Nothing to worry about there. The ripples on the line is the resmed using FOT (Small pressure pulses to detect if the apnea is central or obstructive) the CA is then scored when you start breathing again. So it’s the flat line before the CA that is relevant here not the flow rate after the CA marker.

Thank you Jas_williams,
Thanks for your prompt response to my inquiry.
A great number (I won't say all at this time) of my CA entries look exactly like the two on the attached graph.
My AHI numbers (I believe) include these so if I can keep that value under 4 for the most part, then I won't lose too much sleep over them (the CAs).

What are your thoughts on the relevance pf the Respiratory Rate overall? The SleepyHead videos host advised that Resp Rate is NOT too important and suggests looking at Flow Rate, Pressure, Snore & Leak Rate. I left Snore out after reports from my wife that snoring has become non existent since starting with CPAP mid February. But...I see the odd little blip on that graph now & then but not with any regularity.
Thanks again for your time and experience!
Cordially,

Gord K

kgord99 wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 17, 2018 8:33 am

Noob here...thanks for your patience
I am puzzled about the CA events displayed in SleepyHead graphs vs the displayed Respiratory Rates for the given events.
I am lead to believe a Clear Airway event is a session of no breathing but the graphs show breaths per minute continue (perhaps a bit lower on some of the events) during the event(s).

The RR is a rolling average, not an instantaneous value, it's going to wander up and down as a trend.

"Clear airway" is a term made up by Respironics, since sleepyhead was originally made for respironics machines, that term got used, and stuck, The rest of the respiratory industry refers to a no breathing effort event as a "central". Which means there's no obstruction, you're simply not trying to breath. Hold your breath for 10 seconds... that qualifies as a central as far as the machine is concerned. Now, whether it's a legitimate central, or a 'holding your breath' because of something else happening, that's a different story, as referenced by Jas_williams.

kgord99 wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 17, 2018 8:33 am

One of the information segments I came across, implies that the Resp. Rate graph can be ignored.

Yes, in very rare occasions it might be useful to someone, but for 99% of the people dealing with sleep apnea, it's irrelevant.

kgord99 wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 17, 2018 8:33 am

AHI's are good. Less than 4 "generally" but some clarity on these CA events would be beneficial.

Less than 2 is good, less than 4 is iffy.

Thanks palerider,
I appreciate your comments. They support the earlier message that the Resp Rate is not too important in the big picture.
Good stuff to keep in mind...one less thing to get worked up about!
The number 4 is from the Sleep Tech (technically treated, I believe is the term she used). I have had a handful of AHI readings under 2, but the average 30 days is 3.4. I think as I get used to the mask and related stuff, the numbers will settle down. 3 different masks in the first month contributed to the overall numbers. The latest one is the best. The results show improvement over the last 4 days with it.
Thanks again for your info. I will try to NOT be a pest with too many inquiries on the forum. I do appreciate having the collective knowledge and experience of the forum users in times of need though.
Take care.
Cordially,

Gord K

When you ignore those CA which are false, your actual AHI is lower than reported.
Once you have settled in with your treatment, you should examine your H and OA to see if improvement is warranted.

Thanks TedVPAP,
I agree with your comment. I think I still need some "soak time" with the whole CPAP business to see good steady numbers and learn more about the various readings displayed on SleeyHead.
I was curious about the connection between the CA's I was seeing on the report and the Resp Rate displayed. The answers from palerider and Jas_williams provided the data to put that curiosity to rest.
Your comments confirm my thoughts on eliminating the CA's "generally" from the present readings. If I see CA's occurring with a different pattern in the Flow Rate graph, I can follow up with my Respiratory Support folks locally and/or bug you fine folks with more questions!
Thanks for your insight into the issue. I appreciate that.
Take care.
Cordially,

Gord K