Questionable advice from Pulmomologist

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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wading thru the muck!
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Post by wading thru the muck! » Mon Mar 21, 2005 8:11 am

Titrator wrote:An obstructive apnea is a total cessation of breath for at least 10 seconds, with continued respiratory drive. (The diaphram still moving but no air comming in due to obstruction)

A central apnea is a complete cessation of breath for at least 10 seconds, without respiratory drive. (The diaphram is not moving. No attempt to breathe is being made by the body)

A hypopnea is at least a 30% reduction in airflow with a 3% desaturation.

Ted, is there any duration qualification regarding the hypopnea? If not, how would you determine the number of events in a string of hypopnias if you never got outside of the 30%;3%?
Sincerely,
wading thru the muck of the sleep study/DME/Insurance money pit!