Scary High Periodic Breathing Percentage!

Since Covid 19 came along my anxiety is at an all time high and I think that may have some impact on the quality of sleep I have. I go through periods where when I check my data on my CPAP machine in the morning I am pleased to see my AHI's in the 5-6 range and other times the AHI's are in the 15-20 range. Last night my AHI reading was 12.9 - way higher than I want it to be. The same goes for leaks - I always have some degree of leaks, usually around the 10% range but more so on the higher end. Last night my leaks were 57% which is concerning because I am 100% compliant with my CPAP therapy. I do move around quite a bit when I sleep because of all of the worries and anxiety I go to bed with and I'm thinking maybe that can cause the mask to move around on my face so much that the leaks are out of control. Next, the periodic breathing readings, which I still don't fully understand or how significant those numbers are in regard to obstructive sleep apnea. Mostly those numbers are around 1-2% but last night I was shocked to see a reading of 20%! This scares me and I'm wondering if that could absolutely indicate heart failure or lung problems that are getting worse. I do have moderate COPD/emphesema but haven't smoked in over 4 years. I also have a heart arrhythmia that I've had for many years and am overweight and 66 years old. So are the numbers I'm seeing lately very concerning and something that should have me in to see my pulmonologist/sleep doctor ASAP? I am very worried and living during Covid 19 times significantly adds to my anxiety. Any help understanding my numbers would be appreciated so I know what steps I need to take to get things better under control. I have been using the Philips Respironics System One machine for over 5 years now and I am on a fixed pressure of 13 but my doctor will not approve me for a new machine yet.

Hello, JC. You are asking some excellent questions, and I'd say you could definitely use some help.

First, if your AHI (average number of events per hour) is rarely below 5, your apnea is not being effectively treated. On the other hand if your night-time TOTAL of events is around 5-6, that's probably fine. Could you clarify which you're referring to?

Because you have mild COPD, I would encourage you to get in touch with your pulmonologist to tell him or her that you've recently had an increase of periodic breathing to 20% of the night. There may be no cause for concern, but you do need a medical opinion from someone who knows the particulars of your medical history.

Are you using the Oscar software? If so, could you post a chart? If not, do you have a laptop or desktop and the willingness to give this a try?

Finally, could you fill out your profile so it will be easy for everyone to see what machine and mask you are using? In particular, which System One machine are you using:

REMstar Pro (System One 60 Series) (460P, 461P)
REMstar Auto (System One 60 Series) (560P, 561P, 562P, 560PBT)
BiPAP Pro (System One 60 Series) (660P)
BiPAP Auto (System One 60 Series) (760P)
BiPAP autoSV Advanced (System One 60 Series) (960P, 961P)
BiPAP autoSV Advanced 30 (System One 60 Series) (960T)
BiPAP S/T 30 (System One 60 Series) (1061T)
BiPAP AVAPS 30 (System One 60 Series) (1160P)

JCGlas54 wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 05, 2020 6:59 pm

This scares me and I'm wondering if that could absolutely indicate heart failure or lung problems that are getting worse.

by JCGlas54 » Mon Jul 17, 2017 8:05 am
I use CPAP every night because of fear - I know not treating my sleep apnea will lead to all sorts of health problems so scare tactics have been my motivation to never go a night without it.

by JCGlas54 » Tue Sep 11, 2018 6:30 am
This scares me because I am so dependent on this with my severity level of Sleep Apnea. Would this be caused by the air leaking through the mask or could the machine itself be going bad?

Post by JCGlas54 » Mon Jun 03, 2019 7:31 am
I am scared and will try to get into my doctor soon but usually takes months to get an appointment.

Post by JCGlas54 » Mon Jun 10, 2019 8:44 am
no mask I've ever tried was comfortable and at this point I'm ready to give it up all together



One post each time. Then gone. No answer to any questions.

Looks like a yearly vent.

Prove me wrong and get some help.

JPB