Central apneas and CPAP effect

[Misterdux]

I had sleep studies done in 1989 and 1990 showing moderate to severe sleep apnea with mixed episodes of central and obstructive apnea. Frequent cardiac arrhythmias and significant desats. I just gave up on CPAP and lived with it for 17 years and tried to control it by not eating heavy late at night and avoiding alcohol after supper. I also have food allergies which block up my nose and, I believe, give me apneas.

My most recent study showed atypical obstructive apneas as none occurred during REM sleep. Most apneas were mixed in character with elements of both central and obstructive. The sleep doc wrote that these are difficult to control on CPAP and may require BIPAP or adaptive SV technology.

I have switched to an APAP machine at the suggestion of my home care tech. My titrated pressure on CPAP was 10cm. The APAP is set from 4 cm. to 14 cm. Did I read somewhere that CPAP (and APAP) can exacerbate central apneas? I am still having episodes where I wake up and tear off the mask and my heart is racing and the first readings of my APAP show that I am still having events - usually bunched between 1 AM and 3 AM. Can the therapy be making Centrals worse? Dave

[sleepyWI]

I think the consensus around here is that you need to be very careful with apap if you have centrals. What was the reason your tech suggested the apap? If your doctor thinks bibap is indicated why didn't he/she prescribe it? Also, you might try lowering your max to something just above your prescribed pressure. say 11?

[cpapqueen]

Yes it can! If you have greater than 50% Centrals you need to be on the VPAP III ASV.