Resmed M Series- Central Apneas- Encoreviewer reports

[Razorback]

When reading my reports on the Encoreviewer software, can i assume that any central apneas I may be having are shown as Obstructive? I have been have major neck issues the past couple of weeks, and have been feeling terrible...nauseated, dizzy spells, confusion. My AHI's have been fairly good, averaging below 4.0...with only a couple of nights hovering around 6 due to leaks etc. So confused...beginning to wonder if my neck issues are causing central apneas, hence why I am curious if my reports are even capturing that data? any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much team.

[GumbyCT]

See your graphs would be helpful. I think I have had centrals flagged at times when I couldn't exhale against the pressure.

[Razorback]

is there a quick how to guide on the steps to post a graph on this forum? I'll work on that, but am interested in knowing if my CPAP machine is even capable to tracking central apneas? Thanks so much GumbyCT

[Razorback]

trying to see if posting a graph works

[JohnBFisher]

Yes, on the M Series any central events will show as an obstructive apnea. I don't think it would show as Non Responsive (NR), but it might.

The M Series did not have the sensors built in to identify if the apnea occurred with a "clear airway". And without the EEG part of the sleep study, it is impossible to know if any such apneas are central apneas or not. The best you can say is that the airway is clear (not obstructed). However, if the apnea occurs during the transition from or to sleep, then it would not be scored as a central apnea. And though you might not remember it, transitioning to and from sleep occurs more frequently than you would expect.

But you in general, you are correct, such events will be included in either OA or NR numbers in the Encore Viewer reports.

[Razorback]

John- thanks so much for your detailed response- very helpful insights!