Complex Sleep Apnea

[Ladyflower]

Thank you for those that answered my questions in my other post about my titration study. Now that I have been diagnosed with Complex sleep apnea, I'm wondering how common it is? I'm having trouble finding information on it other than that CPAP pressure makes it worse. The last time I heard from the sleep clinic was on Monday and was told they were waiting on their doctors to sign off. The tech said he would call me when he faxed my info over to my primary doctor. Just wondering what to expect now? The tech said I might need another study with the bipap, even though I was told I failed the first time. How is this going to help me? He mentioned the ASV but said my age (35) (and ultimately the insurance I'm sure) was a factor in them not going that route. Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks!

[BlackSpinner]

Thank you for those that answered my questions in my other post about my titration study. Now that I have been diagnosed with Complex sleep apnea, I'm wondering how common it is? I'm having trouble finding information on it other than that CPAP pressure makes it worse. The last time I heard from the sleep clinic was on Monday and was told they were waiting on their doctors to sign off. The tech said he would call me when he faxed my info over to my primary doctor. Just wondering what to expect now? The tech said I might need another study with the bipap, even though I was told I failed the first time. How is this going to help me? He mentioned the ASV but said my age (35) (and ultimately the insurance I'm sure) was a factor in them not going that route. Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks!

Your age should have nothing to do with it. Your insurance may cover the ASV only after you have failed to comply with a month of Bipap.

[JohnBFisher]

Sometimes the fix for Complex Sleep Apnea (and the central sleep apnea episodes) is to reduce the pressure while exhaling. Thus, the BiLevel type system (a BiPAP or VPAP are some of the system types). It happens frequently enough that many doctors request a second titration .. especially if you had problems falling asleep at the sleep lab.

As BlackSpinner notes, some insurance companies INSIST that you try a BiPAP unit before you go to an ASV unit. But do hang in there. If the BiPAP unit does not work, insist that something be done to address your needs. Push them toward an ASV unit. It will make a huge difference in your sleep. But if the BiPAP unit does work, rejoice! A simpler / cheaper solution is almost always the most desirable solution.

Hope that helps.

[Ladyflower]

Thanks for the replys!

I don't know why the tech mentioned my age several times? He also said the ASV is usually for people with medical disorders like Kidney disease and neurological disorders. Though I do have ADD, which I'm not sure is technically considered neurological?

I didn't have trouble falling asleep during the titration study. It was only the nasal pillows so I didn't have any claustrophia. I was told that my insurance had requirements that they had to follow (time requirements for each setting) so they were limited on how much they could do. I did wake up many (10+) times as he adjusted the pressure and I struggled to breathe. A couple times during the night I found myself gasping for breath through my mouth.

I really didn't want to have to go for another titration. I tried to rush getting my testing done before the end of the year, but everything took so long for them to get back to me. Now we have new insurance and I don't know what the cost will be. Well, guess I'll figure it out eventually whenever they decide to get back to me. I was originally told I had mild obstructive apnea after the first sleep study, so they must not be too concerned about me. The one tech I talked to said I had less problems while sleeping on my side (and my husband said I am much quieter) so I've been trying to focus on side sleeping for now.

[JohnBFisher]

Sorry the tech kept emphasizing age. Complex sleep apnea occurs too people of any age. Essentially, the increased pressure confuses your body and causes you to not breathe (it triggers central sleep apnea). But unlike "normal" central sleep apnea, this is NOT caused die to neurological issues. Some people just respond to higher pressures with central apneas. Since it is pressure induced it is termed Complex Sleep Apnea.

So nothing is wrong with you. It just happens in some people. You just happened to pull the short straw.

Sometimes a BiPAP unit ids enough to stop the pressure induced central apneas. So many (possibly most) insurance companies want the customers to try BiPAP therapy (and fail at it) before they will pay for an ASV unit.

[DancingRT]

I am being questioned to as if I also have Complex (Mixed) sleep apnea. The doctor is pretty sure I do have it. But insurance is dictating to my doctor on how to treat me regardless of what he thinks. CPAP has made my sleep soooooooo much worse. Since on CPAP (July 2013) I have put on 15 pounds, and my boyfriend says the stuff I do in my sleep with the machine compared to without scares him. With the CPAP, my bf says I twist/turn, shake like I am having seizures, still stop breathing, and wake up with the tubing tight around my neck. I do NOT do this when not using CPAP. I do have apneas, but I sleep on my side and sleep that way all night. A lot of the time, I can't fall asleep with the CPAP on...so after 1-2 hours and I don't fall asleep, I take off the machine and pass out cold. I also wake up to pee 3-4 times a night with the machine, but rarely wake up when now using it...

[igdoc]

If you are still using your CPAP unit, you might try this as I have complex sleep apnoea and it has worked for me. Simply switch off or turn right down the EPR on your machine to 1 or preferably 0 if you can tolerate it. If this helps at all please let us know.

[JohnBFisher]

... I am being questioned to as if I also have Complex (Mixed) sleep apnea. The doctor is pretty sure I do have it. But insurance is dictating to my doctor on how to treat me regardless of what he thinks. ...

They may have a procedure to follow. However, if you are having such a hard time, you need to appeal to your doctor to pressure your insurance company to get the therapy that is needed for you. Failure to address issues like this WILL damage your health. Make it clear that you are doing VERY poorly on your current therapy. Certainly try things that others suggest (during off EPR or Flex settings). Or turn them on if they are off. But the most important thing is to camp out at your doctor's office and complain that the therapy is not working. Force them to move forward to the next step .. until your doctor prescribes and your insurance company covers a therapy that does work.

[sickwithapnea17]

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