Many unexplained arousals.Please, please help

[PurplePat]

Well, I don't know what explanation to expect with the following test result..Total sleep time 238.5, during that time I had 306 arousals. Apnea
and hypopnea 8, LM arousals 8, Snoring arousals 40 and Ta-Da the one that
puzzles me, 253 non-specific arousals. Sleep efficiency 62%. Then regarding
sleep stages = stage 1-17.0, stage 2-221.5, stage 3 none, stage REM none.

Over several years I have progressed from a CPAP to a BiPAP then a vpap and now to a Respironics autosv Advanced.
You would think that with a name that impressive it would have me tap dancing. That sure isn't happening. I have a neuromuscular disorder. I went to the MDA clinic the other day. Neither my neurologist nor the respiratory therapist there had any ideas. The sleep lab lent me a Fitlife Total face mask. I tried using that for3or 4 nights with the new machine but everyday I felt worse.I finally switched back to my old machine. Resmed VPAP auto I don't feel better but at least I don't feel worse. The reason I went for this sleep study was because over the past several months my fatigue is so much worse.
If anyone has ideas what can be done about these arousals please let me know.

[Hawthorne]

What is/are your pressure setting(s)?

[Janknitz]

Do you have software? It might really help to see what's going on at night. But, you have some complex issues way beyond run of the mill OSA.

Do you have involvement of the respiratory diaphragm or accessory breathing muscles with your MD? I don't know much about how MD affects these muscles, but there may be low tone (flaccid muscles) or high tone (spasticity) or just poor neurological coordination that affects your breathing during sleep. I don't know how much the machines can compensate for those--you're in a whole other category of complexity. Are you also seeing a pulmonologist--preferably one who also practices sleep medicine?

[elena88]

wow, that is a lot of arousals..
I had a lot too, if I slept eight hours I would have about 650 non specific arousals.

I also have no clue why this goes on, might have to do with the labor of breathing?

I tried the fitlife face too, it didnt work for me either, its shaped like a triangle instead
of an oval, and last time I looked my face was not shaped like a dinner bell.

Im sorry you are having such a tough time, and I hope you find out
whats causing your new difficulties..

If you can find a good pulmonogist who loves a good mystery, that might do the trick..
keep at it.. good luck..

[kteague]

Question for you - this recent study was without using the machine, right? When I had continued struggles, the doctor ordered a sleep study for a full night using my familiar mask at my titrated and data proven effective pressure - just seeing what a normal night looks like. Seems to me that might be more revealing in your case than either a diagnostic or re-titration. Maybe that's been done... just thinking. I'm certainly not a medical professional, but it just makes sense to me, and was beneficial in my case.

[jnk]

If the arousals are at all related to respiratory effort (RERAs), you may want to ask your doc about UARS. Sometimes those arousals can be titrated away with pressure, as I understand it.

[Madalot]

PurplePat --

Please check your PM's --