Hmm, what do I make of these

[Imasnorin]

Well this is the second night that I have had PB episodes. The first night I had one was one that lasted about 3 minutes and that was it. Last night I had 3 and the longest was almost 7 minutes and was peppered with Hypopnea, Vibratory Snores and something I havent seen RERA. So what they heck is a good explanation? What I have read still doesnt make sense.

Somebody give me a clue!

[MS Gray Man]

For me it's a hard call to make without seeing the additional data surrounding those events...


Were you showing high leak rates during those times? That can throw many of the readings awry, result in snoring, and generally create the image of a large problem where one may not exist.

But again without a better view of what was going on it's hard to say.

[Imasnorin]

No leaks, I'm trying to capture the waveform but am having a tad bit of trouble.

[Todzo]

Well this is the second night that I have had PB episodes. The first night I had one was one that lasted about 3 minutes and that was it. Last night I had 3 and the longest was almost 7 minutes and was peppered with Hypopnea, Vibratory Snores and something I havent seen RERA. So what they heck is a good explanation? What I have read still doesnt make sense.

Somebody give me a clue!

Hi Imasnorin!

Periodic Breathing (PB), Respiratory Effort Related Arousals (RERA), and hypocapnic hypopnea are all issues which relate too breathing instability (ventilatory instability).

Long story short the breathing control system gain (hyperactivity) is to high so the system oscillates as seen in PB and the extra respiratory effort results in arousals (RERA).

Now any kind of respiratory disturbance be it obstructive or breathing control related will ratchet up the level of stress hormones which will also increase breathing control system gain (hyperactivity).

So if you have extra inflammation on a given night and if that inflammation brings about apneas or hypopneas the resultant stress hormones may push your system past breathing stability and into PB or RERA.

On the other hand if your stress levels are already high your breathing control system may already be at a place where PB or RERA will occur.

To help with all of this I try to manage my life stress well, eat well, and raise the head of my bed a few inches. I have also spent some quality time with the machine awake during the day to help my breathing reflexes better learn how to handle the pressure with my body as it currently is.

Have a great week!

Todzo