I'm interested in understanding pressure - questions!

I'm very curious to know what the factors are that determine what pressure is needed for people with OSA.

From what I've read here, the amount of pressure required is not dependent on the severity of a person's OSA. So what *are* the factors that determine what pressure is required?

I understand they will vary from person to person. But is it...physical, as in, the pressure required to keep one person's airway open will differ from another's based on the physical characteristics of that person's airway - or are there other factors?

Additionally, what would cause someone's pressure requirement to vary over time? If the pressure setting is dependent on that person's anatomy, as someone ages (for example, or gains or loses weight), might that necessitate a new pressure setting?

I recognize there may not really be answers to these questions...but as a newly diagnosed person, I am now fascinated by OSA and curious about many aspects of diagnosis and treatment. Any input welcome!

MoneyGal wrote:I understand they will vary from person to person. But is it...physical, as in, the pressure required to keep one person's airway open will differ from another's based on the physical characteristics of that person's airway

Well, I'm not a doctor or anything in the health care field, but in most cases, I'd say yes. For most, it's simply a matter of the physical characteristics of that person's airway. How much pressure it takes to keep it open.

MoneyGal wrote:- or are there other factors?

For some, depending on what type of sleep disordered breathing they have, or health issues they have, there can be many factors that play into what pressure(s) and machine they are prescribed.

Health issues like COPD, asthma, other pulmonary conditions, cardiac problems, Central Sleep Apnea, Complex Sleep Breathing Disorder, obesity hypoventilation, post-polio syndrome, any number of respiratory or neurological problems -- the list can go on and on, and can affect choice of type of machine and choice of pressure(s) and other settings.

MoneyGal wrote:Additionally, what would cause someone's pressure requirement to vary over time? If the pressure setting is dependent on that person's anatomy, as someone ages (for example, or gains or loses weight), might that necessitate a new pressure setting?

Yep. Sure could. Aging, putting on weight, increasing muscle laxity and sagging tissues -- any/all of those things could cause a need for more pressure to keep the airway open.

MoneyGal wrote:I recognize there may not really be answers to these questions...but as a newly diagnosed person, I am now fascinated by OSA and curious about many aspects of diagnosis and treatment. Any input welcome!

I got fascinated by exactly the same things in the fall of 2003 when I "newly diagnosed myself." Very interesting subject, this how-to-breathe-while-we-sleep stuff.

Well, you've certainly come to the right place for answers, MoneyGal!

... ...physical, as in, the pressure required to keep one person's airway open will differ from another's based on the physical characteristics of that person's airway ...

Yep, you hit the nail on the head!

... what would cause someone's pressure requirement to vary over time? If the pressure setting is dependent on that person's anatomy, as someone ages (for example, or gains or loses weight), might that necessitate a new pressure setting?

Yep, there are other factors. Age, weight loss or gain, exercise or lack of it ... How stressed you are that night, how much alcohol you've had that evening, what you ate and how close to bed time you ate can affect your nightly pressure needs.

You asked some good questions and pretty much had the answers figured out for yourself. You're doing a good job of educating yourself. Congratulations!

One of the reasons my doctor wanted me to have an auto pap was because I need to take testosterone injections which I understand over time can make OSA worse. That's just one of many reasons a person's pressure might change.

maybe you should stop taking the injections and you will be able to calm down.