Central Apnea Vs OSA

I have looked through my first sleep study report and noted that the amount of central and obstructive sleep apnea seems close to one another.

Obstructive Apneas (index, #): 6.2 (33)
Central Apneas (index, #): 4.5 (24)

There were many Hypoapneas, but the lab did not distinguish between central or obstructive for those.

I think I read here on the forum that if the Obstructive SA > Central SA you always are diagnosed with OSA.

basically, what I am hoping that even if I have a little bit of Central Apnea, I can benefit from OSA treatment.

Interestingly, when I take an Ambien on occasion, I always feel a little bit better. No enough to make me *not* want to try a CPAP. I don;t think I want to take any Ambien for the CPAP titration - is there something else that will help me fall asleep with the machine on that won't impact central apnea?

Apneas + Hypopnias = AHI This is what they use to diagnose Sleep Apnea

You can't have a central Hypopnea. A hypopnea is a reduction in airflow by 50% or more. There is no airflow if you don't try to breath. If you are being titrated for OSA, and not being set up to eliminated centrals, the Ambien will not effect the results. I highly recommend using a sleep aid that you know works for you. The longer you are asleep, the more they will have to work with in zeroing in on your proper titration.

I took Ambien for my initial sleep study and my titration study. My sleep doctor prescribed two pills for me to use during these studies.

I've also had some luck with benadryl so I may use that instead. I have limited access to Ambien and the doctor is hard to reach. But I don't think it will impact my results and I may even get better results by using a sleep aide.

Thanks again.