how long is to long

Hi everyone
how many seconds is too long for an apnea event? I have been recording apnea events as long as 20-26 seconds, is this ok or too long? my pressure is averaging at 12 cms.

This is only my opinion; there are others who are experts at this one.
I would think it is not a major thing; the number of events would most likely have more impact.

Say, have you tried holding your breath while awake, and timed yourself at how long you can hold it? I'd think that could be an indicator as to when the length would be in the 'severe' range?

Again, just some thoughts here; others will be giving you some excellent information.

I'm not an expert either BUT if you're not breathing it's not good. Any apnea event will cause the O2 levels to go down...not a good thing. That's why you try to get your AHI as close to 0.0 as you can. During my sleep study I had OAs that lasted 69 seconds, and O2 down to 82. I'm sure others have had worse.
Like offerocker said, this is just my opinion.

Brenda

Hi!

I can only say that the alarm on my son's monitor starts beeping after 20 seconds and that is set so, so that I still have time to respond without any great worries.... During my sleep study i had many much longer events, of up to over 3 minutes....(kinda kept the techs jumping all night and they dragged the doc out of his cot cause they were so worried). Upon awakening (not that i was really sleeping in the first place) the doc stuck three fingers in my face and asked me 'how many' which kinda ticked me off (I'm not a morning person).... they seemed surprised that I was capable of counting (i guess).... anyway i was under the impression that i had had one of my rather good nights of sleep......

I think you should not be overly worried here, but of course the O2 levels must be watched and as bdp522 said, getting your AHI as close to 0 as possible would be a good thing to strive for....


Tricia: who was always good at swimming from one side of the pool to the other underwater.... proves that severe apnea has it's bonuses!

Guest,

You didn't tell us "diddly squat" about your setup so we can give you some decent advice. How long have you been on XPAP therapy? You say your pressure is "averaging at 12 cms." which tells me you're using an APAP (Auto). Depending on your settings, your apneas/hypopneas could be happening before your pressure can rise to stop them. You could be mouth-leaking if you're wearing a nasal mask and many other things could account for the length of your apneas. Too many variables that are unknown.

In the beginning couple of months of my therapy, (according to the software) I had one apnea that lasted 72 seconds and another that lasted 60 seconds. On very rare occasions, I've had a single apnea that lasted about 24 seconds. Normally, they last about 12 seconds and IF I have any, I usually only get ONE per night. It's also a rare occasion for me to have 2 in any given night.

Please tell us more.

Den

under 30 seconds is nothing, EncorePro says my "avg" apnea duration is 56 seconds.

I don't have that many but when I do they last a long time.

I don't think I could hold my breath that long if I tried.