Oximeter needed

I've been recently diagnosed with Severe OSA.

I feel absolutely horrible and must take a nap in the afternoon. After waking, I feel horrible for several hours. Terribly fatigured the rest of the time.

I'm going for a "desensitization" session to get the right machine/mask, after being unable to stay the whole night during the follow-up sleep study (the one with me wearing a mask -- just too stressful).

I asked my dr about getting an oximeter and he poo-poo'ed the idea, doubting it would help.

My low ox sat was 80% during my first (and only complete) sleep study of several weeks ago.

Can my symptoms be caused by the low oxygen sat levels? Is this the same as saying I'm oxygen deprived (at least during sleep)?

I'd like to monitor the ox sat, but from what I understand, Guardian/Healthnet will only cover (their 50%) with a letter of medical necessity, which my dr. is unwilling to write (he actually runs a highly regarded pulmonary practice and sleep study place).

So, I'm looking at units to purchase on my own. I like the wrist worn SPO 7500, but I'm concerned about accuracy/quality/reliability.

I like the idea of keeping my own data, so a storage/interfacable one is important.

Any ideas would sure be appreciated.

Thank you,

Joseph

Sleep study 1 (Feb., 07): AHI 35 (30 hypop and 5 apneas), 80% desat. (I think that's the right term).

An oximeter is important, but not nearly as important as a good cpap machine. Do your research and know what you want before equipment is purchased.

An oximeter is only going to tell you what you already know -- you're headed for trouble.

Ultimately having one is probably a good idea, especially for the peace of mind.

josephnyc wrote:
I'm going for a "desensitization" session to get the right machine/mask, after being unable to stay the whole night during the follow-up sleep study (the one with me wearing a mask -- just too stressful).

"desensitization" session that sounds like a technical term for getting a ream job from Apria

as for low oxygen levels: that can be the result of having apnea where your airway is being blocked, when the airway is blocked the lungs cannot take in oxygen so your blood oxygen levels drop.

Keep the airway unblocked with cpap and the oxygen levels should remain near your wake baseline. The cpap pressure aids in returning oxygen levels as it forces oxygen into the lungs. Some air will get through even if partially blocked.

SPO2 monitor is good have if you want to confirm cpap is working for you, but it won't improve your situation any.

If you want to know the adverse effects of having low SAO2 levels, do some google searching for effects of Hypoxia or cerebral hypoxia.