Oximeter: Cost vrs Benefit

Yes, I agree! I spent one night without my cpap to see what my oximeter showed. Never again! I saw dips down to the mid 70's a few times and spent most of the night below 90.

Mindy

Wonder how to change my vote.

When the poll started, I hadn't gotten my equipment yet. So, I didn't have an oximeter...

Then as time went on...I went to "I will buy..." To now where I own a CMS-50F.

Only used it once....so far....

The Dreamer.

I bought my recording oximeter for $119 and it was money well spent. Think of how many people could be easily and cheaply screened for apnea just by this little gadget. Now think of all the horror stories of people who had bad results during sleep studies. I'm not saying that a full blown wire-up isn't called for from time to time, but in an age when we are seeking cost reductions AND promoting wellness, I think loaning a simple recording oximeter should be done.

Woody3 wrote:Does anyone make a reasonable priced oximeter?

I got mine thru Medicaltestsupply.com for the CMS50D+ it was only about $65 and it RECORDS! (free shipping too and came pretty fast) CPAP.com? (the owner of this board) I think has them for about $80-$90$ you can get a non recording one for spot checks for about $25-$35 I think i've even seen them at walmart for about $25 but those don't record data.

I think the benefits of a pulse oximeter would vary greatly depending on whether you are more of a subjective analysis person ("how do I feel") or more of an objective analysis person (what were my numbers). I don't know that it would be worth it for a subjective analysis person like my fiancee. I get up in the morning and want to look at my data from the night before. She gets up, looks a little puzzled at my interest, and asks, "Yeah, but how do you feel?" I don't think the additional pulse ox data would seem worthwhile to her. To me, pulse ox data would be very beneficial in assigning objective measurement to the effects of the events that still happen even with the machine. Events spaced out through the night probably don't have the same effect as the identical events happening in rapid succession. Similarly, anything longer than 10 seconds is counted as one apnea, though I imagine a 15 second apnea has a much lesser effect than a 40 second apnea. If the effects are different, then I start to want to find an objective measurement of just how different they are. The effect on oximetry and pulse would give me something to use as a comparison for "severity". To me, that is worthwhile. Different perceived benefit level for different types of personality.

In my view, considerations about the "cost effectiveness" of a pulse-oximeter are not relevant. (How does one put a price value on his/her life.) These things can he had for between $20 and $50; data recording ones more. If you can afford it, I recommend the latter because they can be used to insert your pulse and oxygen graphs into SleepyHead; at least the Contec CMS-50E and F (about $98 on ebay) and there are other brands as well. Here's a link to check out a few candidates https://www.google.com/#gs_rn=21&gs_ri= ... 72&bih=589 If anyone has had success with other brands in inserting pulse-ox graphs into SH, let us know.

It is very important to know whether or not your oxygen desaturations fall well below the normal 90% to 99% zone, especially to the low 80's, anywhere below 80% or below 70%, and how often that occurs; and to call such occurrences to your doc's attention promptly. Your doc will want to know if you see such low desaturation readings, particularly long and frequent ones.

I don't usually check my pulse-ox graphs every night, but I do make it a routine practice to check at least every 3 or 4 weeks, more often if I awaken in the morning with headaches.

I see in the recent poll that 29% of us have data recording pulse-oximeters. My view is that number should be closer to 100% of us on this forum. Our blood oxygen level is so important to our health and well-being that we should at least monitor it occasionally.

A pulse oximeter is what convinced all three of my sons to get a sleep study.

All three have sleep apnea and now are on machines.

If it were not for the oximeter I doubt any of them would have gone to the doctor and asked for a sleep study.

As one who doesn't have significant O2 desaturations (last sleep study I went to 91% but only very briefly), an oximeter most likely wouldn't have been helpful in my case in determining whether I should go for a sleep study. And many people with sleep apnea are in similar situations although I admittedly don't know the exact statistics. Just wanted to share my experience in case someone doesn't get significant O2 desaturations but still wonders about having sleep apnea.

Cost vs. benefit also depends on your level of problem. For many, the oxygen issue is gone entirely if their apnea is controlled. For others, their oxygen levels STILL aren't very good, but better than they were. I think you just have to look to your sleep study/titration to see if o2 monitoring is really going to add value to simply adjusting the pressure based on your apneas or how you feel.