CPAP pressure too high - adverse effects?

musiclover · Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 80

Just curious if anyone knows what the adverse effects, if any, are of having your CPAP pressure set too high? I just had another sleep study done and it was determined that my pressure was too high so I was able to lower it from 13 to 8. I was having more atrial fibrillation episodes (3 in the past 6 mos) when I only had one 2 years ago, around the same time I was originally diagnosed with sleep apnea. I'm thinking that the high pressure was causing my CPAP to not be effective, thus giving me the a-fib. Is this possible? I've noticed that since my pressure is down to 8, I've been sleeping a LOT better, dreaming more, and feeling more rested and energetic during the day. I've actually gone out and walked the dog the past couple of days! Can pressure being too high be as bad as not using CPAP at all? I'm curious to see if my theory is right. Only time will tell...

musiclover · Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 80

P.S. I forgot to say that I was also having episodes of memory loss - I would be talking about something and then suddenly forget what I was saying and then couldn't talk at all. Then I was having episodes where I'd just suddenly not feel well - weak, dizzy, very tired. My dr has run a ton of tests on me and everything comes back normal. I haven't had any strokes, blood flow to my brain is normal... I will be amazed if all I needed was the right CPAP pressure to make me better.

Tracy · Joined: 26 Jul 2001 Posts: 1649 Location: Minneapolis area

Pressure set higher than needed can cause central apnea episodes

Central apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain fails to send the necessary signal for the breathing muscles to begin a breath. Although a neurological disorder, it is similar to OSA, in that every time breathing ceases, oxygen levels can drop and the heart works harder.Mixed apnea occurs when there are both central and obstructive apneas present in the same breath.

Also, if pressure is too high, the excessive air can enter the esophagus and bloat the belly. This can be a very painful experience Shocked

and definitely cause sleep arousals.

Glad you found your optimum pressure and are sleeping well!

Tracy

musiclover · Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Posts: 80

Wow, that's kinda scary. I'm glad I got my sleep study done again. Thanks Tracy. As a matter of fact, I WAS having a HORRIBLE problem with swallowing air. The first thing I did when I got out of bed every morning was belch like I'd just slammed a beer, lol.