Can The CPAP Machine Be Used While Having Normal Oxygen Saturation Levels?

Posted on Sun, 8 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 8 May 2016 Answered on

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I started using cpap machine Two nights ago with great success. However today I have had difficulty catching my breath. I've checked O2 levels throughout the day and they've been 92 to 98. I plan to call Pulmonology on Monday but do I continue to use cpap until then?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you can use CPAP machine.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Your oxygen saturations are normal. So there is no need to worry for this.
You can definitely continue using CPAP machine.
You might be having synchronization difficulty.
It is common in early days of CPAP use.
So, no harm in continuing CPAP use.
Can you please tell me in somewhat more detail about your problem with CPAP use?
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (8 hours later)

Cpap use has been quite successful for a beginner. Day 1 wore 8.5 hrs and slept 6.5; day 2 wore 9.3 hrs and slept 8.3; Cpap score 99%; last night wore 7.3 and slept only 5. Mask fitting was shown as good all three evenings.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Have you synchronize properly?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
If your mask fitting was appropriate then problem in synchronization with machine might be the cause for this.
So please let me
1. Are you synchronizing with the machine?
2. Do you face problem in exhalation while machine is on?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

I must admit I am confused by the concept of synchronizing with the machine. The machine synchronizes with a web site to provide me with nightly data. Last night all components (length of time wearing, mask fit, number of times removing mask and events per hour were all good with a total score of 98%. I did notice the humidity didn't work on the machine the last two nights, but it did the first. Could that be the issue?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No, humidity issue is less likely to cause this.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No, humidity issue is less likely to cause this.
Sometimes, stress and anxiety related to sleep apnea and CPAP machine can cause decrease sleep.
So please let me know
1. Do you have stressful life?
2. Are you having anxiety?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar