Low Blood Oxygen Levels Despite Using BiPAP

[Curtis1960]

I had an overnight pulse oxygen test recently and the results showed two periods of approximately 30 - 45 minutes where my blood oxygen level dropped into the mid 80s and even into the mid 70s.  I had a nadir of 72%.  I was diagnosed with central and obstructive sleep apnea and am compliant with my BiPAP machine and O2 concentrator w/ 2 liters of O2.  What are the possible effects of 60 - 90 minutes of low blood oxygen?   Is this dangerous?  Why would my blood oxygen level drop despite using BiPAP and O2?

Thanks very much.

[National Jewish Health]

The effects of 60 to 90 minutes of low blood oxygen reported as low as the mid 70% range, would normally be inconsequential, for an individual with a normal cardiovascular system.

That this should occur, however, with the use of bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) device, suggests that the BiPAP settings or your oxygen flow rate are sub-optimum.

You will need to have this checked in the sleep lab.

[Curtis1960]

Thanks so much for the advice.  I am very relieved that the low oxygen level is not a problem.  I will contact a sleep MD and try to get another sleep study done.  In the meantime, I'll raise my O2 levels to 3 liters and see if that helps.

Regards,

Curt

[cenz]

i recently had a sleep test done. along with apnea the doctor said my blood oxy levels were going down to 50%. he also noticed a slight dip during my stress test. im 40 years old and about 80lbs over weight. what are the side effects of low oxygen levels like this?

[forego]

A related discussion, effectoflowbloodoxygenlevels was started.