Logging, alarming O2 monitor as substitute for C/VPAP.
I was diagnosed with sleep apnea 8 years ago. I mentioned to my PCP during my annual physical (at 64) that I was chronically tired. Every time I sat down to read a book, I’d fall asleep after reading a page or two. I’ve always had a normal BMI, so I didn’t “fit the profile”. He recommended a doctor, and I went for a sleep test. I stopped breathing just once during my sleep test, but my O2 level dropped to 58, which got me my first VPAP. I needed a full mask, and went through a few models, until I found one that worked.
The VPAP machine essentially worked for me during interrupted breathing, by increasing pressure high enough to make the mask “walk off my face”, causing me to wake fully, to fumble for the reset button. I used the machine faithfully nonetheless for 7 1/2 years, rarely missing a night, and never removing the mask.
Last December I discovered a logging O2 level monitoring “ring” that continuously monitors O2 levels, and generates a silent, vibrating alarm when the level drops below a user programmable level. While it still forces a “wakeup”, no fumbling is required; just roll over. I like it much better than a breathing machine, and it works in the same fashion as my VPAP for me.
The device is not FDA approved, nor do I know of any doctors who prescribe this, but it works well for me, and between it and my Fitbit, I have an extensive history of my sleep patterns including O2 level, pulse rate, and movement.