Obstructive Sleep Apnea vs Central Sleep Apnea

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Because sleep affects your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, getting a good night's rest is crucial. But getting quality sleep isn't always easy.
Many factors contribute to a good night's sleep. While your environment, eating habits, exercise routine, and mental health all contribute to your sleep quality, the way we breathe is definitely something that we shouldn't overlook.
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects our ability to breathe during the night. Around 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. It is prevalent in all ages, from kids and teenagers to adults. With this condition, breathing is interrupted while sleeping through repetitive pauses, referred to as apneic events.
Despite its commonality, sleep apnea is still not well-understood. Many don't even realize that there are different types of sleep apnea, and the importance of understanding the difference when it comes to treatment. The two most prominent types include obstructive sleep apnea (most common) and central sleep apnea.
Keep reading to learn more about the difference between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea, the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment options.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:17 Obstructive Sleep Apnea
01:52 How CPAP works?
02:08 Central Sleep apnea
04:43 How to treat Sleep apnea
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[@russburg6480]

Wow, finally someone explaining the difference in simple clear way. Wondering if they've ever connected central sleep apnea with brain concussions. The technician that did my sleep study, told me they have a lot of football players with Central sleep apnea due to concussions.

[@kristinegargiulo7479]

Yes!!!, agreed for correlation,brain injury and central sleep apnea

[@Sleeplayground]

=)

[@Justutube-we8mz]

Love the analogy. Thank you

[@Sleeplayground]

You are so welcome

[@zakiyare885]

Thank you Senior

[@Sleeplayground]

Absolutely!

[@zackrai4982]

LOVE IT. Thank YOU

[@Sleeplayground]

You are so welcome!

[@yasmanygarcia8257]

Great video man! ❤

[@Sleeplayground]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@TimTamSlammm]

Thanks for the info!!

[@Sleeplayground]

You bet!

[@louisbrucetatarsky9817]

Thank you! Central sleep apnea is caused by lacking the signal to breathe, more difficult to solve. In my opinion.

[@Sleeplayground]

Yes absolutely!!! In the case of having more Central Sleep Apneas the Obstructive, another form of therapy may be needed rather than a standard CPAP machine. You are correct =)

[@susymay7831]

Excellent video! ❤

[@Sleeplayground]

Glad you liked it!

[@LOOP931]

Thank you ❤

[@Sleeplayground]

You're welcome 😊

[@rachellllhines]

thank you!!! --- from a medical student :)

[@Sleeplayground]

Glad it was helpful!! Please reach out if anything is needed, we would be happy to help!

[@divyalalwani104]

Good explaination sir💯💯

[@Sleeplayground]

Thanks and welcome

[@robinallen7964]

Thank you so much I understand everything I came here because although my son has a ent appointment I worry still and I think he has osa but he struggles also during the day to breathe having the constant mouth breathing and dark Vader like sounds I wish I could make it go away for him

[@Sleeplayground]

Sorry to hear about your son. Glad this video was helpful!

[@downtoearth5108]

Thank you very much . I'm not sure how to spell your name. Great explanations. Thank you.

[@Sleeplayground]

You're very welcome!

[@MsLoriGold]

I was diagnosed with this in 2017- both. Oh boy.

[@Sleeplayground]

=(

[@amandaallen9460]

I have both unfortunately..mild but still have both

[@Sleeplayground]

Yes it does happen in a lot of cases.

[@vikasgupta1828]

Thanks

[@Sleeplayground]

Welcome

[@LuanneWaikato]

I found the sleep apnea video both interesting & informative

[@Sleeplayground]

Glad you liked it! Please reach out if anything ever needed, we are happy to help!

[@leroygrayjr.2957]

Hi,.. Great information. I also have Central Apnea while awake.. My VA doctor is clueless.

[@Sleeplayground]

You may need supplemental Oxygen in the daytime.

[@combatdouglas1306]

Tree Accelerator. Great similes.

[@Sleeplayground]

Thanks 👍

[@alexpopowski1318]

I have this thing where as I’m falling asleep, I stop breathing and it manifests as thinking I’ve swallowed my lip piercing; I’ve imagined I have an apple stuck in my throat; and sometimes it’s believing i’m choking on my own spit. It seems to be mostly at the exact point I’m about to fall asleep. I went to the doctors surgery today and he told me it’s probably sleep paralysis. I’m not sure about that… I want to go back and push for a referral to a sleep clinic. I do have insomnia in general and I’m trying to correct it but this is a hurdle. It’s worth mentioning, I have terrible sinuses and my nose isn’t my primary way of breathing in at night. What are your thoughts? It happens a lot and I’m done being tired and having the heck scared out of me.

[@Sleeplayground]

I would definitely go to the Sleep Clinic, that sounds like sleep apnea to me. Happens to me all the time. as you are getting more relaxed, the muscles in the Airway collapse. The muscles go into a paralyses state causing the throat to close. Then the brain goes into a panic mode and cause you to wake up, Thank God.

[@suzyalvarez4847]

Thank you for sharing I have a question I got a cranial nerve removed from my left brain the vestibular nerve and I’ve had trouble breathing at night because of this so they did a sleep study and they don’t know if it’s central or the regular sleep apnea do you think this would cause my brain to not signal my breathing at night and why doesn’t it bother me during the day please advise thank you

[@Sleeplayground]

The Cranial nerve effects more of balance and hearing etc. I do not believe it would be the cause but it may. The only effects of the sleep apnea would be the daytime sleepiness, fatigue. heart burn etc. If that is what you are asking if why the sleep apnea doesnt bother you during the day?

[@GaminHasard]

What are good machines for treatment of central apnea? I don’t breath out so co2 remains in my body. Any ideas on which machine is correct? Now I have air sense 11 Resmed but I sophociate when in rem sleep.

[@Sleeplayground]

Hello, a BIPAP machine may be a better option for you. Contact your pulmonary doctor to notify them of the issue your still having and go from there. They may refer you to a new Sleep Study to determine your current need, If the CPAP is not working. Hope that helps =)

[@leeclaire9898]

I was wondering how having a trach effects OSA and central sleep apnea. With a trach & OSA you don't need a CPAP but are there risks like dry airway and plugging like you would see with a laryngectomy? Are there signs/symptoms for central sleep apnea aside from monitoring resp rate/ heart rate and witnessing apnea (such as belly movements) - I work with sedated patients, those rousing from anesthesia, just wondered if you had some input. We don't cover alot on central sleep apnea at work.

[@Sleeplayground]

Prior to the use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), tracheostomy was a more frequently used surgical treatment to cure sleep apnea. It works extremely well in the case of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which occurs because the upper airway collapses during sleep, leading to repetitive pauses in breathing. By removing the resistance of the upper airway, which is accomplished after tracheostomy as breathing occurs through an opening in the throat, sleep apnea is greatly improved. This can normalize oxygen and carbon dioxide levels and other symptoms. Symptoms Observed episodes of not breathing or abnormal breathing patterns during sleep. Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath. Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia) Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia) Difficulty concentrating. Mood changes. Morning headaches. Snoring.

[@Sleeplayground]

I do not believe there are any physical symptoms that are associated specifically to CSA. Other than the common effects such as weight gain, daytime sleepiness etc.

[@leeclaire9898]

@@Sleeplayground Thank you.

[@katburgess887]

Will central apnea ever go away like if u are born with it what are the chances it will correct itself with brain growth over the years or does that matter?

[@Sleeplayground]

In some cases, your child may simply grow out of CSA as their brain forms. They may need follow-up studies to see if things improve. Extra oxygen. A machine delivers it through a mask or tube to help raise blood oxygen levels.

[@autoperformance503]

Hi my mom have a Central sleep apnea . She’s scared to sleep at night. Because she stops breathing for few Minutes and she thinks she ganna die , this problem have to do with the brain . Maybe meditation to make brain more responsive during sleep ?

[@Sleeplayground]

I would go to a sleep doctor and have a sleep study done for her. She would like need one of the BIPAP devices if that is the case. But that will determine the issue how severe and the machine needed to help.

[@kristinegargiulo7479]

Can you have both obstructive and central sleep apnea

[@Sleeplayground]

Hello Kristine Gargiulo . No, you can only be diagnosed with one or the other. You can have Central and Obstructive apneas or events through out the night which would determine your diagnosis. But based on how many of each you would be diagnosed with one or the other. Please let me know if that helped or I can explain further if needed no problem.

[@BryAron.]

what happens if you are told you are cpap intolerent , i was now hospital just sent me on my way with no help and i was never tested for central which i feel i have with osa as well

[@Sleeplayground]

Wow! Sorry to hear that, I would say you would need to be re-titrated if you failed on a CPAP to find out the machine you need.

[@leeclaire9898]

Second opinion- many new devices.

[@jibberoverjava]

Many insurances don't want to cover Neurologic/Central Apnea treatment because it's more expensive. During sleep study still try to reposition you into different positions to try to get you to make some kind of sound that they can write up as obstructed or mixed apnea. They should be allowing you to sleep peacefully so if they're frequently interrupting your sleep you know what they're up to. As I wrote in my comment most patients who have Central apnea have it genetically and it runs in their family. Having a family member willing to write for you or tell to your doctor that they have witnessed you stop breathing without snoring and for how long your breathing stopped will go far in convincing your doctor to put in his notes to have you tested for Central Apnea. If this fails and you really want/need to go for a sleep study, tell your doctor this (atorney worded for his medical clients) : "I want you to write the medical criteria for why you are refusing to do this and I want a copy of your letter for myself and one placed in my medical record as a permanent part of my record." I've had to use this for a heart condition for myself and for myself and my daughter for Lyme's disease when doctors refused to listen, and WOW it really worked immediately!! Central apnea patients who ave it genetically almost always have to have a PACEMAKER. I almost died using the CPAP as it dried my throat out (no obsrtuction means it never signals it to stop blowing) and almost suffocated me when I went to swallow and my throat glued shut. I hope you get the help you need. It's often misdiagnosed as SIDS in infants, it's a silent killer of children and adults. Most of my family has it genetically.

[@susymay7831]

Are ASV machines generally the best treatment for central sleep?

[@Sleeplayground]

In most cases they may be a better choice. But not always, that would be determined by the outcome of the sleep study.

[@susymay7831]

@@Sleeplayground Thank you! 🙂

[@peterfrezza6508]

HI I HAVE OBSTRUCTIVE APNEA AND I USE A AUTO CPAP,I FIND A SECOND MACHINE iIN A GOOD CONDITION AND GOOD PRICEW,AN I PHILIPS RESPIROSONICS DREAMSTATION BIPAP AUTOSV,I WANT TO KNOW IF IS OK FOR ME OR IF I NEDD ONLY A CPAP MAchine

[@Sleeplayground]

No, you can not use that machine unless prescribed. If you have been recommend a CPAP stick with the CPAP machine the ASV is a technical machine specified for patient use.

[@TheKing-19]

I have a query. Normally I don't stop breathing in sleep, it happens only when I get nose blocks during allergic rhinitis, rainy days or winters.. So is that occassional sleep apnea? It might sound strange, sometimes I stop breathing when my wife who is on heavier side puts her leg on my body in sleep. More strange is when I stop breathing here, it's like a paralysis attack, I am not able to move, I dream that I am shouting to my wife to remove her leg, thoughts on my mind is , that's it, this is end. I am going to die. Somehow after a great effort I shake my body and remove her leg I don't know how to define this scary experience. Of course it doesn't happen every night.

[@Sleeplayground]

Hi, Thanks for reaching out! Yeah, I would say those are symptoms of sleep apnea for sure. Bad dreams the paralysis is the reason the air way closes as well. Sometimes you do not have the same experiences, some nights you may stop breathing but not aware of it as far as waking up or having the dreams. The stuffy nose and blockage would not cause the sleep apnea.

[@TheKing-19]

@@Sleeplayground but these dreams occurs only when I stop breathing due to weight on my body namely my wife putting a leg on my leg or on my back in sleep. And that too occasionally. Also as said I don't get these apnea attack daily like others here. It's only when in rainy season due to allergic rhinitis

[@giarcrednep]

Try stretching your Psoas muscle if you have central sleep apnea.

[@GaminHasard]

Psoas? Really? I have central sleep apnea. Psoas is your hip flexor? Could be. I am super stiff behind a computer. How did you get this information? Have a nice day!

[@Sleeplayground]

The psoas muscle is among the most significant muscles that overlie the vertebral column. It is a long fusiform muscle on either side of the vertebral column and the brim of the lesser pelvis. At its distal end, it combines with the iliacus muscle to form the iliopsoas muscle.

[@combatdouglas1306]

Any literature on CSA?

[@Sleeplayground]

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/central-sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352109#:~:text=Overview,muscles%20that%20control%20your%20breathing.

[@combatdouglas1306]

@@Sleeplayground thanks!

[@wednesdayschild3627]

Complex apnea? My loved one had his obstructive apnea treated and developed complex apnea aka central. He is not overweight at all. His heart is fine. He doesn't take any medications. He doesn't have a neurological condition. Bipap didn't work. Now on asv. Everything looks normal on him.

[@Sleeplayground]

=

[@uyeanonim]

I heard snoring is the main symptom for obstructive sleep apnea, is snoring a symptom for central sleep apnea as well?

[@Sleeplayground]

The most common symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas include: Loud snoring. Episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep - which would be reported by another person. Gasping for air during sleep

[@Sleeplayground]

Correct

[@uyeanonim]

@@Sleeplayground can we distinguish these two just by observing the sleep? Or do we need a lab sleeping test to distinguish?

[@MegaAli213]

Tinnitus can cause central sleep apnea as well.

[@Sleeplayground]

Hi Goodmorning, It's believed that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could be a cause of tinnitus. It may not be a cause for (CSA) Central Sleep Apnea.