Effects of respiratory gases on the frequency and duration of obstructive apneic episodes in a patient with the sleep apnea-hypersomnolence syndrome

We studied the effects of hyperoxia and hypercapnia on obstructive apneic episodes (OAE) in a 39-year-old male with the sleep apnea and hypersomnolence syndrome (SAHS). While inspiring room air, our patient spent approximately 50% of his non-REM sleep time in OAE. When the inspired gas was changed to 100% oxygen, the frequency of the OAE decreased slightly, but a statistically significant increase in the duration of each episode was noted. Additionally, a CO₂ rebreathe under hyperoxic conditions was carried out during non-REM sleep; no OAE were noted during this rebreathe. Therefore, this latter observation suggests that hypercapnia under hyperoxic conditions may reduce the frequency of OAE in patients with the SAHS.