Certified Polysomnographic Technician (CPSGT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CPSGT Practice Questions and Study Guide.

A mixed apnea is indeed characterized by a sequence of breathing components that typically begins with central apnea followed by obstructive apnea. In this type of apnea, the initial cessation of airflow is due to a lack of respiratory effort from the brain, which is the central component. Following this, obstructive apnea occurs, where the airway becomes blocked despite the effort to breathe.

Understanding this sequence is vital, as it reflects the dual nature of the condition: the central component signifies a failure of the brain to send signals to breathe, while the subsequent obstructive component highlights physical hindrances to airflow. This distinction helps in diagnosing the type of apnea more accurately and tailoring the intervention methods accordingly. Recognizing the pattern of central followed by obstructive is key to understanding the dynamics of mixed apneas in sleep studies.