One of the tests that a patient might be prescribed in order to monitor their sleep is a CPAP titration study. This will occur if the patient is to receive CPAP titration therapy in order to help with sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, hypoventilation and hypoxemia.
This is a simple test to conduct, and this article is going to tell you everything you need to know so you can get the most out of your CPAP titration study and be perfectly prepared for CPAP therapy.
What is an CPAP Titration Study?
A CPAP Titration Study is an overnight sleep study that is used to set up a patient for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP is a common treatment that is used to manage breathing-related sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, hypoventilation and hypoxemia.
Because a CPAP machine needs to be set up properly to meet the needs of the patient, a CPAP titration study is important and needs to be conducted properly. Because of that, a CPAP titration study is an attended lab study performed by qualified sleep technicians.
How does a CPAP titration study work?
The goal of a CPAP titration study is to determine the ideal settings for your CPAP machine (i.e. the correct amount of air pressure to prevent your upper airway from becoming blocked). The test itself follows these steps:
- You attend the study at the sleep clinic, where you are fitted with a CPAP mask
- When you are ready to sleep, you tell the sleep technician so they can set up the sensors that will monitor your body
- As you sleep throughout the night, your sleep technician will change the air pressure of your CPAP machine and intervene if there are any problems
- The next morning, the technologist will test and remove the sensors. The study is complete
What equipment does a CPAP titration study involve?
A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine is a device that consists of multiple components:
- A base unit that contains the motor that powers the CPAP machine
- A cushioned mask that the patient wears as they use it
- A tube that connects the base unit to the mask
- A headgear frame consisting of adjustable straps that comfortably keeps the mask attached to the patient’s face
- Elbow pieces that act as joints
CPAP therapy involves the motor-powered compressor within the base unit of the machine, providing a continuous stream of pressurised air that travels through an air filter and is delivered to the patient’s mask via the air tube.
What does a CPAP titration study measure?
A CPAP Titration Study involves monitoring your sleep pattern, body position, breathing and blood oxygen levels. This occurs while a skilled Sleep Technician adjusts the air pressure delivered to your airway to eliminate snoring, airway collapse, and the drops in blood oxygen and arousals from sleep that result.
Ultimately, these measurements determine the ideal CPAP machine settings to ensure that you get the best sleep results possible. That is why it is important that your first use of CPAP is monitored by an experienced sleep technician.
How do I prepare for a CPAP titration study?
A CPAP titration study involves an overnight stay at a hospital or sleep clinic specified by Manse Medical. The testing environment is set up so you will be comfortable during your stay.
On the day of your sleep study, it is recommended that you follow your normal routine as much as possible:
- Avoid napping
- Avoid caffeine after lunch
- Avoid using hair products that can interfere with the sleep recording
- If you are on any medication, speak with your doctor, who may recommend you stop taking the medication temporarily
When it is time to report for your CPAP titration study, bring any items that you need for your nightly routine. You may want to bring:
- Comfortable pyjamas or clothes to sleep in
- A toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
- Makeup remover
- Reading material
- Clean clothes for the morning
What kinds of CPAP machines are there in a CPAP titration study?
Different patients have different requirements when it comes to effective CPAP treatment. Not only does this necessitate a CPAP titration study, it also means that there are various kinds of CPAP therapy available to accommodate those different requirements. These different kinds of CPAP therapy include modifications to existing CPAP machines, to entirely different machines that regulate and distribute air in different ways.
If you have any questions about these machines, and whether or not they are better suited for treating your sleep apnoea, feel free to speak to one of the dedicated sleep technicians at Manse Medical. After all, that will help us get you the best sleep possible.
Different kinds of masks
The first step of a CPAP titration study is to ensure that your CPAP mask fits your face perfectly (i.e. comfortably without any air leakage).
As a result, the kinds of CPAP masks that are available include:
- A nasal pillow mask that has a small cushion that caps over the nostril area. It may also have prongs that fit into the nostrils. This mask is designed for people who wear glasses or have facial hair that could obstruct their mask
- A nasal mask that instead covers the entire nose, which is ideal for patients who tend to move around a lot in their sleep
- A full mask that covers the mouth and nose, which is designed for patients who breathe through their mouth while they sleep
Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP)
An APAP machine (a.k.a. Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) is a kind of CPAP machine that, instead of offering continuous positive airway pressure, actively monitors the patient’s breathing through the night and automatically adjusts the air pressure. This machine is meant to compensate for patients whose breathing while asleep is affected by either constant movement or any medications.
Bi-Level Positive Airflow Pressure (BiPAP)
Bi-Level positive airflow pressure is an alternative CPAP machine that offers two pressure settings: one for inhaling and one for exhaling. This machine is for patients who;
- Can’t tolerate CPAP machines
- Have elevated carbon dioxide levels in their blood
- Have central sleep apnoea as opposed to obstructive sleep apnoea
This is because a BiPAP device comes with a backup respiratory rate that allows patients with OSA to initiate breath, whereas CPAP machines are intended for patients that can initiate breath, but have that breath be interrupted.
What kinds of sleep tests does the CPAP Titration Study fall under?
Attended Level 1 Sleep Test
This is the kind of test that a CPAP titration study falls under (which Manse Medical provides).
If you are referred for an attended Level-1 sleep study, you will be admitted to either a sleep clinic or a hospital (sleep tests are not conducted at our clinic). Sleep Technologists will be with you throughout the process, providing education and the setup for the overnight sleep study. They will also monitor you throughout the entire night to ensure a comprehensive collection of data and your well-being.
When you are booked for an attended Level-1 sleep study, our admin team will provide you with more information about the process and what to bring on the night.
How can I get a CPAP Titration Study from Manse Medical?
Book your appointment online by selecting your preferred clinic and choosing from the list of available specialists.
