Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Titration Study

This study is used to set the right level of continuous positive airway pressure  for a person who will receive CPAP therapy. This therapy is used for people with sleep-related breathing disorders.

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Central sleep apnea (CSA)
• Hypoventilation and hypoxemia

How is the study performed?

During the CPAP study you are fitted with a nasal mask. The mask is connected by a tube to a small electric unit. The unit has a fan that pushes air through the tube. The mask allows the air to gently blow into the back of your throat.

Pressure is started at a very low level. It is then increased at various intervals during the night. The goal is to find the right level of air pressure that will prevent the collapse of your upper airway. This eliminates pauses in your breathing as you sleep.

Why participate in a sleep study?

Sleep studies are performed for a variety of reasons such as:

• Suspected sleep apnea (the periodic cessation of breathing)
• Excessive sleepiness
• Loud, intermittent snoring (usually resulting in the bed partner sleeping in another room)
• Unexplained morning headaches
• Chronic disturbed sleep (insomnia)
• Other unexplained sleep behavior (seizures, chest pain, sudden arousals)

How should I prepare for the test?

• Do not drink any coffee, tea, cola drinks, or eat chocolate after Noon the day of your study. The caffeine in these products may interfere with your sleep that night. Decaffeinated coffee or soft drinks are fine.
• Do not take any naps during the day.
• Do not drink any alcoholic beverages the day of the study.
• Bring a list of all medications that you are taking, both prescribed and over the counter.
• If you take regular medications, please bring them with you and take them as scheduled. Your physician may arrange for you to discontinue any medications that may interfere with sleep or  alter test results. If you are asked to stop taking medication it is important that you do so. However, do not discontinue any medications without first talking to your physician.
• Please take a shower and shampoo your hair on the day of your appointment. Clean skin and hair improves the quality of the sleep study recording. Please do not use any hair products following your shampoo.
• Men should shave in the late afternoon or evening for easier application of electrodes. It is not necessary to shave off a full beard if you have one.
• Please do not wear makeup the day of your appointment.
• Please complete the Sleep Services Questionnaire and mail it back to us in the provided postage-paid envelope prior to your study. The questionnaire provides very important information to the physician that assists in diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
• Please feel free to bring items that will assist you in going to sleep such as your pillow, robe, nightclothes, toilet articles and a snack.

What should I do after the study is completed?

The sleep study test results will be sent to your physician approximately 10 days after the study. Please schedule a follow-up appointment with the physician who ordered the study, unless otherwise indicated.