Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a highly effective treatment for sleep apnoea – a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep – hypoventilation and hypoxemia. At Manse Medical, we can provide comprehensive CPAP titration testing to ensure that CPAP therapy is personalised for your needs.
What is CPAP Titration Testing?
CPAP titration testing is a sleep study conducted to determine the optimal air pressure settings for your CPAP device. The goal is to eliminate breathing disruptions, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall health. It is essential to properly set up a CPAP machine to meet the patient’s needs in some situations, particularly where home titration has been difficult or where there is a very severe breathing-related sleep disorder. This test is an attended lab study performed by qualified sleep technicians.
Types of CPAP machines in a CPAP titration study
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 compensates for patients whose breathing while asleep is affected by repositioning, or whose sleep apnea is much worse in particular stages of sleep.
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.
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
What Does CPAP Titration Testing Measure?
During the test, we monitor:
- Airway patency: Ensuring that your airways remain open throughout the night.
- Sleep stages: Evaluating how well you achieve restorative sleep cycles.
- Apnea and hypopnea events: Tracking reductions or eliminations in breathing interruptions.
- Oxygen levels: Measuring blood oxygen saturation to ensure optimal levels are maintained.
- Comfort: Observing and adjusting for any issues with mask fit or device settings.
Who Needs CPAP Titration Testing?
You may be referred for CPAP titration testing if:
- You have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and are beginning CPAP therapy.
- You’re experiencing persistent symptoms despite using CPAP, such as excessive daytime sleepiness or snoring.
- Your medical condition or weight has changed, potentially impacting your CPAP settings.
What is the CPAP Titration Process?
- Preparation: You will arrive at our sleep clinic in the evening and be introduced to the equipment and procedure.
- Monitoring: Sensors will be applied to measure your heart rate, oxygen levels, brain activity, and breathing. A CPAP device will be fitted with a comfortable mask.
- Titration: Throughout the night, the CPAP machine will gradually adjust air pressure levels. A sleep technician will fine-tune settings to achieve the best results.
- Review: After the study, the data is analysed, and a tailored prescription for your CPAP settings is provided to your referring doctor.
How to Prepare for CPAP Titration Testing
To ensure a smooth and accurate test, follow these guidelines:
- Avoid napping
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol on the day of the test as they can disrupt sleep quality.
- Avoid using hair products that can interfere with the sleep recording
- Take your regular medications unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
- Pack essentials: Bring comfortable sleepwear, clean clothes for the morning, toiletries, and any items you typically use at bedtime (e.g., reading glasses, a book).
- Discuss any concerns with our team in advance to ensure you feel at ease during the test.
Why Choose Manse Medical for CPAP Titration?
At Manse Medical, we combine expert care with state-of-the-art technology to ensure you receive accurate results and tailored treatment. Our team is dedicated to improving your quality of life through effective sleep solutions.