A CPAP sleep study (also known as a CPAP titration study) is recommended by your Respiratory and Sleep Physician after your diagnostic sleep study. You will need to return to the Sleep Investigation Unit or a Sleep Health Centre for CPAP education and mask fitting followed by the overnight CPAP sleep study. During this second study, highly trained staff will determine the correct CPAP pressure required to prevent your upper airway from collapsing and keep you safe during sleep. The result will be verified by a Sleep Scientist and Sleep Physician. If a given pressure is found to be effective, it will be prescribed as your treatment pressure by your Respiratory and Sleep Physician.
CPAP titration studies are performed in much the same way as your diagnostic sleep study but instead of wearing nasal cannula that measured your nasal airflow, you will wear your newly fitted CPAP mask. The overnight sleep technician or nurse will adjust the settings on the CPAP machine via remote control while you sleep, in order to determine an adequate pressure tailored for your airway. CPAP titration studies commence from 7pm in the evening and conclude around 6-7 am the following morning. It is highly recommended you attend one of our free 'CPAP Education and Mask Fitting Sessions' conducted by one of CPAP Consultants before the night of your CPAP sleep study. These sessions will provide you with further information about obstructive sleep apnoea, CPAP and how CPAP works. At the session you will be expertly fitted with a range of masks before determining which one is optimal for your care.
On the night of your CPAP titration study you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your sleeping habits in general and your activities during the day of your study. The following morning the Nurse or Technician will ask you to fill out another form about how you think you slept that night when compared to a normal night's sleep at home.
How should I prepare for a CPAP Sleep Study?
You will be sent some forms to fill out prior to your admission including a Pre-Assessment Health Questionnaire. These forms are required to be returned to our laboratory prior to your sleep study night to enable us to assist you with any special needs you may have.
On the day of your sleep study, please take note of the following:
- Keep to your normal routine. This means that if you usually drink tea, coffee or alcohol in the evenings, you should do so on the night of your study. Also, please follow your normal sleeping routine in the week/s leading up to the sleep study.
- Take your usual prescribed medications, unless your doctor advises you otherwise. Remember to bring them with you if necessary.
- Please wash your hair and shower on the evening of your study, as this will remove oils and improve the quality of the recordings. Avoid using hair conditioner, styling products and moisturizers before your sleep study.
- Please remove any hairpieces prior to your sleep study, as electrodes will be attached to your scalp.
- Bring your sleepwear and toiletries with you, including shampoo/conditioner for use after your sleep study. Cotton pyjamas or shorts/t-shirt must be worn in the laboratory. Please do not wear polyester or satin nightwear or nightgowns. If you have a favourite pillow, bring it with you. Please do not bring talcum powder.
- Bring all Medicare, Pension, Department of Veteran Affairs, Health Insurance and concession cards with you.
What does the procedure involve?
Once you are settled in, the night technician will connect a number of small sensors to your head, chest and legs so that they can measure your brain wave activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, leg movements and the amount of oxygen in your blood. All measurements are done in a non-invasive manner. Electrodes are placed on your body to record brain wave activity, muscle tone and leg movements. A clip will be placed on your finger to measure the oxygen level in your blood, and soft, stretchy belts will be placed around your chest and abdomen to measure breathing effort.
If you have already had a CPAP education session and mask fitting, the Night Technician or Nurse will use the mask you selected on the day for your overnight CPAP study.
If you were unable to attend a CPAP education and mask fitting session prior to your study, the night technician or nurse will show and fit a few masks for you on the night. Please understand that whereas this traditional approach to education and mask fitting is often necessary and remains effective for many people, you will be missing out on the benefits afforded by the Sleep Health Centre Sessions.
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