CPAP/BiPAP Study:
1. Patient Evaluation: Before the study, the sleep specialist evaluates the patient's medical
history, medications, and physical examination to determine the need for a CPAP/BiPAP
study.
2. Setup: The patient is brought to the sleep center and prepared for the study. The patient is
attached to a polysomnogram, which records brain waves, muscle activity, eye
movements, heart rate, and breathing patterns.
3. Baseline Data Collection: The technician records baseline data, including the patient's
oxygen saturation, heart rate, and breathing patterns during sleep without the use of
CPAP/BiPAP.
4. CPAP/BiPAP Titration: Once baseline data is collected, the technician initiates
CPAP/BiPAP therapy and increases the pressure to determine the optimal pressure to
prevent sleep apnea events. This process involves gradual pressure increments until the
optimal pressure is determined, and the patient's breathing patterns are stable.
5. Monitoring: During the study, the technician monitors the patient's breathing patterns,
oxygen saturation, heart rate, and sleep stages.
6. Adjustments: If necessary, the technician adjusts the CPAP/BiPAP pressure to ensure
optimal treatment.
7. Data Analysis: After the study, a sleep specialist reviews the data to determine the
effectiveness of CPAP/BiPAP therapy.
Split Night Titration Study:
8. Diagnostic Portion: The patient undergoes a standard sleep study (polysomnography) to
diagnose sleep apnea and determine the severity of the condition.
9. Baseline Data Collection: Before initiating CPAP/BiPAP therapy, the technician records
baseline data, including the patient's oxygen saturation, heart rate, and breathing patterns
during sleep.
10. CPAP/BiPAP Initiation: If sleep apnea is diagnosed during the diagnostic portion, the
technician initiates CPAP/BiPAP therapy and gradually increases the pressure to
determine the optimal pressure to prevent sleep apnea events.
11. Monitoring: During the study, the technician monitors the patient's breathing patterns,
oxygen saturation, heart rate, and sleep stages.
12. Adjustments: If necessary, the technician adjusts the CPAP/BiPAP pressure to ensure
optimal treatment.
13. Split Night Criteria: The patient must meet specific criteria to qualify for a split night
study. The criteria include the number of sleep apnea events during the diagnostic
portion, the severity of the condition, and the ability to tolerate CPAP/BiPAP therapy.
14. Data Analysis: After the study, a sleep specialist reviews the data to determine the
effectiveness of CPAP/BiPAP therapy and diagnose sleep apnea.
Sources:
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American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2014). International Classification of Sleep
Disorders (3rd ed.). Darien, IL.
https://learn.aasm.org/Public/Catalog/Details.aspx?id=%2fLE8vw32LFk%3d&returnurl=
%2fUsers%2fUserOnlineCourse.aspx%3fcatalogID%3d1%26tab%3dmycourses
Epstein, L. J., Kristo, D., Strollo, P. J., Jr, et al. (2009). Clinical guideline for the
evaluation, management and long-term care of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. Journal
of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 5(3), 263-276. https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.27286
•
Morgenthaler, T. I., Kapen, S., Lee-Chiong, T., et al. (2007). Practice parameters for the
medical therapy of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep, 30(6), 777-789.
https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/30/6/777/2453729