Sleep study
Contents
What to Expect during a Sleep Study
by Mile High Sleeper and rooster
A videotour of Uncle_Bob's sleep study room
Questions to ask about your PSG and Titration Study
by CPAPtalk member rooster
1. Did I have any central apneas? How many?
2. Were there any comorbidities? What were they?
3. Did I breathe or leak through my mouth? How often? What do you recommend to prevent it?
3. Did I exhibit Positional Sleep Apnea (PSA)? Was my apnea more severe in one sleeping position as compared to others? Is my pressure requirement higher in one position as compared to others? (Often sleep apnea is more severe when sleeping on the back.)
4. Is there anything else unusual about the results?
5. How will I know my therapy is preventing apneas?
6. I am determined to own a data-capable machine and software to monitor apneas, hypopneas and mask leak. This will allow me to call your office with specific questions if I have problems with the therapy. Will you help me with the appropriate prescription?
In addition to the questions:
1. Get a copy of your PSG. It is your legal right to have one.
2. Get a copy of your CPAP prescription.
3. Make sure the prescription calls for a humidifier with the machine.
Three definitions are useful for the sleep study.
Apnea. The Greek word “apnea” means “without breath.” You stop breathing during sleep for ten seconds or longer.
Hypopnea. There is airflow through your throat but at a much reduced level, which leads to not getting enough oxygen. It’s abnormally shallow breathing lasting at least ten seconds.
AHI, Apnea-Hypopnea Index for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Less than 5 events (apnea or hypopnea) per hour is considered normal. 5 or more events per hour is considered Mild 15+ considered Moderate 30+ considered Severe (from T. S. Johnson MD, Sleep Apnea - The Phantom of the Night, page 211)
A sleep study uses a pulse oximeter, a device with a red light that clips on your finger. It measure oxygen levels in your blood by noting the color; oxygenated blood is bright red, blood with hemoglobin desaturation is darker red.
For a comprehensive list of terms see: http://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php/Category:CPAP_Definitions
Comprehensive Sleep Lab Orientation in Print
There are two chapters on sleep testing and understanding your report in the book Sleep Apnea – The Phantom of the Night by TS Johnson MD et al.
Short Sleep Lab Orientation DVD or Online Video
“Introduction to the Sleep Lab” Order from https://www.cpap.com/productpage/cpaptalk.com-introduction-to-the-sleep-lab.html Allow time for delivery or view online at http://www.cpaptalk.com/cpaptalk-cpap-video-movie.php?videos=video&VGID=58