|
|
|
|
The pathway to treating obstructive sleep apneaPreliminary diagnosis, screening and referralIf you have OSA you probably aren’t aware that your breathing is stopping repeatedly during the night. But if you are having one or more symptoms of OSA, talk to you doctor immediately. You’ll be asked a few questions about your sleep habits and your overall health. If your doctor suspects that you have OSA, you may be referred to the sleep center for an overnight sleep test. Sleep Lab TestingThe only way to know for sure if you have obstructive sleep apnea is to have your sleep monitored by a qualified sleep specialist. The test is called a “polysomnography exam” and is simple, painless, and covered by most insurances. The Sleep Centers are usually located in a quite suburban setting with comfortable private rooms. You’ll typically arrive at 8 PM and will settle in for your regular nightly routine – TV watching, reading a book or listening to music until you fall asleep. As you sleep, equipment will monitor your blood oxygen levels, heart rate, brain waves and the number of times your breathing stops during sleep. Based on the results, your doctor may recommend treatment. CPAP or BiPAP TreatmentFor most sleep apnea patients, the preferred treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). With this therapy, you wear a mask that delivers a small amount of air pressure while you sleep, preventing your airway from collapsing. After one night of CPAP treatment, many patients report feeling more refreshed than they have in years. As an alternative, your doctor may recommend BiPAP, which stands for Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure; this is similar to CPAP therapy, except two levels of airway pressure are delivered. Whichever therapy your doctor prescribes, the sleep center can arrange for the equipment to be delivered to your home. Follow ThroughAfter you start you CPAP or BiPAP treatment at home, you may have questions. No problem. The sleep center will contact you regularly to assure that your therapy is progressing and your equipment is working efficiently. Naturally, we’ll maintain close contact with your doctor every step of the way. |
|
Click here to e-mail a request
for more information
|