Sleep Tech Tip of the Week
By Michael Miller, RPSGT
I recently received a request to write a tech tip about dealing with CPAP mask leaks and how huge air leaks affect the integrity of a titration. The short answer is that large air leaks compromise the accuracy of the CPAP titration. I am sure that if you have read any of my other entries you are wishing that I would end it with my short answer. (more…)
Sleep Tech Tip of the Week
By Michael Miller, RPSGT
This week’s sleep tech tip is intended to serve as an aid when performing CPAP titrations. I have heard it said that the act of titrating a patient is an “art form” that is acquired over time. I have also heard it said that CPAP titrations are strictly objective and the “scientific guidelines” in place are to be followed without deviation. In my personal opinion, I think that titrations embody both theories. I believe that when performing a titration you should apply logistical guidelines for a point of reference, while intuitively being able to recognize when conditions warrant slight deviations from protocols. (more…)
Sleep Tech Tip of the Week
By Michael Miller, RPSGT
I recently received a question from a colleague of mine asking a question about the correlation between transient sleep apnea and the efficacy of CPAP as it relates to pregnancy. I thought that this topic would make a good discussion for this week’s sleep tech tip of the week.
I have performed numerous CPAP titrations, but I only recall one such scenario that relates specifically to this particular topic. My patient was in her second trimester of pregnancy and had complaints of snoring, morning headaches, restless sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. She explained that she had gained 30 pounds since becoming pregnant and felt that her symptoms were directly related to her weight gain. Although she was absolutely correct in her assumption, she had no clue that sleep apnea was the culprit. (more…)
Here is your chance to become published! As you can see, we have been fortunate to receive some excellent, high quality articles from physicians and sleep techs writing about their experiences and sharing their knowledge about the sleep industry. We feel that everyone has a story to share or suggestions to make that will help others in their careers and improve the science of sleep. Please let us know if you would like to contribute to this site; we welcome your submissions! Additionally, we are looking for suggestions from the community regarding what topics you would like to see covered or stories in which you would be interested. (more…)
By Ed Faria and Lenneice A. Drew
In recent years, we have learned that sleep deprivation and undiagnosed sleep disorders are arguably one of our largest health problems. During the last two decades, a strong diagnostic industry has been thriving to develop the sleep field including, but not limited to, Neurovirtual, Philips Respironics, Embla, and Cardinal Health.
A Look Back
Sleep Medicine is a specialty in the field of medicine; sleep disorders have become a public health concern and sleep science has earned its spot as an important area of research. The American Medical Association recognized sleep medicine as a specialty in 1996. However, take a look back, and you will find the history of sleep medicine is relatively short and most of the individuals involved with its development are still living. (more…)