Sleep EducationSleep 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…)
Sleep Tech Tip of the Week
by Steve Ferrin, RPSGT from Lourdes Sleep Center
A common problem facing many sleep technologists today is patient anxiety over wearing that “scary looking contraption on their face”. This is to be expected. Unless you’re a welder, scuba-diver, or a fire-fighter, most of us do not wear bulky equipment on our face, much less to sleep in. So, how does one overcome this anxiety? The first, and most obvious, choice is desensitization.
When desensitizing a patient, it is important to have a good mask choice. Let the patient try on a variety and see which one they prefer. Mask sizing is important, as an ill-fitting mask will lower compliance. Once a proper mask has been found, letting the patient lay there with air running through the mask is often the next step. Allow the patient to get used to this “strange sensation”. It is at this point that it is absolutely critical to LISTEN to the patient. Is the patient getting too much air, or not enough on this trial? (more…)
Sleep Tech Tip of the Week
by Mike Miller RPSGT
Do you want to improve your patients’ acclimation to PAP therapy?
The following tip is intended to make the acclimation process to PAP treatment for our patients as seamless and streamlined as possible. Simply put, be patient with your patients and offer them several mask options. Personally, I like to propose three different mask types for my patients (a full face mask, a nasal mask, and a nasal pillow/cushion option) to practice with prior to beginning their titration. A 30 minute practice period is often sufficient for most patients, which gives them roughly a 10 minute trial per mask. At the conclusion of the practice period a brief dialogue of which mask type best fits their needs as it relates to comfort, breathing style, and overall satisfaction is essential to determine which mask will be most advantageous for the titration and for their at home use. (more…)