Ambulatory Screening in the Home (unattended)

PROCEDURE:

The technician will show you how to use the equipment.  The testing will may entail two consecutive nights.  You may be tested for just the apnea screening or just the auto-titrating CPAP.  We will give you a bedtime and morning questionnaire to fill out for each night.  We ask that you return the equipment 24 to 48 hours after you have completed the testing. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE APNEA SCREENING DEVICE

We will be monitoring the following parameters:

•  ECG (electro-cardiograph or heart rate) to monitor your heart beat and rhythm. 
  
  
• Respirations from your nose and mouth as well as from your chest and abdomen.  Your nose and mouth will be monitored by a thermocouple which looks and fits like an oxygen cannula.  Your respiratory effort will be monitored by belts which are placed around your chest and abdomen.  These are placed outside of your bedtime clothes.
  
  
• Oximetry will be monitored by a finer probe which will read your oxygen saturation levels throughout the night.
  
  
• Body position monitor – so we will know what position(s) you sleep in throughout the night.
  
  

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE AUTO-TITRATING CPAP

This is an auto-tirating (auto-adjusting) CPAP which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.  The technician setting you up will first size you for the proper nasal mask.  It is important that you keep your mouth closed while the CPAP is turned on.  If you are a known mouth breather, we will supply you with a chin strap which would keep your mouth closed during the entire process.  You are only breathing room temperature air.  It is not oxygen.  The CPAP machine may go up and down in pressure; in accordance with any flow limitations (respiratory events) you may be experiencing.  If you need to use the restroom during the middle of the night, there is a quick disconnect which the technician will demonstrate for you.

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