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Understanding the Procedure:

Preparing for Your Sleep Study:

During the Sleep Study:

After the Sleep Study:

Respikart’s Home Service:

Conclusion:

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With each passing year we get all the top brands competing for the coveted spot in the list of Best Rated CPAP machine in India [2022]. This year we are getting new top of the line units being offered from market leaders like Resmed , Philips, F&P et al.

The recent recall of Philips range of cpap/bipaps had left a severe shortage of quality respiratory players in the market. Resmed made most of it and was catapulted to the top of our ranking. Not only Philips loss was Resmed’s gain.  The exceptional build quality of Resmed CPAPs and boasting of no toxic/volatile foam compound inside, Resmed stands out for safety of its devices as well. With big brands like Devilbiss exiting the cpap market, it has left a big void for CPAP enthusiasts and users alike.

We sincerely hope you would find the list useful and help you in taking your cpap purchase decision in Indian market with ease.

1. Resmed Airsense 11 Autoset with humidifier

Resmed Airsense 11 Autoset Cpap Machine comes with touchscreen and Smartstart & Stop capabilities.

Main Features:

• The LCD display has a setting that automatically adjust itself to the light in the room and turn off automatically when not required.
• The Airsense 11 Autoset is a transportable machine. The Cpap tubing cords and the mask can be easily packed.
• it’s very quiet and so it make sleeping very comfortable.
• The Airsense 11 Autoset Humidifier is designed to provide comfortable therapy while preventing dry mouth and congestion.

2. DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP with humidifier

In India, we are looking at re-entry of Philips with its updated Dreamstation 2 platform, which was a much needed change post the issues with recall of their earlier models of cpap and bipaps. And, Dreamstation 2 does not disappoint as it has state-of-the-art features and technology to fight for the top spot in our list.

DreamStation 2 Auto Cpap Machine Comes with integrated cell modem and Bluetooth.

Main Features:

• The all new Philips Respironics Dreamstation 2 Auto Advanced CPAP is designed with comfort and ease in mind.
• The Philips Dreamstation 2 was designed to keep everything manage-able.
• It has colored touchscreen and integrated humidifier ramp plus technology and adjustable comfortable settings.
• Compare to other leading Cpap the Dreamstation 2 is 22% smaller and 16% lighter.
• It has Philips DreamMapper sleep apnea mobile app with improved built in bluetooth connectivity which enables patients to view their own nightly sleep data to help them stay motivated and keep track of their therapy.

3. Loewenstein Prisma Smart Plus Auto CPAP Machine

It’s a great looking machine with good features that deserves a place in your room.

Loewenstein Prisma SMART Plus offer modern, reliable APAP therapy featuring integrated connectivity, precise event detection and a high level of patient comfort.

The plus stands for integrated Bluetooth for data transmission to the prisma APP and thus for modern patient self-management.

Equipped with an integrated modem, the max variants also offer the complete telemedical prisma CLOUD connection.

Main Features:

• Two dynamic options for pressure adjustment in APAP mode
• Deep sleep indicator prisma RECOVER for evaluation of sleep quality
• Several convenience functions such as autoSTART, softSTART, pressure relief softPAP
• Detection of periodic breathing, RERA, snoring, hypopnea, apnea and flow limitations
• Reliable differentiation of obstructive apnea from central apnea, thanks to FOT (Forced Osciallatory Technique)
• Extensive range of prisma accessories
• Diverse interfaces (SD, PSG, LAN, internal Bluetooth, internal modem)
• For 22 mm and 15 mm breathing tube systems
• Unheard-of silence

4. F&P SleepStyle Auto CPAP Machine

Meet the only CPAP device in the world to receive the coveted Ease-of-Use Award from the American Arthritis Foundation: the Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle Auto CPAP Machine. Designed to make therapy comfortable and straightforward, the device features automatic treatment pressure adjustments, large and responsive buttons, and a dishwasher-safe humidifier chamber.

Main Features:

• Almost-Noiseless Device Ideal for Light Sleepers
• Automatic Pressure Adjustments
• CPAP Therapy Progress with the SleepStyle Mobile App
• Straightforward Functionality Makes Therapy a Breeze
• Increase Comfort with Integrated Humidification-At No Extra Cost

The F&P SleepStyle CPAP Machine is Ideal For:

• Light Sleepers
• Allergy Sufferers 
• Budget-Conscious Shoppers
• If You Are New to CPAP

Almost-Noiseless Device Ideal for Light Sleepers

The F&P SleepStyle clocks in at 28 decibels; thanks to this nearly whisper-quiet CPAP machine, you and your bed partner sleep soundly.

Sleep Better and Save Time and Money with Innovative Comfort Options

SensAwake™ responsive ramp is a feature that offers automatic pressure adjusting technology to help keep you asleep by monitoring your wakefulness and making instant adjustments to a more comfortable air pressure level for more effective treatment. Automatic adjustments can mean fewer doctor appointments, too; your therapy settings can easily be changed at home, helping you avoid some of the more common issues associated with new CPAP therapy.

The SleepStyle Auto CPAP also features expiratory relief, which reduces therapy pressure at exhalation for a more natural breathing experience.

5. Sefam S.Box

It Looks like a box.

Main Features:

• The Sefam S.box platform is illustrative by the mobile applications Sefam Access (for the patients) and Sefam access pro (for the professionals).
• The Sefam S.box is Compatible with the Sefam heated humidifier with 350ml water chamber capacity.
• S.box is easy to adjust and connect to the machine and offers comfort and breathing convenience by adding warm fresh air and moisture to the dry air of the room.
• The treatments starts automatically as soon as the patients breathes into the mask.
• It is specially designed to offer easy and comfortable therapy to patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

What is a Cpap Machine?

Cpap machines are prescribed for patients who are suffering from sleep apnea. It is also called continuous positive airway pressure. These are the machines made for making the process of breathing easy at night while you are sleeping. It is very effective in treating sleep apnea where one faces spontaneous pauses in breathing.

These Cpap machines prevent the airways from getting collapsed while you inhale by increasing the air pressure. These machines are also helpful in decreasing snoring. A humidifier is also attached to it to prevent excessive dryness in the throat and nose. It is designed in such a way that there would be no disruption while sleeping as it keeps you in a comfortable position to keep you in place.

Getting through this problem surely leaves a positive impact on one’s life by increasing the happiness, energy and decreasing the psychological pressure a person goes through.

Who should use it?

A Cpap machine is used by patients who develop breathing problems while sleeping. If somebody is suffering from OSA or obstructive sleep apnea then they are recommended to use a Cpap machine which allows enough air to reach your lungs resulting in better sleeping experience.

It is also used to treat infants whose lungs are not fully developed. This machine blows air in the baby’s nose which helps him/her in breathing.

OSA not only disturbs sleep but also increases the stress which in turn can make you suffer from higher blood pressure, strokes or heart attack. With the use of the machine, you feel more energetic, focused and with less risk of hazardous medical conditions.
Your physician can describe to you how it can be used for maximum effectiveness. A sleep study (polysomnogram) can be performed at a sleep clinic to understand the severity of the condition and the best option to be used. The physician or your sleep specialist can you try different Cpap masks which best suits your condition.

How does the Cpap machine work?

The working of CPAP is not at all complicated. It works by sending air into the throat via a mask. It constantly provides a gentle flow of pressurized air that keeps your airway from narrowing while you sleep. This helps you breathe properly without disruptions and maintaining good blood oxygen levels throughout the night.
There are a few things to make sure that your CPAP machine is working effectively. The Cpap mask comes in many shapes and sizes, so it’s best to try a few and see which style fits your face most comfortably. These machines also include a humidifier as it can dry out your mouth and nose.

Taking care of your Cpap machines

Proper care and maintenance are necessary if you want to make the most of it. Using distilled water to clean it will prevent natural minerals from accumulating. You should wash the mask daily after use; on the other hand, headgear can be washed weekly. CPAP’s humidifier chamber should be washed every day and the tube can also be cleaned weekly.
Alternately, you can use the vinegar solution (use one-part vinegar to three-part warm water) to soak the parts and rinse it thoroughly and then let them air dry.

To order CPAP machine, Call Respikart, our sleep experts will provide free guidance on 844-844-0648

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This has led to understanding the difference between ventilators, Continuous positive airway pressure known as CPAP machines, and bi-level positive airway pressure called Bipap machines that can help in making a better decision in these times of COVID-19. The word Bipap is a name used in trade that has been given by a ventilator company and often gets misused. However, you can easily get these Bipap machines on rent.

What is the difference between CPAP machines, Bipap machines, and Ventilators?

Ventilators are machines that are used in hospitals that help patients to breathe when their bodies cannot breathe on their own. There are invasive tubes attached to it and the ventilator delivers oxygen to the body with the help of these invasive tubes. The passage that these tubes pass-through is from the patient’s mouth, vocal cords, and then finally into the lungs. Ventilators are highly advanced machines that have various settings. The settings on the ventilator are adjusted taking into account the patient’s condition, and age.

CPAP machines deliver pressurized air in a steady manner to keep the airways open during sleeping. It helps in preventing the collapse of the air passage that causes interrupted breathing. In the same way, bi-level ventilator devices are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Cpap and Bipap machines both are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea that is a sleep condition in which a patient’s breathing stops and starts suddenly during the sleep. Bipap Avaps also perform the same function but with maximum efficiency as they automatically adjust according to the needs of the patient.

CPAP and bi-level machines have a breathing mask that is put over a patient’s nose to help with breathing that makes them non-invasive devices. As CPAP and ventilators both assist with patient breathing they are both considered mechanical ventilation. A ventilator is used in case of severe respiratory conditions when a patient is unable to breathe on his own.

CPAP machines are good at providing a continuous flow of air. These are non-invasive machines that cannot be used for invasive ventilation. Most of the machines do not provide machine breaths to breathe but blended oxygen concentrations. There are no monitor interfaces and alarms in most of the machines.

Bi-level machines are different from CPAP machines because they provide two-way pressures that include inspiratory and expiratory positive airway pressure.

Bipap and Cpap machines can be useful in the fight against COVID-19 as these can be converted into life-saving devices. A bi-level or a CPAP device can be transformed into a ventilator with some simple technical adjustments when there are not enough machines available. A Philips Bipap machine is the best in the lot.

Some concerns regarding the use of CPAP and Bipap machines during COVID-19

There is also another viewpoint regarding these machines as they are non-invasive CPAP and bi-level machines. There is a possibility that they can spread COVID-19 if they are not converted properly into ventilators.

Certain CPAP and bi-level machines can be converted into ventilators with the right technology and procedures, but it still has some concerns.

CPAP machines only have one setting whereas bi-level machines have two so it can help inflate the lungs of the patients.

These non-invasive, bi-level, and CPAP machines are capable of aerosolizing the virus and making the atmosphere contaminated. These can be a source of infection as there is a gap in the machine where exhaled air enters.

How are CPAP and Bipap machines repurposed for COVID-19 patients?

If a patient suffering from Covid-19 infection has mild symptoms with a little respiratory distress then a modified Cpap or Bipap machine can be used to meet the purpose but under careful monitoring to ensure its effectiveness. On the other hand in the case of severely infected patients ventilators cannot be ruled out.

Is Sleep Apnea a Health Concern for COVID-19?

Patients with pre-existing diseases have an increased risk of COVID-19 infection. These diseases include chronic lung disease, heart conditions, or weak immune systems that can put the patients to increased risk. But there is no proof that sleep apnea can be a cause of concern for patients but the only thing to keep in mind is that patients suffering from sleep apnea should use extra care when cleaning their CPAP and Bipap equipment.

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Common Problems that come with Cpap

1. The wrong size of the mask:

As everyone has a different shape and size of the face so you could have a problem fitting into the face mask. It is very crucial to discuss the right style and size of the mask with your doctor and the supplier of the Cpap.

There are different masks available in the market ranging from the ones that are full face masks that cover your mouth and nose, with straps that stretch across your forehead and cheeks.

These masks come in different sizes. It may fit one person but other people may feel uncomfortable in it.  But these masks are adjustable and provide a stable fit even if you move around in your sleep.

These masks may make you feel claustrophobic also but if you breathe through your mouth while you sleep they give better results.

If you are an avid reader and wear glasses then a nasal pillow can be of great help to you as a full face mask covers your eyes as well and blocks your sight. These are less cumbersome.

2. Skin Irritation and bruises from mask:

If your mask is of a perfect size and fits there is no way it causes you discomfort. If you still find sores and bruises on your face because of the user then it might be that you are over tightening your mask. There may be other reasons to it also and it can be that your mask cushion may be worn out and needs replacement. Skin irritation and any leakage from the mask can be fixed with mask liners.

3. Not getting used to wearing a mask:

Initially, it may be troublesome to wear a mask and sleep with it. It takes time to get adjusted to a change. But then what should one do? It is very simple to try wearing a mask during the daytime whenever possible. For instance, while watching television or browsing.

After a small lapse of time wear the mask and the hose and switch on the device while you are awake during the daytime or wear it during a daytime nap. If you continue the practice for weeks or more, then you get adjusted to the mask and the air pressure. It takes a little time but after you get used to it you are all set to go with it during the night as well.

4. Difficulty in taking the air pressure:

All devices come with a feature called ‘Ramp’. This setting helps you to start with low pressure. Slowly and steadily the pressure increases and reaches the prescribed setting of your air pressure. If you still feel that you are not getting adjusted to the machine then there are many options available in the market that automatically adjusts the pressure while you sleep. Take the advice of your doctor to choose the best option.

5. Eyes get swollen or feel irritated:

If you are feeling that you feel irritation in your eyes or it gets swollen up then there might be a possibility that the air is directed up into the eye area due to improper size of the mask. There might also be a leakage in the top area of the mask or the cushion of the mask is worn out and needs to be replaced, which causes irritated or swollen eyes.

6. Dry and stuffy nose:

If your mask doesn’t fit well then it can be a cause of dry nose. If the leakage is happening, again and again, it is a signal that your mask should be replaced. If your machine is fitted with a humidifier that can be adjusted as per the need then it can resolve the problem of a dry and stuffy nose. Apart from that, a nasal saline spray at bedtime can be of great help.

7. Claustrophobia:

Patients who are claustrophobic usually find it difficult to sleep with a mask on. To get away with the problem try using small-sized and simple nasal pillow masks tolerable. It takes time to get adjusted to it but to reach the goal of sleeping with it the whole night. To reach that goal tries using it more and more during the daytime initially. Also, try using the ramp feature if you are claustrophobic as it will help you in tolerating the air pressure and get adapted to it.

8. Dry mouth:

It is really a difficult task for the person who sleeps with his/her mouth open or breathes through their mouth as the device can make it worse for you. A full-face-mask-style device and a chin strap may help keep your mouth closed and reduce the air leak if you wear a nasal mask. If a humidifier is attached to the device it can help work well.

9. Face difficulty in falling asleep:

Initially, it will be a difficult task to fall asleep with the face mask and the hose. You just need to adapt yourself to it by using it as much as you can.

In addition to it, following good sleeping habits can work wonders for you. Exercising daily, avoiding long daytime naps, keeping away from caffeine and alcohol before going to the bed, taking a warm bath before sleeping, and going to bed when you are fully exhausted can help you fall asleep slowly and steadily.

10. Noise of the device:

The noise of the device can make it difficult for you to fall asleep. Try to keep the device far from your bed, clean and unblock your device air filter, wear earplugs or use a white noise sound machine to mask the noise and if the noise still persists then ask the Cpap supplier to check the device.

The new models of the device like Dreamstation Cpap are silent and come with many advanced features that can suit your needs

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The full form of COPD is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is a lung and respiratory disease that makes breathing difficult. Bi-level positive airway pressure (Bipap) therapy is often used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In the initial days, this treatment was available only in the hospitals but now the patients can be treated at homes as well if they are unable to reach the hospital. This therapy is noninvasive which means that doesn’t require any surgical procedure. It is the reason that the patient can be treated with convenience.

A Bipap machine is a smart tabletop gadget that is fitted with a tube and a mask. During the simple process, the mask is fitted over the nose or the mouth as per the patient’s convenience.  Two-level pressurized air enters the mask through the tube. When a person inhales through this mask a higher pressure is delivered and a lower pressure is delivered while the patient exhales.

Bipap is a smart machine that has a breath timer that gets adapted to the breathing pattern and thus it automatically reset the air pressure as needed by the patient. Nowadays, you can easily get Bipap machines on rent as well.

How does Bipap therapy help patients dealing with COPD?

If you are suffering from COPD then it is likely that you experience shortness of breath and wheezing which are the common symptoms of COPD. With the passage of time, these conditions can get worse if the patient is left untreated.

The Bipap machine is designed to treat the dysfunctional breathing pattern. The customized air pressure provides relief to your overworked lungs and wall muscles of the chest.

This machine was used to provide relief to the patient who is suffering from sleep apnea. The fact is that the whole body relies on our central nervous system to lead the process of breathing when sleeping. The patient can experience resistance in breathing while sleeping.

As per the needs of the patient this therapy can be given to them during the daytime or when the patient is asleep. Most of the time, this therapy is given to the patients during the night to keep the airways open, but in certain cases it can be given during the daytime as well. If it is given during the daytime it can restrict the patient’s activities and interaction, thus, mostly it is preferred at night.

During the whole process, a steady flow of oxygen is encouraged with the help of pressurized air into the lungs. This helps your lungs to remove extra carbon dioxide and allows your lungs to transport oxygen more effectively to your body. Regular use of Bipap therapy can improve the quality of life and breathlessness that result in an increase in long-term survival. Philips Bipap is one of the best options that are available in the market.

Bipap AVAPS (average Volume assured pressure support) is also very helpful in treating COPD as it maintains optimal patient comfort while supporting patient care and treatment efficacy.

Side Effects with the use of Bipap Therapy

There is a certain side effect that comes with the usage of Bipap Therapy. They are:

1. Dry Nose: It can lead to dryness in the nose due to continuous breathing. A Humidifier can help in this case.
2. Congestion in the nose: The therapy also leads to congestion in the nose of the patient.
3. Rhinitis: It can lead to irritation and the swelling in the mucous membrane that leads to a stuffy nose.
4. Claustrophobia: Claustrophobia is the fear of confined places. The use of a mask can make the person feel claustrophobic.
5. General Discomfort: The whole procedure, the fixing of the tube and the covering of the mouth/nose with the mask can cause general discomfort to the patient.

Complications with The Bipap therapy

Two people may respond differently when using the therapy, as every person is different from the other. So it becomes very important to consult the doctor before the use of Bipap therapy. He can give you an insight into the risks, complications, and benefits that you can go through with the usage of it.

Though, it is seen that people do not experience any complications with the usage of Bipap therapy but it is also a fact that this may not be suitable for all kinds of respiratory problems. The problem that one can experience with the Bipap therapy is Injury or deterioration of functioning of lungs.

Bipap Vs Cpap therapy in case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is noninvasive ventilation. CPAP machines also pump mild air pressure into the nasal passage to keep the airways open. This leads to the avoidance of any obstructions in the passage.

The major difference between the Bipap and the Cpap machines is that the Cpap machines deliver only a single level of air pressure to the lungs that is preset while the Bipap machines deliver custom air pressure when the patient inhales and the second air pressure when you exhale.

As the same continuous pressure is delivered during the inhalation and exhalation process the process of exhalation becomes more difficult. The single pressure surely helps to keep the airways open but it can be of less help to the ones who are going through chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). You can use this therapy in case a patient is experiencing both Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

As Bipap machines provide two levels of air pressure during exhalation and inhalation as per the need of the patient, it makes the process of breathing easy that the patients do not experience when using Cpap machines. It is for the same reason Bipap machines are preferred more for the ones dealing with COPD. It surely decreases the work of the lungs and makes it easier for them to breathe.

Other Therapies available

There are many other therapies also apart from Bipap pressure that can be of great help to the patients dealing with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Medication:

There are many medications available that can help you in breathing and bronchodilator is one of them. The work of the bronchodilator is to relax the airway’s muscles to help in breathing. It is taken through a nebulizer machine or an inhaler. That directly goes into the lungs.

Oxygen Therapy:

Oxygen therapy delivers oxygen to your lungs through a face mask that is attached to the tubes. The oxygen is delivered through a tank that is portable. This machine cannot adapt to your breathing pattern and does not deliver a set level of oxygen. You can use it day and night as per the requirement when the level of oxygen falls.

Surgery:

In case you are experiencing severe symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) then your doctor may recommend surgery. Depending upon an individual condition the doctor may recommend bullectomy to remove bullae, lung volume reduction to remove damaged lung tissue or to go for a lung transplant.

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Sleep study is a non-invasive test to record data about your sleep to check whether you are going through any sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea by observing your brain and body. It is called a polysomnography or sleep study. This test can be done both at home and at a lab but most people prefer it in a lab as it is much more organized to conduct such tests. A person is called two hours before sleeping to a sleep center or a hospital. It is done in a lab that is made pleasant and dark for sleeping and performing the test.

During the test, an ECG monitor records your brain waves to identify sleep cycles of REM and Non REM or NREM and any other disturbances that may e taking place during the sleep. In addition to it also records the oxygen quantity in your blood, beathing and heart rate as well as eye and leg actions during the test. It records your sleep pattern at night.

Why is it done?

It is done to diagnose certain sleep disorders. Your physician may prescribe you the test if you face difficulty in falling asleep, waking up in the morning, falling asleep during the daytime, snoring. These disorders may include:

1. Sleep apnea: In this condition, the person experiences obstruction in breathing while sleeping. The Breathing of the person stops and starts repeatedly during the sleep.
2. Insomnia: The person is facing trouble in falling asleep or staying asleep.
3. Circadian rhythm disorder: The person may experience insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness or both.
4. REM sleep behavior disorder: In this condition, a person acts out dreams during sleep.
5. Narcolepsy: The person experiences Excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep during the daytime.
6. Periodic limb movement disorder or restless leg syndrome: The person may experience involuntary flex in the leg muscles or you can say the legs extend involuntarily while sleeping.
7. Sleepwalking: The person may start walking or moving around during sleep.

Types of Sleep Study Tests

There are many types of sleep studies that are performed on the patients as per the requirement and the patient’s condition.

1. All-night sleep study: The all-night study is done to measure how well a person sleeps during the night. During the test, electrodes are attached to the patient’s skin to measure the pattern of breathing, oxygen levels in the blood, muscle activity and functioning of the heart. In addition to this other measurements can also be done on the advice of the doctor.

The technician records the data and after a detailed analysis, the results are    given the other morning. An effective treatment is suggested if the patient is diagnosed with any sleep disorder.

2. CPAP Titration: After the sleep is conducted the physician may prescribe you with CPAP test. It is done to understand the flow of pressure needed by a patient when he will use the CPAP machine to have a sound sleep without any obstruction. To understand this, the pressure is adjusted throughout the study so as to have the exact result.
3. Multiple Sleep Latency testing: This study is done after the all-night sleep study test. This test is done to evaluate how often and quickly a patient falls asleep during the daytime. It records the presence and how severe the daytime sleepiness is in a patient. In addition to this, it also measures abnormalities linked with narcolepsy.

It is also performed in the same manner as other tests by attaching the electrodes to the skin to record the brain, heart, and muscle activity. It also takes into account the movement of the eyes. The test is carried out for 7 hours. The test is done in five cycles in which the patient is asked to take a nap of 20 minutes every two hours. The sleep technologist ensures that the patient stays awake during the two hours wake period to have the correct reading.

4. Maintenance Wakefulness Testing: This test is performed on the people who belong to the transportation industry to check whether they can stay awake while driving or flying. This test is very similar to Multiple Sleep Latency testing as it is also done in 5 consecutive sessions of 40 minutes with a gap of 2 hours in between each session. The major difference between the two tests is that during Maintenance Wakefulness Testing the patient is asked to sit on the bed and stay awake instead of lying down and sleeping.
5. Epilepsy Monitoring: This test is done best together with the sleep study test or multiple sleep latency testing. The intimation of the test is given to the patient at the time of consultation only. Apart from attaching electrodes on the skin, it is also attached on the scalp with continuous EEG monitoring in conjunction with video monitoring Multiple Sleep Latency testing in case there are chances of seizures. This test can be performed both during the day and night.    

How to prepare for the test?

During the day of the test, you need to follow your regular routine which includes regular diet and daily routine. But apart from that, there are certain things which you need to remember to avoid any disturbance during the test.

It may also be possible that you do not fall asleep easily but the technicians try to make you as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Eventually, everyone falls asleep though it may be possible you take extra time than you usually take to fall asleep.

• Stay away from caffeine products like coffee, tea, chocolates, and soft drinks after you have your lunch on the day of testing.
• Do not take alcohol in the evening as it may disturb your sleep.
• Wash any hair styling products like hair gel before the test.
• Do not sleep during the day on the day of testing.
• You need to discuss any medication you are taking as he may ask you to stop it on a temporary basis.

What to bring?

There are certain things which you are in the habit of having at night before you sleep. So it becomes necessary to bring those things with you.

• You need to bring the medicines that you take regularly before sleeping or in the morning after waking up as per your doctor’s advice.
• Toiletries
• Comfortable slippers and sleepwear like pajamas or night suits.
• Pillow
• Blanket
• Book or any other reading material
• A friend or a family member to make you more comfortable

What to expect from the test?

This test is performed in a private room of a sleep center or a hospital. This test is performed at night so the patient needs to stay overnight for the test. The room stays dark during the test. The room is fixed with a low-light video camera to monitor the activities happening in the room. It is also fixed with an audio system to talk to you and hear from you.

As soon as you get ready for the tests the technician connects the person to the monitoring equipment. The technician fixes sensors on the scalp, temples, chest, and lungs of a person with the help of a tape or glue. These sensors are then connected to the computer with the help of a wire. You can easily move around in your bed. A small clip is also placed on your finger or your ear to check the level of oxygen in your blood.

Other equipment used during the sleep study:

• EEG (electroencephalogram) to measure and record brain waves.
• A flat microphone made of plastic to record snoring.
• Electromyography (EMG) are electrodes applied to the shin or forearm to monitor muscle movement
• Belts that stretch across the chest and stomach to measure breathing.
• Electrodes placed near the eye to measure eye movement called electrooculogram (EOG)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) to monitor the heart rhythm
• Nasal airflow sensor to record airflow

Throughout the test the equipment and electrodes monitor brain waves, movements of eyes and muscles, sleep stages, the pattern of breathing and many more. The technician keeps a close watch from the other room throughout the night. If you are in need of any help then you can talk to them through the equipment.

This includes detaching the wire if you need to get up and go to the washroom at night. He may also assist you in any way you like if you wake up in the middle of the night.

During the test the technologist monitors:

• Brain waves
• Movement of the eyes
• Rate of heart
• Pattern of breathing
• Blood oxygen level
• Position of the body
• Movement of the chest and abdomen
• Movement of the limbs
• Snoring or other noise you make during sleep

If sleep apnea is observed then the treatment may start with Dreamstation CPAP to find the appropriate pressure for improved breathing. It delivers constant air pressure to keep the airways open if you experience an obstruction in breathing during sleep.

For some patients, a Bi-level positive airway pressure (BIPAP) machine may be suitable. They deliver two-way pressures while breathing in and breathing out. It delivers more pressure when somebody breathes in and less pressure when somebody exhales.

If given an opportunity then you should try the Positive airway machine (PAP) beforehand so that it doesn’t come as a surprise to you.

It really isn’t easy to fall asleep at the center as you sleep at home because of the change in the ambiance and bed. But it does not bring any change to the result. It is not necessary to sleep the whole night to have accurate results of the sleep test.

In the morning the sensors and other equipment are removed and you may leave for your home to carry on your regular life. You are asked to come for a follow-up.

Sleep Study Results

There are certain aspects of sleep evaluation. They are as follows:

1. Sleep efficiency: It tells the total number of minutes a person sleeps during the study by the total amount of sleep time recorded. Higher sleep efficiency means a higher percentage of sleep time compared to the awake time.
2. Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI): It calculates sleep apnea and hypopnea that is called partial obstruction. If this index exceeds five in number then it is considered abnormal.
3. Oxygen Desaturation Index (ODI): ODI records the number of times a person’s oxygen level drops. If it drops below 90 percent, it is considered abnormal. An oxygen concentrator can be of great help for people who experience breathing-related disorders.
4. Heart Rate: If the heart rate goes below 60 or over 100 then it is considered as abnormal as the normal heart rate falls between 60 and 100.

To summarize the whole result:

• It records the time you spent in each stage of sleep
• How many times you wake up during the sleep
• You have trouble breathing
• How often you snore
• Position of the body
• Movement of the limbs
• Unusual pattern of the brain activity

The Results

The data and information gathered during the tests are first analyzed by the sleep technologist after the tests are performed. Then the consolidated report is sent to the physician who reviews the whole report. After going through the report he may discuss further evaluation or any treatment that you needed as per the reports

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