Home testing of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) followed by initiation of home treatment with an auto-titrating continuous positive airway pressure (AutoCPAP or APAP) device reduced costs compared with in-laboratory testing and titration without negatively impacting clinical outcomes, researchers have shown. This according to a new study presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference.
The use of a CPAP machine is still considered the gold standard when it comes to the treatment of sleep apnea. The problem? The average sleep apnea patient is either completely adverse to its use, declining it altogether, or does not use it optimally.
This is made more difficult by the fact that titration is usually done in a lab setting, slowly increasing the pressure to help a patient acclimate. The good news is that there are now autoadjusting CPAP devices, also known as ACPAP, that take away some of the irritation patients feel about the entire process. Read More
The severity of obstructive sleep apnea varies from patient to patient. Of the 12 million sufferers in the US, many will only experience mild problems, which may not require any treatment at all. However, for those who find that OSA has a negative impact on the quality of their lives, seeking medical assistance is likely to be the most practical solution.
How Can You Tell If You Need Treatment?
The first step is to book an appointment with a qualified sleep apnea specialist. At your consultation, you’ll be asked a number of questions, in order to ascertain the severity of your obstructive sleep apnea. Read More
