FAQs

What is a Sleep Study?

A polysomnography is a type of sleep study to diagnose Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), leg movements during sleep (e.g. Restless Leg Syndrome), and sudden bouts of sleep during the day (narcolepsy). It is a noninvasive (no blood!) test where we attach sensors to monitor your breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels, heart, lung and brain activity, and arm and leg movements.

Our polysomnography tests are usually over 2 nights. This allows for a more accurate reading of the data and therefore better treatment options. The test can be done in the comfort of your own home or at the facility of your choice*.

What if I have Sleep Apnea?

The first thing to know is that there are treatment options available that suit your particular condition and lifestyle. We work closely with experienced specialists to provide you with the best treatment options available in the region. In many cases, a CPAP or BiPAP machine can provide the relief and support you need to get a good night’s sleep.

What is a CPAP / BiPAP machine?

If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you may benefit from positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy. In this treatment, a machine delivers gentle air pressure through a mask to you while you sleep. The masks come in different shapes and sizes; some fit just under your nose, others fit over your nose or mouth only, and still others fit over your nose and mouth.

Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy reduces the number of respiratory events (e.g. apneas, or episodes where breathing stops during sleep) that occur as you sleep, reduces daytime sleepiness and improves your quality of life.

A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is the most common type of device used to manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A CPAP machine delivers a gentle continuous pressure of air to keep your upper airway passages open. This gentle air pressure prevents obstructive sleep apnea and snoring.

A BiPAP (Bi-level positive airway pressure) machine delivers one set air pressure when you breathe in and a different amount of pressure when you breathe out.

Some users find that a BiPAP machine is more comfortable than a CPAP device.

Are there any side effects when using a CPAP or BiPAP machine?

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy is well-researched and it is the most consistently successful and most commonly used method of treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

We offer only Philips Respironics products because of the research, development, and positive actual patient experience. We believe these are best in class because the machines are sleek, very quiet, and easy to use. There are a variety of mask designs for individual comfort.

As such, there are no side effects from using CPAP/BiPAP therapy. Some users complain of dryness in the throat or uncomfortable masks. We offer CPAP and BiPAP machines with humidifiers and heated tubes to increase moisture and reduce dryness. We offer a full range of masks for the best fit and comfort.

My doctor prescribed a CPAP/BiPAP machine but I am not comfortable using it. What are my options?

Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy reduces the number of respiratory events (such as apnea) that occur as you sleep. It also reduces daytime sleepiness and improves your quality of life.

A CPAP or BiPAP machine uses sophisticated technology to control the amount of pressure required to keep your upper airway passages open. This air pressure prevents obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring.

CPAP therapy is the most consistently successful and most commonly used method of treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Still, some people find the machine is loud or that the mask is cumbersome or uncomfortable.

Philips Respironics designs and makes the most technologically advanced CPAP (and BiPAP) machines. These devices are very quiet, user-friendly, and compact.

Philips Respironics also offers a variety of masks - there is one to suit everyone! With some practice (and patience), most people learn to adjust the mask to obtain a comfortable and secure fit. It is recommended to try different types to find a suitable mask. Several options are available, such as nasal masks, nasal pillows or face masks.

In some cases, users are unable to tolerate pressure caused by a CPAP or BiPAP machine. Our machines feature special adaptive pressure functions to improve comfort.

Don't stop using your positive airway pressure machine if you have problems. Check with us to see what adjustments you can make to improve its comfort.

Contact your doctor if you still snore despite treatment, if you begin snoring again or if your weight goes up or down by 10% or more.