What goes on during an NCPAP titration study? View the step-by-step overview below to learn more about what to expect. Midwest Center for Sleep Disorders 2088 Ogden Avenue, Ste 260 Aurora, IL 60504 630.375.9499 info@midsleep.com CONTACT US > close window & return to site > www.midsleep.com >

Before we discuss your NCPAP titration study, it’s important that you understand what Obstructive Sleep Apnea is, and how it’s treated.

Normally, as you breathe, air passes through your nose and mouth through the upper airway and into your lungs. Muscle tone holds the airway open, keeping it firm and in place. However, when you fall asleep, muscles relax, including those muscles controlling the upper airway. Tissue begins to sag and vibrate as you breathe. This tissue vibration is what causes the snoring sound.

Occasionally, the relaxed muscle tone causes the upper airway to narrow or collapse. Respiratory effort continues, but the blocked airway prevents proper breathing. Oxygen in the bloodstream drops, triggering alarms in the brain that result in a brief arousal. With the arousal, muscle tone returns, reopening the airway, and a few normal breaths are taken. But as sleep returns, the muscles again relax, and the whole cycle repeats itself.

Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (NCPAP) is the most common treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. A mask (usually worn over the nose only) is attached via tubing to a machine that blows a gentle stream of air into your nose. The air creates a positive pressure, acting as a sort of “splint” to hold the airway open.

Your physician has asked you to return to the sleep lab tonight for NCPAP titration. Each individual requires a different pressure to maintain an open airway. As you sleep tonight, the technician will be adjusting the air pressure in order to determine the exact setting necessary for you to breathe normally.

As the test begins, you will be hooked up to the same sensors that were used during your diagnostic study. The technician will then fit you with a CPAP mask. These masks come in a variety of types and sizes. Some are simple masks that fit over your nose. Others have soft “pillows” that fit directly into your nostrils. For “mouth-breathers” there are full masks that cover both the nose and mouth.

If you are not happy with the first mask you are shown, ask the technician to show you another. We have a wide selection of masks, and we’ll do our best to make you comfortable.

As the night progresses, your technician will monitor your sleep and breathing, adjusting the pressure as necessary to stop obstructive apnea and snoring.

When the proper pressure is reached, breathing returns to normal. The obstructive apneas are eliminated, and the loud snoring disappears. Sleep is no longer disturbed by apnea-related “micro-arousals”, and you’ll find yourself feeling much better throughout the day.

In the morning, your technician will send your physician a preliminary report, including the appropriate pressure setting. A final report will follow within 3-4 days. Please remember that the technician cannot discuss your test results. Any information about your sleep study must come from your physician. Your physician will also order your NCPAP equipment.

As you leave Midwest Center for Sleep Disorders, you will be given a packet with helpful NCPAP tips, and instructions for care and cleaning.

Thank you for visiting Midwest Center for Sleep Disorders. We are committed to restoring your quality of life by helping you achieve restful, restorative sleep. If you have any further questions about a NCPAP titration sleep study, please contact us by email, or call us at 630-375-9499.