What is a Titration Sleep Study?
Unlike pharmaceuticals that have fairly standard prescription dosages, PAP therapy requires a patient-specific titration. Airway obstructions vary from one individual to the next, and the optimal treatment pressure is different for each individual. It may also vary throughout a person’s life. Re-titrations may be necessary if a patient gains or loses weight or after having select surgical procedures. The adjustment of a patient’s PAP machine is usually done in the Sleep Center during an overnight sleep study. This study is called a titration study, whereby the pressure and other settings of the device are being adjusted to best fit the patient’s airway. The sleep technologist will adjust the PAP levels in response to breathing events, such as hypopneas and apneas. The goal is to find the lowest pressure that will prevent events during all stages of sleep. The study takes the entire night since the pressure needs may depend on the stages of sleep and body position.
