If you’ve been diagnosed with a sleep disorder, scheduling an annual visit with your sleep health provider is important. Since sleep disorders can negatively impact chronic health conditions and increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, it’s important to continuously monitor the effectiveness of any sleep health treatment. This is particularly important for people with obstructive sleep apnea who use a CPAP or Bi-level machine.
“The pressures set on these machines during an initial sleep study may not remain adequate even a year later,” explained Claudia Gammon, board-certified nurse practitioner with the Blount Memorial Sleep Health Center. “Many factors can influence pressure needs with PAP therapy, the most common of which is weight change. However, changes in medications, sleeping habits and general health also can impact pressure requirements and require adjustments.”
However, advances in PAP machine technology may reduce the need for frequent retesting, Gammon noted. Many newer PAP machines store data that can be transferred wirelessly. The most sophisticated models detect apnea (a pause in breathing) episodes using flow sensors. Based on the flow sensor information collected, pressure settings then can be adjusted at a follow-up visit.
To support patients, the Sleep Health Center runs a CPAP clinic for patients and the community at its Morganton Square location in Maryville. The clinic offers an opportunity to view and test the latest PAP equipment and ask questions before visits with a provider. “It’s also important to note that patients with apnea who have an older machine should see a sleep provider for a follow-up to determine if they qualify to get a newer model,” Gammon said.
“In addition, PAP masks are continuously being improved, making follow-up visits even more valuable. Patients with milder sleep apnea who were initially advised to use oral appliances, such as mandibular repositioning devices, also should revisit their sleep provider if their health or weight changes. “The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that a repeat sleep study be done after a patient gets an oral appliance to verify effectiveness,” Gammon added.
“A follow-up visit is especially beneficial for patients whose oral appliances are no longer effective or whose insurance does not cover the cost of these devices,” Gammon said. For those seeking alternatives to CPAP, hypoglossal nerve stimulation, known as Inspire®, may be an option. Inspire® therapy is a mask-free solution that can reduce snoring and sleep apnea events. The system includes the Inspire® implant, a remote and an app to control the device. The small implant keeps the airway open by sending gentle pulses to the airway muscles, allowing patients to breathe regularly and sleep soundly. No hoses or masks are necessary with the Inspire® implant, making it a good option for patients uncomfortable or unsuccessful with a CPAP.
For more information about the CPAP clinic or to schedule an initial or follow-up appointment, call the Blount Memorial Sleep Health Center at 865-980-5120.