Sleep Apnoea Technology Cairns

Home sleep studies involve connecting several small sensors to the patient’s head, chest and legs. These monitors record brain activity, heart rate, breathing patterns, oxygen in the blood and leg movements overnight. This data is studied at a sleep laboratory by sleep physicians and vital in prescribing the most suitable treatment options for patients suffering from sleep apnoea.

The CPAP was invented in 1981 by Dr Colin Sullivan who understood the benefit of a constant pressurised airflow to sleep apnoea. The CPAP machine uses a CPAP motor to create the constant airflow which is delivered to the fitted mask that covers the nose, or mouth and nose through a tube.

The CPAP motor uses a filter to take room air in, not oxygen and pressurise it according to the machine set settings that are prescribed by your doctor. This air pressure is set between 4 to 25 centimetres of water pressure (CWP) and sometimes ran by a heated humidifier before being delivered into the mask. Some CPAP machines can detect airway collapses and auto adjust the air pressure.

This constant flow of pressurised air reduces the vibrations that cause snoring and prevents the soft palate, tongue and uvula from resting and blocking the throat; ultimately preventing the airway from collapsing. This entire process helps to normalise breathing and improve sleep quality for patients suffering from sleep apnoea and other sleep conditions.

The MAS is a mouthguard that is fitted to both the lower and upper teeth. The oral appliance works by positioning the lower teeth in front of the upper teeth, as this slightly brings the lower jaw forwards which tightens the airways soft tissues and muscles. This process helps to open the airway and reduces sleep apnoea episodes during the night and lessens the severity of the episodes to promote better, deeper sleep.