About CPAP Clinic
Peninsula Sleep Laboratory conducts a CPAP Clinic to educate patients in the use and care of CPAP and Bi-Level Ventilation equipment and provide ongoing support. The CPAP Clinic is conducted in a purpose-built consulting room. CPAP Clinic staff are highly trained and experienced in the treatment and management of CPAP. A service charge will apply if the patient is not currently being treated at Peninsula Sleep Laboratory.
About Nasal CPAP Therapy
The nasal CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) mask and pump, used when asleep, is now generally regarded as the simplest most effective treatment available for obstructive sleep apnoea. The equipment needed for nasal CPAP consists of a mask that snugly fits over the nose or mouth (different types available), some straps to hold the mask on the nose, and a length of tubing attaching the mask to the machine. The CPAP machine works by delivering air at a slightly increased pressure that splints the airways open to prevent partial or full collapse. In order to determine the correct pressure for you, you need a full sleep study.
After initial diagnosis and then a pressure determination study you will be contacted by the Laboratory, this usually occurs seven to ten days after pressure determination study. An appointment will be made for you to attend the CPAP Clinic. At the Clinic your studies will briefly be discussed, you will be fitted with a suitable mask, which you can rent along with the CPAP machine from the Laboratory. The cost of rental or purchase of a machine will be clearly outlined for you on the day, however please feel free to call our receptionist for more information.
About Bi-Level Ventilation Therapy
Many patients with chronic respiratory failure, and some patients with very severe obstructive sleep apnoea, obtain significant benefit from using a bi-level ventilator during sleep. The machine assists normal breathing during sleep by increasing the depth of breathing. This is achieved by producing a higher pressure during inspiration (breathing in) and a lower pressure during expiration (breathing out). The pressures generated by the ventilator are delivered to the lungs via a snugly fitting soft face mask which is strapped to the head (rather like an air force pilot’s mask). In order to determine the optimal pressures and breathing rate, you need a full sleep study in the Laboratory with the mask in place. The staff titrate the pressures while you are asleep.
Bi-Level Positive Airway Support
Bi-Level Sleep Studies are conducted as per other sleep studies. The Laboratory also offers support and advice during normal working hours, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Please contact the CPAP Clinic for advice on Bi-Level or to make an appointment. Should your machine require attention outside of these hours you will need to contact your nearest public hospital as none of the supply companies currently offer a support service.
CPAP Clinic appointments:
Peninsula Sleep Laboratory conducts a daytime CPAP Clinic Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. An appointment is essential. Please call the receptionist to make an appointment.
* The use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airways Pressure) was pioneered in Australia in the early 1980s and Australia remains a world leader in the use of CPAP for sleep disorders.