All patients require an overnight sleep study to determine if they have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS),. You do not need to stay in hospital overnight, our sleep unit offers a home sleep study service.
The patient will need to attend the sleep diagnostics clinic at Lister. They will have some routine tests and then they will have the sleep study equipment demonstrated by our staff. The study can then be done in the home and returned the next morning.
Overnight Sa02 (oximetry) monitoring
This is a small device which attaches to the wrist and has one finger probe. It measures the oxygen levels in the blood and pulse rate throughout the night.
Domiciliary multi channel sleep study
This is a more complex machine requiring the patient to wear 5 or 6 different leads. This includes belts round the chest and abdomen, a finger probe, leg probe and airway/snoring sensor
Treatments offered
CPAP
A soft mask is attached to the CPAP machine which blows air through the nose or nose & mouth into the air passages to stop it collapsing during the night.
There is no overnight stay for a trial of CPAP. All patients have a 2 hour appointment which involves:
- A group teaching session,
- Individual expert mask fitting
- Demonstration of the CPAP machine and
- A chance to sleep/relax on a bed with the equipment to ensure the best possible outcome.
All patients are followed up on a regular basis and provided with a maintenance and replacement service for the equipment
MAS
The MAS is an oral device which keeps the lower jaw in a forward position during sleep which widens the upper airway reducing an obstruction.
The Maxillofacial team would assess and be responsible for the fitting of MAS. This can have great outcomes for people with mild OSAS.
Other services available
Weight Loss & Control – 70% of people with OSA will be obese. 70% of people with Type II diabetes will have OSA. A timely referral to the dieticians will be made for anyone having difficulty with weight or diets.
Sleep Hygiene Advice – Information on how to improve poor sleep and promote a good night sleep.
Smoking Cessation – All patients are asked about their smoking status and offered referral to our trust advisor or referral to community teams
Surgical Review – In a small number of cases a surgical review may be required. Depending on need, patients could be referred to the ENT team or to the Bariatric team at Luton & Dunstable Hospital.
Helpline – The sleep disorder Unit offers a telephone helpline Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm plus a 24hour answer phone. Experienced staff can be contacted regarding equipment issues, sleep management or referral queries. Contact us on 01438 284898
