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Sleep Diagnostic & Treatment Center

Your CPAP Study FAQs

If your initial sleep study shows sleep apnea, you will return to the sleep laboratory for a CPAP study to determine the correct treatment for your sleep apnea. During the study your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rhythm, and sleep stages will be monitored.
CPAP machines can provide a variety of different pressures. Each patient needs his/her own customized pressure to treat their Sleep Apnea. In the Sleep Center, different CPAP pressure levels will be used to determine which setting is best for you. This will ensure that you receive the most effective CPAP treatment at home.
When we sleep at night, we go through lighter and deeper stages of sleep. Our breathing patterns can change during these stages. With the sensors and electrodes, we can identify which stage of sleep you are in and adjust the pressure setting on your CPAP mask accordingly.

Please complete all the forms in the sleep packet and bring them with you on the night of your sleep study.

To help us obtain the most accurate study:

  1. Please eat your normal dinner. You will complete your sleep study prior to breakfast time. Food and beverages are not kept in the Sleep Center and the deli is closed at night.
  2. Try not to take any naps during the day before your test. We want you to be sleepy on the night of your sleep study.
  3. Please refrain from all caffeinated and alcoholic beverages after 3:00 p.m. on the day of your sleep study.
  4. Please take a shower before coming to the Sleep Center.
  5. Do not put any type of gel, mousse or spray into your hair
  6. Do not use any skin lotion, cream or make-up.
  7. Please bring ALL medications you usually take at night and in the morning with you to the Sleep Center, and take your usual medications. Inform the sleep technologist what medications and what dosage you are taking. Please bring a list of all your medications and doses with you to your sleep study.
  8. Arrive at the Sleep Center between 8:30 and 8:45 PM
When you arrive at the Sleep Center, 3020 Hamaker Court, Fairfax VA 22031, press the after-hours Neurology Center buzzer at the main door to obtain entry to the building. Come to Suite 401, the Sleep Center. You will check in and register at the Sleep Center where you will be greeted by the sleep technologist. You will be asked to change into your nightclothes and prepare for going to bed. The sleep technologist will then apply the required sensors and electrodes for the sleep study.

Prepare yourself for your night in the Sleep Center as if you were going to spend a night at a hotel; bring with you everything you would need to spend the night away from home. This should include all medications, your pajamas or loose comfortable clothing to sleep in, toothbrush, books to read, etc. If you wish, you may bring your own pillow. You will not need to bring an alarm clock as the sleep technologist will wake you up in the morning. Please keep in mind that cell phones and pagers should be turned off, so that they will not disrupt your sleep study or another patient's sleep.

Smoking, alcohol use, illegal drugs and weapons are strictly prohibited on the premises.

If you will be staying for the daytime nap test (MSLT), you should bring something to read or view (such as a computer) to help pass the time between the nap tests. Please also bring something to eat for breakfast and lunch or be prepared to purchase food from the deli in the building.

A sleep technologist will greet you when you arrive at the Sleep Center and show you to your private room. Your technologist will be present - and awake - in the control room all night long. All sleep rooms have an intercom that is left on all night. You may call the sleep technologist any time simply by speaking. All of our sleep technologists are highly trained, experienced, and strive to make your visit as pleasant as possible.
"There's no way I can fall asleep with all that stuff on me!" The good news is that almost everyone does fall asleep; it just may take you a little longer than usual. When analyzing your sleep study, we take into consideration that you are not sleeping at home. If this is a major concern, please let our staff know during your appointment.
No problem. The electrodes are collected together to a central box that easily detaches and frees you to get out of bed and go to the bathroom. Clean bathroom facilities are available for all patients.

From the electrodes that are placed on different points of your body, up to 16 different physiologic parameters are measured, simultaneously, by the attached computers. These include the following:

Brain Waves or EEG: Usually 6 electrodes are attached to your scalp with a water-soluble paste or adhesive. Your hair is not cut or shaved. Needles are not used. The adhesive is removed when your sleep study is over. Measuring brain waves allows us to determine your different stages of sleep.

Eye Movements: Usually 2 or 3 electrodes are attached with tape near your right and left eyes. They do not touch your eye in any way. Eye movements help us to determine if you are in REM sleep (one of the stages of sleep).

Muscle Activity: Usually 2 or 3 electrodes are attached with tape to your chin or under your chin. Muscle tone plays a large role in determining your sleep stage throughout the night.

Electrocardiogram (ECG): Usually 3 electrodes are attached with tape to your upper chest to record your heart's rhythm and activity.

Leg Movements: Usually a small belt or cuff is placed around each ankle to record leg movements. Occasionally, 2 electrodes are attached with tape to your lower legs to measure leg muscle activity.

Breathing: Your breathing is measured in several ways. First, a sensor is attached with tape to your upper lip to measure airflow. Second, lightweight belts are placed around the chest and abdomen to measure how much effort you are using to breathe. These belts are not tight and are sensitive to the motion of your breathing.

Oxygen Level: A sensor is attached to one of your fingers or your ear with tape to measure the oxygen levels in your blood.

Other sensors: Depending on your particular problem, other types of sensors may be used. Please feel free to ask the sleep technologist about any of the equipment used for the sleep study.

Your brain and body function very differently during sleep than during the day. During your sleep study, many different physiologic parameters are studied to determine if any sleep abnormalities are present. Even if your heart, breathing, and brain activity are completely normal during the day, they may be different or abnormal during sleep.
No, this might change your sleep pattern and prevent us from identifying the cause of your sleep problem. However, you may take whatever medication you usually take before bedtime (including sleep medication). Please let the sleep technologist know what medications you are taking. You should discuss the use of sleep medication on the night of your sleep study with your referring physician in advance.
Yes, you are free to bring your laptop computer. However, you are asked to stop all recreational or work activities by 10:00 p.m. in order to allow adequate time for your sleep study to be performed.
Yes, each room has a large screen TV with cable and a DVD player. Feel free to use these as you try to get comfortable and ready for sleep.
Many patients will know that the CPAP treatment was successful because they wake up feeling more refreshed and alert. For others, it may take more time with CPAP use at home before they begin to feel better. While most patients do well with CPAP therapy, a few may experience symptoms such as dry mouth or claustrophobia. It is very important that you work closely with your sleep specialist to address and manage these problems. These and other problems usually improve over time.
Similar to your first sleep study, the sleep technologist will wake you up between 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. If you need to be up earlier, please notify the sleep technologist. The sleep technologist will carefully remove all leads and sensors. There will be a short questionnaire to fill out. Some patients bring their clothing for the next day and leave directly for work. The facility does not have showers, so please plan accordingly.
If you become sick or an emergency arises before your sleep study, please call us as soon as possible so that your sleep study can be rescheduled and an accurate test can be obtained. A cancellation fee will be charged if you do not show up for your sleep study.
If a patient needs 24-hour care, we ask that the caregiver stay with the patient in the room to assist the patient. We have rooms with recliners so that the caregiver can sleep in the same room with the patient. If a spouse wishes to accompany the patient so as not to stay home alone, arrangements can be made.
Please provide at least 48 hour's notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your sleep study. A $250 cancellation fee will be charged if you do not show up for your sleep study or cancel within 48 hours.

Philips Recall Notice for CPAP & Bilevel PAP Machines

Philips has issued a recall notification for a large number of their CPAP and Bilevel PAP machines.

Based on testing, Philips has determined that the type of foam used in these devices may degrade into particles which may enter a person’s airway and be ingested or inhaled into the lungs.

View list of recalled devices

In accordance with recommendations from Philips and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, we are advising patients to STOP using any affected Philips machine or device.

Please contact your CPAP equipment company and insurance company about receiving a replacement unit as soon as possible.

While waiting for your replacement unit, it is recommended that you sleep in an upright or semi-upright “recliner” position at night to reduce sleep apnea.