How do I use the CPAP machine? Baton Rouge General Louisiana Sleep Foundation places a high priority on
follow-up and patient education. We have a respiratory therapist on staff
to assist you with any durable medical equipment needs. We offer a CPAP
clinic for anyone interested in knowing more about their CPAP unit or
those simply looking for routine maintenance or troubleshooting of equipment.
Sleep Apnea
How serious is Sleep Apnea? Sleep Apnea is a sleeping disorder that can lead to serious health complications.
It has been directly linked with many life-threatening diseases such as
heart attack, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and excessive daytime sleepiness
which can lead to motor vehicle accidents.
How is Sleep Apnea treated? The most common option for sleep apnea treatment is Continuous Positive
Airway Pressure (CPAP). This machine uses mild air pressure to keep airways
open while you sleep. Other options include aggressive weight loss, medication,
oral appliances, and surgery.
Sleep Study
What is a sleep study? A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is a scientific assessment of sleep staging
as related to respiration (oxygen monitoring), brain wave activity, muscle
movement, and snoring.
Does a sleep study require you to spend the whole night? Yes. In order to record accurate and reliable data, your entire sleep cycle
must be evaluated.
Can a person really sleep during the study? By nature, most people who suffer from sleep-disordered breathing are eternally
sleepy. They fall asleep on their couch, at their desk, in waiting rooms,
and sometimes even while driving. Our sleep lab consists of private bedrooms
designed to be as inviting to sleep as a luxury hotel suite.
Are sleep studies covered by insurance? Coverage varies depending on the insurance plan. We work with each patient
to cover the costs of both tests and treatment.
Kyle Schwab, MD,DABSMSleep Medicine
