CPAP titration
Pronunciation: SEE-pap ty-TRAY-shun
An overnight study to determine the optimal CPAP pressure setting for treating sleep apnea.
Full Definition
CPAP titration is a specialized sleep study performed to determine the optimal continuous positive airway pressure setting for treating obstructive sleep apnea. During this overnight procedure, a sleep technologist systematically adjusts pressure levels while monitoring breathing events, oxygen saturation, and sleep quality. The goal is to find the lowest effective pressure that eliminates apneas, hypopneas, respiratory effort-related arousals, and snoring across all sleep positions and stages. Successful titration results in normalized breathing patterns and improved sleep architecture. Auto-titrating CPAP machines can also determine optimal pressures automatically.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from diagnostic studies; titration specifically refers to pressure optimization.
In Context
- "The CPAP titration study determined an optimal pressure of 12 cm H2O for this patient." — Sleep study report
- "A separate CPAP titration night was scheduled following the diagnostic polysomnogram." — Treatment planning documentation