Our Sleep Service provides care for patients who have suspected Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
Sleep apnoea is when your breathing stops for a short time during your sleep. The most common type of sleep apnoea is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). If you are diagnosed with this condition, you will be offered treatment. Untreated sleep apnoea can lead to more serious problems.
If your doctor suspects you may be suffering from OSA, they can refer to the Northern Trust Sleep Service. Your referral will be assessed by a respiratory consultant who will decide which diagnostic test you require. You will be asked to wear a monitor which records data while you sleep. Sometimes you may require more than test.
The data recorded during the test will be analysed by a respiratory physiologist. This data, alongside information you provide about your symptoms, will be used to diagnose OSA. If you are found to have OSA, you will receive information about the condition, and a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. CPAP devices are provided on loan by a third party supplier on behalf of the Northern Trust.
What happens when I receive my CPAP device?
When you receive your CPAP device, you will be fitted with a mask and shown how to operate the equipment.
To be effective, CPAP therapy should be used every night. Your device will record how often you use the device and data related to how effective your treatment is.
After you have used the device for a few weeks, you will have a review with a sleep physiologist to assess how you are getting on. Sometimes, it may be necessary to attend more than one review in the first 12 months after you start using therapy. This will be discussed with you at your review appointment.
How to use your CPAP device
We have created easy-to-follow resources for people who have been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and need CPAP therapy.
These resources will help you:
- Understand your condition and why treatment is important
- Learn how CPAP therapy works
- Know how to use and take care of your CPAP device while it is on loan to you
They are designed to support you in getting the most benefit from your treatment.
Your diagnosis and treatment
Read about Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: diagnosis and treatment.
Getting the best out of your CPAP machine
Philips DreamStation
Read about getting the best out of your CPAP machine (Philips DreamStation).
Philips DreamStation 2
Read about getting the best out of your CPAP machine (Philips DreamStation 2)
Loewenstein Prisma Smart
Read about getting the best out of your CPAP machine LOWENSTEIN prisma SMART.
Fitting your CPAP mask to maximise therapy and comfort
Read about fitting your CPAP mask to maximise therapy and comfort.
Where to find us
Sleep Physiology Department, Braid Valley Hospital, Ballymena
How to contact us
Sleep Service Physiology Appointments Line
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm
- Telephone: 028 9442 4959
CPAP Equipment faults or replacement masks/tubing
This helpline is available 24/7.
- Air Liquide Freephone helpline: 0800 328 5875
All other CPAP therapy related queries
Sleep Physiology Department
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm
- Telephone: 078 3345 4275
Sleep consultant secretaries
- Telephone: 028 9442 4000 ext. 334917 / 332620 / 334971 / 336526
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Other useful resources
More about Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Current CPAP equipment provider
How to fit a Philips Pico mask
How to fit a Respireo Primo mask
Asthma and Lung UK website