Sleep Service and CPAP therapy
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 developed resources for patients who have been diagnosed with OSA and who require treatment with CPAP therapy.
Our resources have been designed to help you understand your condition, the therapy and provide information on how to look after your loan CPAP device.
Your diagnosis and treatment
Getting the best out of your CPAP machine
Fitting your CPAP mask to maximise therapy and comfort
Additional information
More about Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Current CPAP equipment provider
Contact
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Sleep Service Physiology Appointments Line
Telephone: 028 9442 4959 (Between 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday)
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CPAP Equipment faults or replacement masks/tubing
Telephone: Call the Air Liquide Freephone 24 hour helpline: 0800 328 5875
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All other CPAP therapy related queries
Sleep Physiology Department, Braid Valley Hospital, Ballymena
Telephone: 028 2563 5487 (Between 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday)
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Sleep consultant secretaries
Telephone: 028 9442 4000 Ext 334917 / 332620 / 334971 / 336526
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