Ideally, the nCPAP level required for the treatment of OSAS is determined by two sequential night studies, including one polysomnography performed in the laboratory
with the intervention of a technician to determine the effective nCPAP level, and one control polysomnography to check that the chosen nCPAP level restores normal
breathing and sleep. However, this approach consumes considerable financial and laboratory resources. This study suggests that the use of an auto-nCPAP device in a conventional hospital room without the intervention of a technician can determine the effective nCPAP level in 80% of patients, and that the effectiveness of this nCPAP level can be checked by ambulatory polysomnography. Therefore, the initiation of nCPAP treatment may be performed in a conventional pulmonary department without sleep laboratory intervention in the majority of patients.
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