Some sleep studies may be performed on the ward depending on their complexity.
If you are asked to come for a sleep study on a ward, you will need to arrive at Fir Tree ward by 7pm for your sleep study test.
You can leave by 10am the following morning providing:
- no other tests are booked
- your equipment has been removed by a member of staff
You should bring:
- a packed overnight bag
- any treatment you normally use overnight
- your medicines
- your continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP also known as BPAP) machine
The sleep study may need to be performed while you use your CPAP or BiPAP machine. The nurse on duty will tell you if this is needed.
CPAP machine cleaning and care
Please follow these instructions to look after your CPAP machine.
- Clean your CPAP mask once a week using a mild detergent.
- Replace the filter in your CPAP machine every 6 months.
- Replace the mask attached to your CPAP machine once a year.
Contact the Respiratory Physiology department for replacement equipment and parts (replacement masks, filters, and tubing).
Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) machine set-up and care
You may be referred for a non-invasive ventilation (NIV) assessment. If this happens, your appointment will be held in the Woodlands pre-admission unit.
Once you have been assessed, your consultant may request a NIV set-up. You may be able to have the NIV set-up on the same day as your assessment.
NIV machine set-up
You will see a clinical physiologist who will set-up a NIV machine for you. They will fit you with a mask and make sure the settings on your machine are comfortable and work as needed. The clinical physiologist will explain how to use and look after the machine.
Please follow these instructions to look after your NIV machine.
- Clean your NIV mask once a week using a mild detergent.
- Replace the antibacterial filter in your NIV machine (if your machine has this filter) every 6 months.
- Replace the mask attached to your NIV machine once a year.
Contact the Respiratory Physiology department for replacement equipment and parts (replacement masks, filters, and tubing).
Contact us
Respiratory Physiology department at Harefield Hospital
Phone: 01895 828 589
Email: SleepTechHH@rbht.nhs.uk
If you email us, please include your name, hospital number and date of birth with your message. We try to answer emails within 5 working days. Sometimes it takes us longer.
If your NIV machine breaks down, contact the Respiratory Physiology department:
Phone: 01895 828 589 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).
Outside these hours, phone: 0207 351 8020. Our supplier Baywater will answer your call and arrange to repair, or if needed, replace your NIV or BiPAP machine.