Pediatric oxygen titration

If the sleep specialist suspects OSAS, she will use a CPAP machine to deliver oxygen to your child through a mask. While your child sleeps, a technician or respiratory therapist will check his oxygen levels using oxygen titration and adjust the flow of air to find the right setting. Normal blood oxygen saturation is between 97-99% for most kids.

An initial CPAP titration is only performed as part of a sleep study (polysomnography). Your child may qualify for a sleep study if they have ongoing sleeping problems that interfere with life. Children with sleep disorders, including OSAS, often have excessive daytime sleepiness or behavioral problems. If your child is having persistent trouble sleeping, see a doctor.

Children with OSAS may have the following symptoms while sleeping:

• Snoring

• Gasping

• Breathing through the mouth

• Labored breathing

• Sleeping in abnormal positions (with the neck extended)

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is applied using a special machine. The CPAP machine delivers air through special hoses and a latex mask designed to fit your child’s face.

Around 2% of kids have OSAS, which can be due to small airways or enlarged tonsils. Oxygen titration using a CPAP machine is rarely used on kids with other sleep disorders.

CPAP titration is part of an overnight sleep study (polysomnography). Technicians can adjust the amount of oxygen to see if it improves your child’s SPO2 levels and determine if she’s sleeping better.

Normal blood oxygen saturation levels are between 97 and 99%. Anything below 90% suggests a breathing problem that can be treated with oxygen titration.

Children who adjust to using a CPAP machine at home usually sleep better. Treating OSAS and other sleep disorders can improve concentration, behavior and learning during the day.