Respiratory Therapy Week is here! We want to celebrate our incredible team of RTs who work tirelessly to help our patients with sleep apnea breathe easier and sleep better.
But what exactly do Respiratory Therapists do, and why are they so important in the treatment of sleep apnea? Here’s what you need to know.
What is a Respiratory Therapist?
A Respiratory Therapist (RT) is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with respiratory issues, including sleep-disordered breathing like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They play a key role in your care—especially if you use CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy.
Our RTs at Sleep Therapeutics are trained to assess, recommend appropriate therapy, monitor your progress, and provide ongoing support to ensure that your treatment is as effective and comfortable as possible. Think of them as your personal sleep health coach!
How Respiratory Therapists Help You Sleep Better
Whether you’re newly diagnosed with sleep apnea or have been using CPAP for years, Respiratory Therapists provide invaluable support every step of the way. Here’s a closer look at what they do:
- Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
RTs conduct sleep assessments and provide education on the diagnostic device patients take home. They review the results, as interpreted by a physician, and take the time to explain treatment options in detail.
- CPAP Therapy Setup
Once diagnosed, the next step is choosing the right treatment. For many, this means using a CPAP machine to keep your airways open while you sleep. An RT will help you select the right machine and mask, set it up, and ensure everything is fitted properly. They’ll also adjust the pressure settings to make sure your therapy is comfortable and effective.
Patient Education
Sleep apnea and its treatments can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it. RTs provide hands-on training for using your CPAP machine, walking you through how to clean it, troubleshoot issues, and monitor your own progress. They also explain the health benefits of using CPAP regularly, such as reduced fatigue, improved heart health, and better overall well-being.
- Ongoing Support and Monitoring
One of the best parts of working with an RT? You’re never alone in your treatment. RTs are there for follow-up visits to ensure your therapy is working properly, make adjustments if needed, and address any concerns you might have. If your treatment isn’t working as it should, they’ll help figure out why and find a solution that works for you.
- Optimizing Your Treatment
Even if you’ve been using CPAP for a while, your needs might change. Your RT will periodically review your therapy, checking for leaks, changes in your condition, or discomfort with the equipment. By fine-tuning your treatment, they ensure that you continue to get the best possible sleep.
Why Respiratory Therapists Matter in Sleep Apnea Treatment
CPAP machines are great, but they can’t do it alone! Respiratory Therapists provide the human touch needed to guide patients through the complexities of sleep apnea therapy. Without RTs, many patients struggle with equipment or stop using their CPAP machines entirely—both of which can have serious consequences for their health.
RTs are also problem solvers, helping you troubleshoot common issues like mask leaks, dry mouth, or skin irritation. They can offer solutions such as switching to a different mask type, adjusting humidity settings, or providing tips to make CPAP therapy more comfortable.
What Our Respiratory Therapists Say
We spoke with some of our amazing Respiratory Therapists about their work. Here’s what they had to say:
“I love my job and helping patients every day, it is so rewarding to hear their success stories and to get to be a part of helping them to sleep better to live their best lives.”
“It’s always so satisfying, seeing a patient who comes in struggling with sleep and being able to find a solution to improve their energy and well-being.”
“What I love most about my role as an RT are the diverse patient interactions. It is truly gratifying to help improve client’s quality of life by educating them on their health issues. We are able to facilitate this by collaborating with other medical professionals and peers and through continuing education in our roles.”
How You Can Work with an RT at Sleep Therapeutics?
If you’re struggling with sleep apnea or suspect you might have it, our team is here to help. We offer consultations where we will assess your symptoms, or have you complete a sleep study, recommend the best course of treatment, and if CPAP therapy is indicated, guide you through the setup and use of your CPAP machine.
Already using CPAP but having trouble? Schedule a check-in with one of our RTs to review your treatment and make sure everything is working as it should.
Conclusion: Celebrating Respiratory Therapy Week
During Respiratory Therapy Week, and every day, we want to thank our incredible team of RTs for their hard work, dedication, and expertise in helping our patients sleep better. Whether they’re fitting a new CPAP mask, adjusting therapy, or providing caring, personalized follow-up care, they make a world of difference in the lives of people with sleep apnea.
If you’d like to learn more about Respiratory Therapy and how our RTs can help you, book a consultation with us today!