A patient in a sleep lab has an AHI of 55 after a polysomnographic study. What should the respiratory therapist recommend next?

In a sleep lab scenario where a patient has an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) of 55, indicating severe obstructive sleep apnea, the next appropriate recommendation is for CPAP/BiPAP titration studies. This approach allows for a tailored assessment of the optimal pressure settings required for effective continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) for the patient.

Titration studies are critical because they enable the healthcare provider to ascertain the exact pressure that alleviates apneic events and optimizes oxygenation during sleep. This individualized approach is crucial, particularly for patients with a high AHI, as they may require specific adjustments to ensure effective treatment, improve sleep quality, and reduce associated comorbidities.

In this case, recommending a specific surgical intervention like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) would not be the immediate next step without first exhausting non-invasive options, which titration studies facilitate. Similarly, while nocturnal nasal CPAP may be a viable treatment option, it should ideally be preceded by a titration study to determine the best pressure settings for the individual patient. Full-face BiPAP could be considered in certain cases, but it's generally