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CPAP

The Gold Standard for Non-Surgical Treatment

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This is the gold standard and most often prescribed treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP is a mechanical device containing a fan that keeps your airway open as you sleep by providing a steady stream of air. Think of the air as a pneumatic splint that keeps the air passages open. In CPAP treatment, patients wear either a full mask that covers the nose and mouth, or else a mask that covers only the nose. Tubes then attach the mask to the CPAP machine.

Research clearly shows that treatment with CPAP reduces cardiovascular risk, lowers the incidence of motor vehicle accidents, and improves quality of life. CPAP, unfortunately, is not curative but it can certainly restore your sleep and improve your health and quality of life.

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How CPAP Works

Most CPAP units are about the size of a small tissue box. Today’s units are smaller, lighter, and quieter than when first used to treat sleep apnea more than 25 years ago. Some units are as small as six or seven inches in length and weigh only two or three pounds. To power the unit, you simply plug it into the wall. The box has a fan that pushes air through a tube. The tube is connected to a mask that you wear as you sleep. The mask allows the air to gently blow into the back of your throat. This keeps the airway open and prevents pauses in breathing as you sleep.

The amount of air pressure needed is different for each person. A CPAP study during an overnight sleep study with WatchPAT or in a sleep laboratory will show your doctor the level that is right for you.

CPAP units come with a variety of features. Most units now have a pressure “ramp” setting.This timed setting starts the machine at a very lowlevel of air pressure. It slowly raises the pressure until it reaches the right level.

Humidifiers are a common accessory for most CPAP units. They provide cool or heated moisture to the air coming from the CPAP unit. This can reduce side effects and make it easier for you to breathe through your mask. Some CPAP units now come with an integrated humidifier that is connected to the machine.

No matter what type of mask you use, the most important thing is a proper fit. Your doctor will work with you to select the right size. The mask should fit snugly enough to prevent leaks without causing discomfort. You may need to make small adjustments to the mask, tubing, straps, and headgear until you get the right fit.

There are three kinds of mask systems that you can use with CPAP:

Nasal Mask. This mask only covers your nose and is the most common CPAP mask.

Full Facemask. This mask covers both your nose and your mouth. This type of mask may help if you have air leaks when using a nasal mask.

Nasal Pillows. This system uses soft silicone tubes that fit directly into your nostrils. It can also help eliminate air leaks and may provide you with a greater sense of freedom.

Making Sure You Get the Air You Need!

CPAP Benefits

People with moderate to severe sleep apnea will notice a difference the first night. After a couple of weeks of use, maximum benefit will be achieved. CPAP is not curative. Once a person stops using the device, however, sleep apnea will return.

CPAP Compliance: You Have to Use It to Get the Benefit!

The biggest problem with CPAP therapy is adherence and compliance. Many patients report nasal dryness and congestion, claustrophobia, facial abrasions, and conjunctivitis (“pink eye”). These problems are enough to make them put the machine away for good.

There are a number of things you can do to improve CPAP compliance. To begin, your doctor or a staff member from the sleep center can try masks of varying sizes, shapes, and materials to optimize comfort.

Nasal pillows are an alternative to the CPAP mask. When nasal pillowsare used, air is blown directly into the nostril and not the mouth, as is the case with a facemask.

In addition, you can try a nasal spray and a humidifier to improve nasal condition.

Oral Appliances

Surgical Treatments

Lifestyle Modifications