CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is the most commonly and the best used treatment for moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults. Relief from symptoms of sleep apnea is almost immediate and there is significant improvement in your physical and mental energy levels.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs due to blockage of the airway which causes reduced breathing and fall of oxygen levels in the blood.

The primary objective of CPAP therapy is to keep the airway open to ensure normal breathing. Other dental devices and surgeries give relief by removing excess tissue around the airway while CPAP increases the pressure of the breathing air to keep the airway open.

What is CPAP Machine.

The CPAP sleep apnea machine uses a mask that fits over your mouth and nose or in some cases only over your nose and gently blows air into your throat at a slightly higher adjusted pressure continuously or intermittently to ensure that the airway stays open and does not collapse. This adjusted air pressure, also called titrated  pressure  is important because it is responsible for accomplishing the desired result and prevent occurrence of apnea.

Some people do find it uncomfortable to use this CPAP mask during sleep but after a few weeks they get used to it. A solution for this could be to look for newer models that will cause less discomfort. One should not stop using the CPAP machine but continue till advised as you are then vulnerable to the sleep apnea complications. Snoring will stop but it does not mean you have been cured of sleep apnea. Stopping use of CPAP machine in sleep apnea will make you start snoring again because the CPAP does not remove the cause of sleep apnea or cure sleep apnea but only controls it.

How CPAP Equipment and Mask are Used.

Usually a technician comes to your house at night to fit the CPAP equipment at bedtime. The CPAP mask is fitted smugly over your nose and mouth or just the nose. The CPAP machine is then adjusted as per the prescription advise of your sleep specialist. After the machine has been setup, it may need adjustments for a better result.

Picture of CPAP machine and mask.

Click on image to enlarge.

CPAP Air.

The CPAP air that you breathe in is adjusted at a slightly higher pressure as prescribed by your sleep specialist. This air under higher pressure forces itself into your lungs and does not allow the airway to collapse and get blocked. Oxygen blood levels are thus adequately maintained.

CPAP Pillow.

A CPAP pillow is a specially designed pillow which is ideally used along with the CPAP apparatus as it provides support and comfort to the sleep apnea patients and makes it easier to get good sleep. Most CPAP pillows are made of memory foam and they do have their benefits. They keep the head raised above the body at the right level and also provide support to the neck. Use of a CPAP pillow also reduces the discomfort that may be caused by the CPAP machine. The pillow also allows the patient to roll over on the side and back without disturbing the position of the CPAP mask.

Picture showing CPAP pillow.

Side Effects of CPAP Machine.

Some people may experience certain side effects after using the CPAP machine. These include

• Dry or a blocked nose.
• Dry mouth,
• Irritation of skin over the face.
• Headaches.
• Bloating of stomach if the CPAP has not been fitted properly.
• The sound of the CPAP machine may be disturbing. You can keep the machine under the bed to reduce this disturbance.

A major problem with CPAP users is non compliance of the doctor’s advice. They stop using it or use it only for a part of the night. However these side effects can be reduced considerably by your sleep doctor who may adjust the CPAP settings and or may change the size of the mask so that it fits correctly. He may also add moisture to the air that flows into your airway by using a humidifier to avoid dryness of mouth and nose. To combat a stuffy nose, a nasal spray may be advised. Using a CPAP pillow will also reduce any discomfort to a great extent.

CPAP machine is very effective in eliminating symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and can give significant results even after one night of use.

Related posts:

1. Sleep Apnea Equipment – Oral and Dental Devices.
2. How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed.
3. UPPP – Sleep Apnea Surgery.
4. Surgery Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
5. Apnea and Sleep Apnea – A Dangerous Sleep Disorder.
6. Sleep Apnea Treatment and Cure.
7. Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Signs.
8. Effects and Complications of Sleep Apnea.