CPAP
stands for
continuous
positive airway
pressure. It
keeps your
airway open as
you sleep by
providing you
with a steady
stream of air.
Most CPAP units
are about the
size of a small
tissue box.
Today's units
are smaller,
lighter and
quieter than
when they were
first used to
treat sleep
apnea. 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
mask must fit
and make a seal
in order to keep
your throat open
and correct the
apnea problem. A
good mask seal
will prevent air
leaks and
maintain the
proper level of
air pressure.
The amount of
air pressure
needed is
different for
each person. A
CPAP study
during an
overnight sleep
study will show
your sleep
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 low level
of air pressure.
It slowly raises
the pressure
until it reaches
the right level.
Humidifiers are
a common
accessory for
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.
New technology
is making it
easier for you
to receive the
maximum benefit
from your CPAP
therapy. Many
CPAP units are
now able to
track your
hourly usage and
produce detailed
data for your
doctor. Some
machines can
also keep track
of mask leaks
and snoring.
Depending on
your model, you
may be able to
download this
information to a
computer or
store it on a
data card.
This information
can help your
doctor monitor
your treatment
progress without
requiring you to
make an office
visit. Some
units even allow
your doctor to
program your
data card with
changes to your
air pressure
level.
The types of
CPAP that are
available to you
may vary. It can
depend on your
insurance
coverage and
also the region
of the country
where you live.
Some people with
sleep apnea have
other medical
conditions that
make their
breathing
problems more
complicated.
They may have
lung, heart or
brain problems.
These people may
need to have
oxygen added to
the air in their
CPAP systems.
There are other
types of masks
that can be used
in special
cases.
No matter what
type of mask you
use, it is most
important that
it fits you
well. The mask
must make a seal
and must be
comfortable for
you. First your
health care
provider will
work with you to
select the right
size for your
mask. 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.
Who gets it
CPAP is the most
common and
effective
treatment for
obstructive
sleep apnea. It
may also be used
to help people
who have other
breathing
problems when
they sleep.
If you
think you or a
loved one may
have
symptoms of a
sleep disorder,
please
contact us
today.
Help
is available!
