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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure - CPAP
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This is the most effective way to treat sleep apnea. CPAP may be one of the treatment options your Sleep Specialists may suggest if you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
CPAP: How does it work?
A CPAP machine is a simple device. It has three basic components. The first component is the air pump. The second is a mask that covers the nostrils or the nose, as well as sometimes the mouth. In between the two is a tube. A CPAP pump draws in air from the room and gently pressurizes it. Air is blown into the throat through the tube and mask. The pressure of the air keeps the throat open while you sleep.
Neither you nor your partner should be bothered by the pump’s quiet noise during the night. In fact, it is designed to do the opposite and should help you both sleep better. It’s certainly far less noisy than snoring. The mask needs to fit comfortably without leaking (aside from the leak from the exit port in the mask). If it leaks, air could blow into your eyes or at your partner.
Pumps and masks are available in a variety of types, so you’re bound to find one you like.
When does CPAP start working?
By using a CPAP, you can stop sleep apnea right away. On the day after your first night of using it effectively, you might feel better. For others, it takes longer. Both you and your partner may need some time to adjust to CPAP. It might be difficult at first to use the device throughout the night. This is normal. Building up use slowly is better than trying too hard too soon and giving up. The most important thing is to get any problems with your CPAP taken care of by your CPAP supplier and to keep trying. Try to be patient with yourself and with the device. Get help if you need it as almost all CPAP problems can be solved with a little help and persistence
How do I begin CPAP treatment?
In order to maintain an open airway, the pump pressure needs to be adjusted to the right level. Some people require more pressure than others. Here are two ways to determine how much pressure you need:
Sleep Laboratory CPAP study.
You will undergo an overnight sleep study. The test may be similar to that used to diagnose sleep apnea. In this sleep study, you will sleep in a Sleep Laboratory with the CPAP on. Someone will gradually increase the pressure on the pump. They will keep doing this until it is just enough to keep your airway open. You will receive a prescription in the morning. Bring it to your CPAP supplier. From it, they can determine which mask would be most suitable. Also, you’ll find out what pressure you should apply to your pump.
Home CPAP study.
A CPAP therapist will see you during the day. They will show you how to use the CPAP machine. They will also fit you with a comfortable mask. You will take the pump and mask home to use at night. You may have it for only one night, or you may have it for a week or two. It calculates how much pressure you need and keeps a record. When you return to the CPAP therapist, they will download the information from the machine. A prescription will be written for the best pressure and mask for you. The majority of CPAP suppliers offer you the opportunity to rent a machine for a few weeks so that you can determine whether it is right for you.
Types of CPAP Pumps
CPAP pumps can either deliver a fixed pressure or automatically adjust the pressure. Pumps with fixed pressure are set to operate at the pressure you need. If you prefer, they have a ramp function (see below) which allows the pressure to be gradually increased to this level after the product is put on. These devices are cheaper than auto-adjusting devices and highly acceptable to many patients, especially those with moderate pressure requirements. In an auto-adjusting device, airflow is monitored and pressure is constantly adjusted overnight to keep the throat open. Patients whose pressure needs vary a lot during sleep and are sometimes high may find these devices very useful. A sleep specialist and CPAP therapist can help you decide which is right for you
Are there any side effects?
CPAP is extremely safe. There are very few side effects. The most common problems include:
Mouth leakage.
Sleeping with a nose mask and keeping their mouth closed is difficult for some people. They inhale through their nose but then exhale through their mouth when the machine is turned on. This can be uncomfortable and may wake them up. Or this extra flow of air may go unnoticed at night, leading to a runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, or drying of the nose and throat. A chin strap could solve this problem. The band closes the mouth and wraps around the head. You can also use a mask that covers both your mouth and nose.
Nose and throat difficulties.
Another way to solve problems related to dry airways or a stuffy or runny nose is with a humidifier attached to the pump. The humidifier is filled with water. When the pump runs, the water heats up and warms and moistens the air. However, not everyone needs it. Some people only need it during the winter. Others use it every night.
Water in the mask and tubing.
Cold weather tends to cause this to happen. When you use a humidifier, warm, moist air is blown into the tubing. When the air in your bedroom is cold, warm, moist air condenses in the cold tubing, leaving the water in the tube and mask. To prevent this, keep the tubing warm. Insulating it is an easy way to do this. You can wrap some aluminium foil and a towel around it, place it under your blanket or use a commercial tube “cozy”. Many CPAP manufacturers offer an adjustable heating wire in the tubing to prevent the problem. You should not wrap this heated tubing in insulation when using it.
Leaking mask.
If your mask does not fit properly, it will leak. You can often solve this by adjusting the mask and straps, but if that doesn’t help you may need to change your mask. CPAP should be very quiet, so when users complain that it is not, it’s usually due to a leaking mask.
Following The Manufacturer’s User Guide/Manual
Please read your pump’s user guide carefully before using it so you understand exactly how it works.
Are there any dangers with CPAP?
The CPAP machine is extremely safe. You should discuss CPAP treatment with your surgeon and anaesthetist before undergoing surgery. In some cases, postoperative use can be delayed after nose or airway surgery. The use of CPAP during recovery from an operation is important, and you should take your CPAP into the hospital with you.
How long will I need to use CPAP?
Sleep apnoea cannot be cured by CPAP. Rather, it keeps the airway open to control the symptoms. When you stop using CPAP, your airway will once again repeatedly obstruct while you sleep. You may need less pressure or even be able to do without CPAP if you lose weight. However, you should discuss that with your sleep specialist.
Is it necessary to use CPAP all night?
Almost as soon as you stop using CPAP, your sleep apnoea will return. You should use a CPAP whenever you sleep, even if you take a nap during the day. Some people find this difficult, but you should use it every night. If you don’t use it, it won’t work. Studies have shown that the more you use it, the more you get out of it.
When I can't use CPAP for a few nights, what happens?
A couple of nights without CPAP (for example, when on vacation) is unlikely to be a big deal for you. The majority of people who have sleep apnoea have been suffering from it for years before they realize it and during this time they did not receive any treatment. Be aware, however, that all your symptoms will return very quickly. At night, you will snore and feel tired all day. If you are sleepy or tired during the day, you may need to adjust your lifestyle (e.g. not drive). You can buy a nose spray from your local chemist if you have a cold with a blocked nose. It is okay to use these over-the-counter sprays for up to a week but avoid prolonged use. CPAP combined with a humidifier may help clear blocked noses. A full-face mask is an alternative if your nose is obstructed for an extended period of time. If needed, your CPAP supplier may have one available for you to use temporarily.
What does ramp mean?
You can set up most CPAP machines to start with lower pressure. Within 15 to 30 minutes, the pressure goes up until you get the pressure required to control your sleep apnea. As you fall asleep, beginning at this lower pressure can help you feel more comfortable with CPAP. Using the ramp function is a personal choice.
Is it possible to take my CPAP on holiday?
CPAP should definitely be used on holidays. Travelling with CPAP will make your vacation more enjoyable. The majority of CPAP machines work on both 110 and 240 volts. There are also machines that run on a 12-volt battery. These can be taken camping and overseas.
Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about sleep apnea. They may be able to refer you to a sleep specialist for further investigation and recommendations on a CPAP machine that will best suit your needs. For further details on CPAP solutions, we’re here to help and can be reached on 1800 717 566.
