Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CPAP keeps your airway open by gently providing a constant stream of air through a mask you wear while you sleep. This will eliminate the breathing pauses caused by sleep apnea, so you will no longer snore or make choking noises in your sleep. You will be able to sleep through the night without your body waking up from lack of oxygen.
CPAP comes with a machine, a hose for air and a mask. Most machines are small – about the size of a tissue box – lightweight and relatively quiet. You can keep the CPAP machine on your nightstand or at the side of your bed. A long hose connects the CPAP machine to the mask. Air travels from the machine’s motor, through the hose and into the mask. Most hoses are long so that you can move around or turn over in your bed.
CPAP is a lifestyle change. It works best when used every night, all night, for the entire time you are asleep. You should also use CPAP when you are napping. The more you use CPAP, the better you will feel.
If you qualify for a CPAP machine, a prescription will be sent to one of several durable medical equipment (DME) companies in the Twin Cities. They will be your resource for obtaining equipment, setting up the machine, troubleshooting any issues, cleaning the equipment, and getting replacement parts.
Types of CPAP Masks
The CPAP mask may cover just your nose, your nose and mouth, or fit in your nostrils. No matter what type of mask you use, it is important that it fits well and is comfortable. The mask must make a seal in order to keep your airway open through the night. A good mask seal will prevent air leaks and maintain the right level of air pressure. If you experience any issues with mask fit, please contact your DME company for assistance.
Pressure Settings
The amount of air pressure needed for CPAP to treat sleep apnea depends on the person. Your sleep physician may recommend a CPAP titration study to calibrate your CPAP. Most CPAP units also come with a timed pressure “ramp” setting. This starts the airflow at a very low level, so you can fall asleep comfortably. The setting then slowly raises the pressure while you sleep until it reaches the right level to treat your sleep apnea.
Types of PAP therapy
There are several forms of PAP therapy other than CPAP. APAP (automatically-adjusting positive airway pressure) devices automatically raise or lower the air pressure as needed during the night. BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) devices have two alternating levels of pressure. When you inhale the pressure increases, and when you exhale the pressure decreases. If you have difficulty with CPAP or APAP, the physician may recommend BiPAP. They may also prescribe BiPAP if you have sleep apnea along with another breathing disorder, such as COPD.
Monitoring Efficacy
SleepMapper is a self-management mobile and web-based system that allows you to take an active role in your sleep apnea therapy. SleepMapper provides feedback on your therapy usage, mask fit and apnea hypopnea index (AHI). You can also access videos and guides to learn more about obstructive sleep apnea and sleep therapy equipment. For more information, go to www.sleepmapper.com.
Alternative Treatment Options
Provent Therapy can be an effective treatment for select patients with mild sleep apnea. This discreet, disposable device is applied to the nostrils and requires no mask or machine. Provent uses the power of your own breathing to create expiratory positive airway pressure to maintain an open airway. Another option is an oral appliance, which is a small acrylic device that fits over your upper and lower teeth or tongue (similar to an orthodontic retainer or mouth guard). This device slightly advances the lower jaw or tongue to open the airway. A dentist experienced in the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea customizes the appliance for each patient.