The use of a CPAP device is the leading treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. CPAP therapy keeps the airway open by providing atmospheric air through a mask that you wear while you sleep. This opens the airway and eliminates the breathing pauses caused by sleep apnea. During the use of a CPAP you will not snore or choke on sleep. You will be able to sleep all night without waking up from lack of oxygen.
When you use CPAP on a regular basis, you can prevent or even reverse serious health problems associated with sleep apnea, such as heart disease. Your memory and mood may also improve. Your sleep quality will come back to normal, which means you will feel more rested and alert during the day. Using a CPAP is a lifestyle change that you will be used to, but quality sleep with the device will be rewarding.
The doctor will determine the amount of air pressure needed for CPAP for an optimal sleep therapy. The CPAP will start the air pressure at a very low level so you can fall asleep faster. The machine slowly increases the pressure while you sleep until it reaches the right level to treat your sleep apnea.
A complete sleep apnea treatment kit consists of a small device (CPAP), a hose and a mask. And in some special cases a humidifier and a heated pipe can be installed. There are two main categories of CPAP devices, the simple CPAP that maintains a constant air pressure for the duration of the treatment without the ability to adjust the pressure and the automatic CPAP that will adjust the air pressure according to the user’s needs at a given moment of the treatment.
Most machines are small, lightweight and quiet. It can be placed on a bedside table, on the side of the bed or on a small stool. The CPAP device takes the atmospheric air from the room and through the special air tube it transfers the air under pressure to the mask and then to the user. These devices are also called positive airway pressure devices.
The air tube connects the main CPAP device to the mask. The tube is an integral part of the overall treatment and is the link between the breathing device and the CPAP mask. It is long enough (1.8m long), thin (1.5cm in diameter) and flexible enough to allow comfortable movement during sleep without pulling on your mask.
The CPAP mask is considered one of the most important pieces of equipment as they come in contact with the user, various types of masks are available to meet all treatment and personal needs. They are divided into two major categories, nose only (or nasal masks) and nose and mouth (oral masks). Within the basic categories of masks there are several variations, such as masks that touch the nostrils of the nose, or masks that touch under the nose. Regardless of the type of mask you use, it is important that it fits well and is comfortable. The mask should seal to keep your airway open all night.
Familiarity with the CPAP mask is different for everyone. Some people who wear the mask adapt immediately, while others need more time to get used to it. Make adjustments until you find the right fit and location. It may take a week or more to get comfortable with the mask, so don’t give up.
Wear your mask at home before bedtime to get used to the feel of the mask and adjust to the air pressure. Breathe calmly and slowly to practice breathing against the pressure of the CPAP device. Breathing against the pressure of your CPAP machine may be unusual at first, but with a little use before bedtime it will help to get you ready for sleep. Put on the mask and read, listen to music or watch TV in bed with the mask in place, simulating your daily life as if you didn’t have it. Make small adjustments to the position of the mask on the face to find the perfect position
