CPAP Therapy
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. It assists ventilation (respiration) by delivering a constant stream of pressurized air to the respiratory tract, keeping it open throughout the breathing cycle. Its purpose is to increase functional residual capacity (FRC) to improve patient oxygenation (oxygen delivery from the lungs to the body).
What is a CPAP device?
A CPAP is a device that continuously sends air into the airways through a tube and a mask placed over the nose or mouth or both simultaneously (facial, nasal, oral or narrow-nosed).
The device has a quiet air turbine that constantly delivers and maintains sufficient pressure to keep the throat and mouth tissues in a normal position. This helps to keep the airways open and prevent them from sagging or closing.
CPAP is used to treat sleep apnea, among other conditions. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OAS).
How does a CPAP device work?
CPAP therapy is delivered using a mask worn at night. A CPAP machine consists of a bedside compressor, a hose, and a face mask. The apparatus is worn at night to ensure constant, obstruction-free, breathing. It remains the most effective treatment for sleep apnea when well tolerated by the patient.
How to choose your CPAP?
Several CPAP devices, masks and accessories are available today. Your Dorma sleep specialist will help you choose the one that suits you the best. When choosing your CPAP mask, it is essential to have a properly fitting mask for optimal treatment. The mask must be comfortable to wear, especially as it will be worn during the night.
Do I need a prescription to buy a CPAP?
The CPAP device requires a prescription, which will indicate the level of pressure you need to set the CPAP correctly. The medical prescription usually includes a CPAP mask and a humidifier.
CPAP therapy to treat sleep apnea requires:
- A prescription
- A CPAP mask
- A CPAP device
The role of the breathing mask
The CPAP mask must be able to combine comfort of use and effectiveness when treating sleep apnea.
The mask must meet the following criteria:
- Comfortable to be worn throughout the night
- Have a secure facial seal to prevent leaks
- Easy to use to be put on and taken off without assistance
The different types of breathing masks for sleep apnea
Choosing a suitable CPAP mask is essential. Our specialists will assist you throughout the installation process to guide you in the choice of your mask.
Several types of masks are available for treating sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilation.
– Nasal mask
The nasal mask is indicated for people breathing through the nose. It is held on the face by a headgear system.
– Face mask
The face mask fits over the nose and mouth. It is suitable for people who breathe through both the mouth and nose.
– Mouth mask
The mouth mask is suitable for people who are allergic to silicone or who are uncomfortable wearing a nasal or facial mask. The mouth mask is placed in the mouth.
– Nasal pillow mask
This is another option available that is worn at the nose.
Other CPAP accessories
There are many accessories for your CPAP machine. Each CPAP accessory has a specific purpose and is used to ensure that your CPAP machine performs at its best.
CPAP mask accessories:
- Straps, Strap slides, Harnesses
- Cushions and holders
- Fasteners
CPAP machine accessories:
- Tubing
- Control panel
- Filters
- Heated humidifier
- Water tank
CPAP connectivity accessories:
- Software, cards and modems
- Power supply
- Battery Cables
- Power / External Cables
- Connectors
Other CPAP accessories:
- CPAP pillows
- Cleaners / Creams
- Tube holder
CPAP travel accessories:
- Travel bag
- Power supply
- Batteries
- Adapters
Benefits of CPAP
CPAP therapy is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea. By using a CPAP device daily, you will be able to:
Sleep better
The CPAP device will help you keep your breathing system open while you sleep. This will help reduce or eliminate snoring.
Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
Sleep apnea can cause heart problems since breathing stops during sleep, it may increase blood pressure and also reduce the level of oxygen in the blood. The CPAP device treats the symptoms of sleep apnea, reducing the cardiovascular risk.
Improve your mood
Sleep apnea causes fatigue, which causes irritability. CPAP therapy improves the quality of sleep and your mood.
Who can benefit from a CPAP device?
The treatment of sleep apnea (Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSA)) by CPAP is prescribed as a first-line treatment for people suffering from at least 30 sleep apneas per hour and other associated symptoms (snoring, headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure, etc.).
The CPAP device is also intended for :
– People whose airways anatomy cause apnea.
Some people are naturally born with smaller than normal airways. This body “architecture” is determined by genetics and can not be changed.
In this case, CPAP is usually be considered to be necessary throughout the patient’s life, unless surgery if possible.
– For people with enlarged tonsils
At the back of the throat, there is an area called Waldeyer’s ring. This area is where the palatal, lingual and pharyngeal tonsils are located. These organs are used for infection control.
For a variety of reasons, the tonsils of some people are hypertrophic (larger than normal) and obstruct the airways. For these patients, CPAP therapy can be a long-term solution, or surgery may be considered to remove excess tissue.
– For people suffering from obesity
One cause of sleep apnea is excess fat sitting around the neck, creating discomfort and narrowing the airways. Significant weight loss may allow some people to become CPAP-free.
If your weight decreases, a sleep study could confirm that your AHI (apnea/hypopnea index) is now below five episodes per hour.