C.P.A.P. (Continuous positive airway pressure)
C.P.A.P.
This page gives detailed information about Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, also called C.P.A.P.. CPAP is the main treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
How does CPAP work?
The CPAP machine delivers a constant flow of air through tubing and a mask and into your airway. The CPAP machine creates enough pressure in your airway to hold the tissue open, so your airway doesn't collapse.
The soft, steady jet of air from the CPAP machine creates enough pressure to keep the airway open.
Your sleep specialist will prescribe a particular CPAP pressure for you, based on how much pressure you need to keep your airway open. Your sleep specialist may have you try different levels of CPAP pressure when you’re in the sleep laboratory, to see which is the right level for you.
CPAP is a treatment, not a cure. While you’re using CPAP, your sleep apnea symptoms stop. Your breathing and your sleep are healthy. If you stop using CPAP, your sleep apnea symptoms will come back. Your breathing and sleep will be interrupted again.
If your doctor says you need to use CPAP, you must use it every time you sleep.
How to choose your CPAP equipment
There are now many models of CPAP machines, masks and accessories available. Your doctor and medical supplier can help you find the ones that fit you best.
Most people buy CPAP equipment through a home oxygen company. Look in the phone book under "Oxygen" for a list of suppliers.
For CPAP therapy, you need:
a prescription from your doctor
a CPAP mask
a CPAP machine
Many people also use a humidifier, or a heated humidifier.
You may also want to buy a battery pack so you can use your CPAP machine in places where you can’t plug it in (camping, etc.) or during a power outage.
Your prescription for CPAP
To get a CPAP machine, you should get a prescription from your health care professional. Your doctor’s prescription will say what pressure your CPAP machine needs to be set at. For insurance purposes, the prescription should also mention your CPAP mask and humidifier.
How to choose your CPAP mask
The key to using CPAP therapy successfully is a good mask fit. Your mask needs to be comfortable. When you’re choosing a mask, pick one that feels comfortable as soon as you put it on. Remember: it takes time to get used to wearing any mask for an extended period of time.
There are several kinds of CPAP mask on the market:
nasal mask
masks with nasal pillows or cushions
full face masks
masks for children
PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS
The optimal pressure to use in CPAP therapy is determined in a sleep laboratory study, during which the degree of apnea is monitored with various mask adjustments and increasing levels of air pressure. Pressures are measured in centimeters of water and can vary from 3 to 20 cm, with most patients requiring 6 to 12 cm of pressure to reduce their respiratory disturbance index to fewer than 10 events per hour.
Nasal continuous positive airway pressure administered by mask to keep the pharyngeal airway open.
Sleep studies last one or two nights. In a full-night study, one entire session is devoted to documenting the presence and severity of sleep apnea; the second full-night session is used to titrate CPAP treatment.
CPAP requirements also may change over longer periods. Weight loss may reduce the level of required CPAP pressure, while weight gain often necessitates the use of higher pressures. Furthermore, sleep apnea typically increases with age. Patients who have been stable for several years on a given CPAP pressure may gradually resume snoring. A return of symptoms signals the need for reassessment of the CPAP pressure.
In general, CPAP is meant to provide a constant stream of air that supports your upper airway and keeps it open, thus preventing apnea and snoring.1
?This air may be delivered through your nose, mouth, or both, and the preference may depend on your individual needs.
Most people use a mask that delivers air through their nose. Most nasal masks consist of a triangular-shaped gel or plastic cushion that covers the nose and rests from the bridge of the nose to just below the nostrils. Attached to this will be a headgear, often consisting of fabric, Velcro, or plastic clips that secure the mask to your face. Finally, there will be a plastic hose attaching the mask to the CPAP machine itself.
There are many variations of masks, usually consisting of some combination of ingenuity and marketing. Many masks also have a brace that relieves pressure by adding a few contact points on the forehead. There may be added cushions or seals to prevent marks on your face or leaks. Some masks are even designed to float on a cushion of air.
Still, other distinct options are available. One consists of nasal pillows, which typically are plastic inserts that look like headphone earbuds that are inserted in the nostrils. These are an excellent option if you struggle with claustrophobia or don’t like the mask leaving marks on your face. They may not be everyone’s comfort choice, however.
Some other masks are large enough to cover both the nose and mouth, which can compensate for those who mouth-breathe. This can prevent dry mouth. There are even masks that cover the entire face, including the eyes. Other mask interfaces act like a mouthpiece and can correct jaw positioning while delivering CPAP treatment. If you are looking to buy a Cpap mask then you can visit at CpapSpace online Store where you can buy best cpap mask at effective price.