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Treatment using a cpap
Treatment for sleep apnea
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
CPAP is the most widely recommended treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP entails wearing a mask-like device while you sleep, which provides pressurized air to prevent the airway from collapsing. Most CPAP units are the size of a tissue box and many now come with a built in humidifier for comfort.
While CPAP works very well in preventing apnea symptoms, many people find the apparatus uncomfortable and difficult to use. Luckily, recent advancements to CPAP technology have made these once cumbersome devices much lighter, quieter and much more comfortable. Recent refinements include options such as
“bilevel PAP,” which switches from higher to lower air pressure during the exhalation, making breathing easier for some,
“AutoPAP”, which uses an internal regulator that adjusts pressure rather than remaining at one fixed setting.
Different types of masks are available and can make using the device more comfortable
CPAP can cost $1000 or more - but they are usually effective when used correctly. Unfortunately, many people don’t receive proper coaching and guidance for using these breathing devices, and give up on them quickly.
The following tips may help you use CPAP more comfortably and successfully:
Take your time. Start by using your CPAP for short periods during the day. Use the “ramp” setting to gradually increase air pressure.
Make small adjustments to the mask, tubing and straps to find the right fit. Soft pads are available to cover the straps and reduce skin irritation.
Try masks of different sizes and types. A full mask might work better if you breathe through your mouth. A mask with nasal pillows should decrease nose discomfort. A mask with a chin strap will help keep your mouth closed and reduce throat irritation.
Put your CPAP unit under the bed if the noise bothers you.
Use a humidifier with the CPAP unit (or get a unit with a humidifier) to decrease dryness and skin irritation. Try a special face moisturizer for dry skin.
Try a saline nasal spray or a nasal decongestant for nasal congestion.
Keep your mask, tubing and headgear clean. Replace CPAP and humidifier filters regularly.
Work with your doctor or sleep specialist to ensure the right fit and find the right settings on your CPAP unit.
Find a support group or others who use CPAP to exchange tips and give and receive moral support.
Use the CPAP consistently – every night and during every nap. This will make the adjustment easier and ensure maximum benefit.
Taken from the following website: http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_apnea.htm
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
CPAP is the most widely recommended treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP entails wearing a mask-like device while you sleep, which provides pressurized air to prevent the airway from collapsing. Most CPAP units are the size of a tissue box and many now come with a built in humidifier for comfort.
While CPAP works very well in preventing apnea symptoms, many people find the apparatus uncomfortable and difficult to use. Luckily, recent advancements to CPAP technology have made these once cumbersome devices much lighter, quieter and much more comfortable. Recent refinements include options such as
“bilevel PAP,” which switches from higher to lower air pressure during the exhalation, making breathing easier for some,
“AutoPAP”, which uses an internal regulator that adjusts pressure rather than remaining at one fixed setting.
Different types of masks are available and can make using the device more comfortable
CPAP can cost $1000 or more - but they are usually effective when used correctly. Unfortunately, many people don’t receive proper coaching and guidance for using these breathing devices, and give up on them quickly.
The following tips may help you use CPAP more comfortably and successfully:
Take your time. Start by using your CPAP for short periods during the day. Use the “ramp” setting to gradually increase air pressure.
Make small adjustments to the mask, tubing and straps to find the right fit. Soft pads are available to cover the straps and reduce skin irritation.
Try masks of different sizes and types. A full mask might work better if you breathe through your mouth. A mask with nasal pillows should decrease nose discomfort. A mask with a chin strap will help keep your mouth closed and reduce throat irritation.
Put your CPAP unit under the bed if the noise bothers you.
Use a humidifier with the CPAP unit (or get a unit with a humidifier) to decrease dryness and skin irritation. Try a special face moisturizer for dry skin.
Try a saline nasal spray or a nasal decongestant for nasal congestion.
Keep your mask, tubing and headgear clean. Replace CPAP and humidifier filters regularly.
Work with your doctor or sleep specialist to ensure the right fit and find the right settings on your CPAP unit.
Find a support group or others who use CPAP to exchange tips and give and receive moral support.
Use the CPAP consistently – every night and during every nap. This will make the adjustment easier and ensure maximum benefit.
Taken from the following website: http://www.helpguide.org/life/sleep_apnea.htm
Views: 114
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by GerryMooreRRTdotcom on
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Do not place your system under the bed. Major place for dirt and this is not good for your system or for you for that matter. This would severely decrease the longevity of your system. Gerry RRT
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Permalink Reply by dale williams on
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Have such a hard time keeping the mask on through out the night, I broke my back when i was in the military, which makes it almost impossible to sleep on my back.
I find myself tossing and turning alot everynight. I hope that the new weight loss program I am on will help with not needing the C-pap
Any tips to help me to wer this device throughout the night
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Hi Dale, Sleeping on my back is not recomended by my doc. Positional therapy I was instructed to sleep on my side. I have a contour cpap pillow some others in this forum use buck wheat pillows. I have found it does not push my mask . A small pillow between your knees might also help take pressure off low back. Good Sleep, Chris
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Hi,
Medicare pays for both the Auto-PAP and C-PAP if it's requirements are met, and they have the same billing code. However, Medicare requires a different type of sleep study for a bi-PAP. It will not pay for a bi-PAP if the sleep study was the type used for the C-PAP and/or Auto-Pap.The bi-PAP is usally used by people who have neuromusclear diseases, lung disease, etc.
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Why should we not sleep on our back? I found when I sleep on my side that (although it is my favorite position to sleep) it causes me to have a irritating nostril and watery eye on that side. It always appears to be allergy related but I find when I sleep on a side that all the moisture must drip down that side. Any other people find that? Thanks
BTW...the CPAP is my Best Friend (beside my hubby)
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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Some people have more apneas when sleeping on their back. It is considered the worst position for sleep apnea users. That said, there are always trade offs- if you can't sleep on your side and have ok numbers on your back, no harm done.
I have a VPAP Auto 25 which does CPAP, BPAP and AUTO without a special sleep study. I had tried CPAP and was fine with that, but a new doctor ordered the other machine.
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Thanks for re-posting these tips. I, too, have had difficulty keeping the mask (a nasal pillows mask) on through the night, because I shift from back to side to side, while sleeping. I've only had cpap for about 2 months, though and am getting better at finding positions and adjusting the mask so it stays in place. I've almost completely trained myself to keep my mouth closed, so I don't have to wear a chin strap. This is therapy, not a magic bullet, so I guess perseverance is required. The nasal pillows masks with a "ball and socket" type joint for the hose in front seem like the best for folks like me and Dale, since the hose doesn't interfere with lying on either side. Unfortunately, mine has the hose attaching on the right side (it is switchable, but I sleep on both sides), so I'll have to wait until I can get another mask and see if I can find one that suits me better. I do really like the nasal pillows-type mask better than the triangular nasal mask they used for the sleep study. In the meantime, I appreciate the suggestion of the buckwheat pillow. I'll post a comment, if it seems helpful. Sweet dreams to all.
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Hi Mary,I've had to use CPAP set at 7 for a couple years now and hate it, am very interested in V PAP. I also have severe emphazema COPD and find that during a flareup I just can't breathe with it set. I really don't want another sleep study, how did you find out about the VPAP?
Mary Z said:Some people have more apneas when sleeping on their back. It is considered the worst position for sleep apnea users. That said, there are always trade offs- if you can't sleep on your side and have ok numbers on your back, no harm done.
I have a VPAP Auto 25 which does CPAP, BPAP and AUTO without a special sleep study. I had tried CPAP and was fine with that, but a new doctor ordered the other machine.
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