CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE (CPAP)
The recommended treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea is called Continuous Positive airway Pressure (CPAP), It prevents the upper airway from collapsing during sleep by providing a flow of air through the nose/ face using a mask.
Type of Positive Airway Pressure (PAP)
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): Air is pumped with constant fixed pressure during inhalation and exhalation process.
- APAP (Automatic Positive airway Pressure): Air is pumped with pressure that adjusts automatically to meet pressure change during sleep from side to back or when in dream (REM) stage.
Once prescribed by your Sleep Medicine Physician, CPAP must be used every time during sleep, even during naps.
Improving daytime sleepiness and quality of sleep may be noticed after regular CPAP use.
The PAP machine comes with a humidifier (water Chamber), six foot hose, power cord, filter, manual and carrying case designed specifically for it. The mask is purchased separately.
Mask
Nasal Pillows: consist of plastic inserts that look like head phone ear buds that slip directly in to the nostrils
- Is excellent for people with Claustrophobia
- It will not obstruct the vision
- It has little direct contact with face.
- It will not leave marks on the face.
Nasal Mask: triangular in shape with a silicon cushion that sits over the entire nose.
- It has little direct contact with face
- It is easy to keep a good seal
- It can be used for high pressure setting
Full Face Mask: covers both the nose and the mouth
- It is comfortable for mouth breather
- It is less stressful for the nasal passage
- can be used for high pressure setting especially for Bi-level PAP
Humidifier: The movement of CPAP air through the nasal passages can dry out the airway. As a comfort measure, it is possible to add humidity to the air that is delivered through an attached humidifier.
A heated humidifier uses heat to warm the water to add moisture to the airway. The heat is adjustable for more or less moisture.
It is common for CPAP user to report that their therapy is greatly enhanced by the use of a heated humidifier.
CPAP Device Home Use:
- Connect the power cord to your CPAP machine then plug into electrical outlet.
- Fill the humidifier water chamber with right amount of distilled water (based on the recommended water level marking)
- Connect the connecting tube to the device.
- Connect the other end of the tube to the mask.
- Switch power ON (Refer to Device manual)
- You can adjust the level of your humidifier: increase if you feel that the air is still dry or if you have nasal congestion.
- You can start using the machine even while reading or watching TV and getting yourself ready for sleep.
- In the morning turn the machine OFF then remove the mask from one side of the strap.
Cleaning Instructions:
- Mask – the cushion / silicon should be clean every day with water and soap. Dishwashing soap may also be used to remove the oil. Allow to dry.
- Headgear / Strap – usually made from neoprene, a stretchy material that helps accommodate the shape of the head to ensure an optimal seal.
- Should be clean weekly with water and soap.
- Allow to dry.
- Connecting Tube / Hose – usually made of flexible plastic, allowing some degree of movement.
- Should be clean weekly with water and soap.
- Allow to dry.
- Water Chamber – the water should be disposed every day after each use.
- The water chamber should be clean weekly with water and soap. Allow to dry.
- Filter- ensures the purity of the air you breathe.
- Check for accumulation of dust from time to time.
- The sponge filter can be washed with soap and water.
- The white paper filter is disposable.
