CPAPCPAP
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It is the most effective treatment available for sleep apnea. In order to have CPAP prescribed, you must first have a CPAP test in a sleep disorders center. Many patients have a single night of testing, called a "split night study," in which apnea is diagnosed in the first part of the night, and CPAP is used during the second part.
The CPAP System
CPAP consists of a mask, headgear, hose, machine and sometimes a humidifier. It delivers pressurized air to the air passages that collapse during sleep apnea. This keeps the airway open and prevents apnea from occurring. The machine does not "breathe for you"; it simply allows you to breathe better while you sleep. The mask usually covers only the nose ("nasal mask"). Other mask styles include a full-face mask, which covers the nose and mouth, and nasal pillows, which are soft cushions that sit just inside the nostrils. Each style is effective, so you should choose the most comfortable style for you. The mask should not leak, slip around easily or cause uncomfortable pressure on your face.
The CPAP machine is a small bedside unit (about the size of a tissue box) that compresses room air and delivers it through a hose to the mask over the nose. Supplemental oxygen is rarely needed because keeping the airway open is usually all that is necessary to get adequate oxygen to the lungs. A humidifier is sometimes added to the CPAP machine to increase comfort.
CPAP Test
The CPAP titration study is performed in the Sleep Disorders Center so the sleep technologist can determine the level of pressure necessary to treat your sleep apnea by monitoring your breathing while you sleep.
The CPAP mask is the most important part of the CPAP system. It is very important that it is comfortable for you to wear. Before your CPAP test, you will be offered at least two styles of masks to try on. You will wear the mask that is most comfortable for you during the test. If at any time during the test you find the mask uncomfortable, you must let the technologist know. The mask you find most comfortable during the test is the one we will prescribe for you at home.
Test Results
The technologist will not be able to provide any results for you at the time of your test. He or she must score it, measuring how much you slept, how much sleep apnea you had and other aspects. The sleep specialist (a board-certified sleep physician) will read the test in detail and interpret the results. Results will be available once the physician has interpreted the test.
At Home
Once your test has been interpreted, the sleep specialist will prescribe CPAP through a home care company. That company will contact you to arrange a time to provide the machine and explain its use. You should demonstrate the ability to put CPAP on properly and should also learn to clean the components because the mask should be cleaned daily.
You should wear your CPAP machine every night, and any other time you sleep. If you find the mask to be uncomfortable or leak, you should contact the home care company right away. A respiratory therapist from the home care company should explain how to solve the problem and may come to your home if necessary. If you continue to have difficulty with mask fit or comfort, you should contact your sleep specialist's office.
Conditions We Treat
