CPAP is a popular non-surgical method of treating breathing problems. CPAP stands for ‘continuous positive airway pressure.’ Nowadays, CPAP therapy is a primarily used to treat respiratory failings associated with a common sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Understanding Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OSA is condition that causes partial or complete blockage of a person’s upper airways during sleep. It could manifest as brief pauses or skips on the person’s breathing. When this happens, the chest muscles and diaphragm work harder to re-open the throat and draw oxygen into the lungs. The person eventually regains normal breathing, but it’s usually accompanied by a snort, gasp, or even hypnic jerk.

Most people who struggle with OSA aren’t aware of what happens to their body while they’re sleeping. Usually, other people inform them about their loud snoring, which is the most common symptom of OSA. The blockage of the airways and the interruptions on the breathing pattern are all involuntary. 

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, over 22 million people have OSA in the United States alone. It’s commonly seen on people who are obese, middle-aged, or sleep on their backs. It can also affect children born with large tonsils and adenoids. If not diagnosed and treated properly, OSA could lead to excessive drowsiness, chronic headaches, high blood pressure, depression, diabetes, stroke, or heart failure.

How A CPAP Machine Works

CPAP therapy uses a machine that supplies air directly into the OSA patient’s nose and mouth while they sleep. This machine is usually made up of a motor, a tube, and a mask. The motor air pump generates mildly pressurized air that passes through a filter. Then the connecting tube sends it to the mask sealed to the patient’s face.

The most important part of CPAP therapy is the air pressure. This is actually what prevents the airways from collapsing. To determine the right air pressure required by a patient, a sleep technologist observes them for a night in the laboratory. A sleep physician then analyzes the results of the lab tests and prescribes the appropriate air pressure. Once the right setting has been inputted into the machine, it can’t be changed unless through a complete reset.

As for the mask, there are different types to choose from depending on a patient’s sleeping and breathing habits. 

  • Orinasal Mask: This mask covers the nose and mouth area. It’s the most common style used for breathing machines. This is suitable for people who breathe through their mouth when they sleep or those who are prone to nasal congestion.
  • Nasal Pillow Mask: This mask uses a small cushion that only covers the nostrils. For support, some may come with a chinstrap or prongs that fit into the nostrils. This is style is preferred by people who have lots of facial hair or other features that could get in the way of larger masks.
  • Full Face Mask: As the name implies, this mask covers the entire length of the face. It’s usually held in place by a headgear frame, so it’s perfect for people who move quite a lot in their sleep.

CPAP products are not limited to motorized machines and masks. There’s a wide range of products that aid in respiratory ventilation. Check out websites like sleeplay.com to get a complete list of high-quality CPAP products with excellent pricing.

The Promise of CPAP Therapy

CPAP therapy is known to have immediate effects. It can help a patient get quality sleep even on the first night of use. The maximum effectivity of CPAP therapy can generally be achieved in two to four weeks. By this time, loud snoring should have been significantly reduced, if not completely stopped. 

It should have also controlled other symptoms caused by the lack of oxygen supply to the brain and interrupted sleep. These include chronic fatigue, sleepiness, forgetfulness, irritability, and headaches during the day.

Of course, it may take some time to be completely get used to having a machine hooked up to the body. The adjustment process is different for everyone. Some patients take only a few days, while some take weeks or months.

Maximizing the CPAP Therapy Experience

There are several things that can be done during the adjustment period to ensure comfort and effectivity. The most important thing is to use the CPAP machine every possible chance, even for short naps. This helps build a habit and accustoms the body to the machine. It’s crucial because non-adherence is one of the main reasons why CPAP therapy could fail. Some patients who find the setup uncomfortable don’t use it for the entire length of their sleep.

Other patients stop using the machine altogether after developing nasal congestion, rhinitis, or sinus infections. In this case, it’s best to use a nasal spray or decongestant to aid CPAP therapy sessions.

CPAP gears come in a range of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to try different mask options to find the perfect fit. It also helps to practice using the mask before going to sleep. Simply putting it on while doing other things or just lying down can go a long way.

Proper Maintenance For CPAP Machines

To ensure proper functioning, CPAP machines must be cleaned and inspected daily. Having worn-out parts not only reduces the unit’s effectivity, but could also pose risks of fire or electrocution.

Each unit comes with specific cleaning instructions, but as a general rule, CPAP machines must be regularly filtered to prevent dust or mold buildup. Some units that come with their own filtration system or heated humidifier require extra special care during cleaning. Using chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide is not advisable due to their corrosive nature. Mineral or distilled water should be enough to prevent contamination.

CPAP tubes and masks should be replaced after three to six months of use. Machine filters and mask cushions should be replaced monthly. Other components such as headgears and chinstraps should be replaced one or twice a year, or once they start to show signs of natural wear.

CPAP and Quality Sleep

Most people make the mistake of taking OSA symptoms for granted. However, it’s important to address this issue early so you can get adequate sleep and prevent even more serious health complications such as chronic headaches, diabetes, stroke, and heart failure. Using a CPAP machine can help in this regard, but be sure to use it regularly so that you can maximize the benefits it offers.