For nearly everyone who has been diagnosed
with sleep apnea, the conversation quickly turns to possible
treatment options. The most effective and commonly used one is
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), but what is CPAP?
Take a moment to learn about the basic components of CPAP,
including the mask, tubing, and humidifier. Discover how CPAP
effectively treats sleep apnea by delivering air pressure via a
face mask.
What Is CPAP?
CPAP is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.
How does CPAP work? It is a machine that provides a constant
flow of pressurized air that helps to maintain an open airway by
preventing its collapse. This air is delivered via a fitted
mask. CPAP has been used to treat sleep apnea since 1981 with
few side effects. It is also effective in eliminating snoring,
which usually occurs due to the vibration of the tissues in the
throat. Although there are many different manufacturers of CPAP
equipment, each unit consists of the same basic components.
CPAP Machine
The CPAP machine is the workhorse of your treatment. With a
small motor, it takes in room air, filters it, and generates the
air pressure that is the mainstay of treating sleep apnea. Newer
units are small, often smaller than a loaf of bread, and
relatively quiet. The newest ones make little to no noise. Most
run on electricity, but battery units are also available.
The prescribed pressure level is often determined through a
sleep study called a polysomnogram. However, it can also be set
with an autotitration function (AutoCPAP or APAP) that
automatically determines the pressure needed to keep your airway
open. The pressure settings are determined by your sleep
physician and set by your equipment provider. In addition, there
is often a feature that makes it possible to set a pressure
ramp, which allows you to fall asleep at a lower pressure that
steadily increases to the therapeutic pressure that you need
either after a set period of time has elapsed or after your
breathing becomes more regular, indicating that you have fallen
asleep.
Most models have sophisticated methods of tracking your use with
an internal memory card. This data can also be shared via an
internal or external modem to cloud-based data storage that can
be remotely accessed by your provider. This can help your doctor
to assess your compliance with the treatment. It also may
determine whether insurance will pay for your continued therapy.
Humidifier
As a comfort measure, it is possible to add humidity to the air
that is delivered with an attached humidifier. This is
integrated into most newer models. There is a water chamber that
generally consists of a plastic reservoir that can be filled
with distilled water. Heated humidifiers include a small hot
plate that increases the amount of evaporation and moisture put
into the inhaled air. As the air passes over the water, direct
evaporation occurs and the humidity of the air increases.
It is very important to keep this water reservoir clean, as it
can rarely be a source of recurrent respiratory infection or
even mold. This will generally only occur if the water is left
unattended in the tank for an extended period of disuse.
CPAP Hose or CPAP Tubing
The next component that is standard to all CPAP machines is the
CPAP hose or tubing. The CPAP tubing is typically made of a
flexible plastic, allowing some degree of movement. Frankly, it
resembles the extension hose on a vacuum cleaner. It is
typically about six feet long. However, with an adapter or
connector, it is possible to have two lengths of tubing linked
together. You should be cautious about extending the hose too
much as it may decrease the pressure that is ultimately
delivered to your face mask. The tubing connects the main output
of the machine to the mask. It may be heated and have a
temperature setting that you can control to prevent condensation
of water into the tubing.
CPAP Mask
The CPAP mask is, undeniably, the most important part of your
experience with CPAP. It is where the "rubber meets the road"
and it will make you fall in love with your CPAP machine – or
hate it. There are three basic styles of CPAP masks: nasal
pillows that sit in the nostrils, an over-the-nose nasal mask,
and a full-face mask that covers the nose and mouth. There are
dozens of CPAP mask styles available, which makes it all the
more important in how to choose one. Work with your physician or
equipment provider to find the best mask for you, especially in
the first 30 days of CPAP use or any time that you are
struggling with leak issues or discomfort from your mask.
CPAP can be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea,
but it only does you good if you use it. If you struggle, speak
with your sleep specialist about other options, including
bilevel or BiPAP therapy. |
