What is CPAP Therapy?
CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is the gold standard in treating OSA. CPAP works by providing light air pressure to the throat while you sleep, in order to prevent your throat muscles from collapsing and blocking air from reaching your lungs when you breathe. In most cases, you will experience immediate symptom relief and a huge boost in your mental and physical energy when you use CPAP therapy. CPAP is safe, drug-free, and 100% effective at treating your OSA when used as directed.
Sleep Apnea Treatment is provided by CPAP therapy and involves wearing a fitted mask or nasal pillows that are connected to the source of airflow or the flow generator unit. The mask or nasal pillows are worn during sleep and the light air pressure is breathed in during sleep in a regulated fashion. This air increases the pressure in your throat which keeps the throat open and allows the air to flow properly to your lungs.
No one can argue that sleeping with a mask on takes a bit of time to adjust to. The key is getting used to CPAP therapy and staying on CPAP therapy. The best way to ensure that you are provided the advice and tools to help you benefit from CPAP therapy is to select a company with Healthcare Professionals that have experience and knowledge to assist ineffective treatment. CPAP therapy does not cure OSA; there is no real cure. In order for CPAP therapy to continue to be of benefit, it must be used at all times when you are sleeping. This may take ongoing support from your CPAP provider and this means the selection of the right provider is of utmost importance. Your SleepWorks Medical therapist will be here for you whatever your questions or needs may be.
There are 3 main types of CPAP Therapy:
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) provides one constant air pressure all through the night.
Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP)
Automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) therapy automatically varies the pressure all through the night and from night to night if needed. It actively responds to the continuous changes in your upper airway.
Bilevel therapy (BPAP)
Bilevel therapy (BPAP) provides a higher pressure when you breathe in, and a lower pressure when you breathe out, to maximize comfort.
Starting CPAP Therapy – The SleepWorks Medical Program
Studies demonstrate that education about Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), follow-up within the first week, a comfortable mask fit, effective therapy monitoring and regular communication with a Healthcare Professional improves treatment success.
CPAP Program overview at SleepWorks Medical:
- Personalized service from a trained Health Care Professional
- Education on Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- Clinical assessment and ongoing support
- Assistance with funding options
- A comprehensive follow-up program
- Wide selection of products to meet your individual needs
Our goal is to ensure that you are comfortable and confident with your treatment so that you are on the road to great night’s sleep.
Our Program Advantage
At SleepWorks Medical we will provide the most comfortable, hassle-free sleep apnea treatment to ensure that you are receiving effective therapy every night. We will assess your lifestyle and medical history to help us determine the best treatment approach and products for you. Having your bed partner at this assessment is helpful to painting an accurate and complete picture as you may not be aware of some signs and symptoms that occur during your sleep.
Each CPAP flow generator has different comfort features, flow patterns and adjustments. Most also have a recording capability, that can determine how effective your treatment is. If your doctor has not yet done so we will help you to choose the right one for you. Next, we will consider the pressure that your doctor has prescribed and then determine the most comfortable mask for you. Your choices are a Full Face Mask, a Nasal Mask or a Direct Nasal Pillows Mask.
Along with choosing the type of mask, we will provide you with a custom mask fit. We will focus on small adjustments, to minimize mask leaks and maximize comfort and effectiveness. We will set the flow generator features and delivered pressure, as prescribed by your doctor. Next we will turn on the unit and adjust the mask on your face so that you experience the pressure and are comfortable in using the therapy. Then we will discuss common questions, possible minor side effects and solutions and what to expect during your first few days of therapy. You will receive literature to educate you and your family on Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This resource also describes how to take care of your equipment, where is best to place it in your home, how to clean it, safety considerations, when to replace certain parts and general maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions about OSA?
CPAP machines may stop snoring if they are utilized regularly and the pressure is adjusted correctly.
YES. CPAP does not “cure” Sleep Apnea, it only treats the condition. You will need to use your CPAP every night and every time that you sleep, including naps.
Treatment can help you achieve the quality sleep you are after, helping you improve your symptoms associated with sleep apnea, and have a positive impact on your health and well-being. It may take time for you to adjust to using CPAP. If you are struggling to get used to it, talk to your doctor. You might be able to try another type of mask or make other adjustments which will help you feel much more comfortable with your therapy.