Continuous positive airway pressure, also called CPAP is a treatment in which a mask is worn over the nose and / or mouth while you sleep. The mask is hooked up to a machine that delivers a continuous flow of air into the nose. This air flow helps keep the airway open so that breathing is regular.
The specialists at NKs Snoring and Sleep Apnea Centre will evaluate and recommend the right type of mask for you and counsel you in proper usage of the CPAP machines. Sometimes a humidifier may be recommended that adds moisture to the air so that dryness of nose or throat is avoided.
In sleep apnea, as you sleep, the airway space narrows or collapses intermittently causing blockage of air intake. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are devices that gently push air and open your airway, when used during sleeping.
The benefits of using CPAP machines are well established. They help prevent those brief periods of breathing cessations that are characteristic of sleep apnea and sleep related breathing disorders. These devices improve your sleep quality, reduce snoring and reduces daytime sleepiness. They also help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of having heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular events.
Using a machine throughout the night is understandably not very comfortable, However, our team of experts at NKs Snoring and Sleep Apnea Center are available to help you with the right type of device, mask and proper settings to make the process easier for you. If you feel CPAP is not the treatment for you, we will help you overcome any usage problems or to explore other established alternative therapies to help your breathing.
A PAP (Positive airway Pressure) machine generates a gentle stream of pressurized air. This travels through a hose and through the interface mask that is sealed around the nose or mouth. Thus, as a person sleeps, the air flow from the PAP machine pushes against any blockages and opens your airways so that your lungs receive plenty of air.
When the obstruction is thus opened up, the person’s breathing is more comfortable and does not pause and the person doesn’t wake up repeatedly or struggle to breath all through the night.
All CPAP machines work similarly, in providing pressurized air, to facilitate better breathing when a person is asleep. For ease of identification, most of these machines are universally referred to as CPAP machines. Different PAP machines from different companies have a few subtle differences in their specifications, but the way they work are basically the same. Our Specialists at NKs Snoring and Sleep Apnea center will evaluate your clinical condition and Sleep Study reports and help you with the appropriate CPAP machine.
These are all respiratory assistance devices that are used for treatment of sleep apnea. These will be recommended according to the person’s type of Sleep Related Breathing Disorder (SRBDs)
CPAP device: Continuous positive airway pressure device produces pressurized air at one steady level of air pressure.
APAP device: Automatic positive airway pressure device checks your breathing and air inflow throughout the night. It automatically adjusts the air pressure to compensate for changes in your breathing patterns or for changes in your sleep position.
BiPAP device: Bi-level positive airway pressure device has two pressure settings, one pressure for inhaling and a lower pressure for exhaling. It also has a backup respiratory rate system for those who are not able to initiate breaths on their own. BiPAP devices are useful for individuals who cannot tolerate CPAP pressures or for those who have central apnea.
The interface that is used with your CPAP device is an important aspect and make it easier to accept and use your CPAP regularly. Selecting the right type of mask and size is critical to the success of a CPAP treatment and our team of experts would help with that. The different types of masks are broadly categorized into Full face mask, Nasal mask, Nasal pillow or cushion.