Pacific Sleep Labs

CPAP

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, CPAP, although simple in concept, is by far the greatest invention in sleep medicine. This has benefited many patients and has had profound life improving experience for many. For CPAP therapy to be successful one should understand that CPAP in itself can be a source of sleep disturbance. It is crucial that the benefit of CPAP outweighs intrusion on sleep.

Proper CPAP intervention requires:

Patient education regarding obstructive sleep apnea as well as understanding of medical complications related to untreated condition. The patient needs to understand how and why CPAP therapy works.

Proper fitting of the mask and headgear are crucial. Fitting of proper mask is similar to fitting a dress shoe. If it doesn’t fit right patient will never wear it. Once the right mask is chosen CPAP adaptation becomes much easier.

Appropriate CPAP titration. One of the more common flaws is to have less pressure, thinking that this would improve compliance. However, under-titration of CPAP will make the intrusion of the CPAP worse on the patient, as the patient stays awake more than properly titrated CPAP.

Keeping the nose open. CPAP works by applying air pressure through the nose. This also applies to full-face mask. By treating nasal congestion and allergies appropriately you can fully benefit from CPAP therapy. Proper level of heated humidity is also crucial in keeping the nose open. Sometime there maybe anatomical anomaly that will require ENT evaluation.

CPAP DESENSITIZATION TECHNIQUE

Gradual initiation of CPAP therapy is one accepted desensitization technique. Rather than immediately begin using CPAP therapy at the prescribed pressure, first become familiar with the mask and machine.

Try using CPAP during daytime for short periods of time 10 – 15 minutes to start. While sitting upright on a comfortable chair, hold the unstrapped mask loosely against your face for brief periods until you can breathe while holding the mask in place for a minute or more.

After you are comfortable with the mask in place, strap the mask on and make sure it is comfortable (not so tight that it hurts and not so loose that leaks irritate the eyes).

Once you can breathe with the mask strapped on, start adding low level of CPAP by utilizing “ramp” and gradually increase to the prescribed setting. This may feel uncomfortable but realize this is normal for everyone. It is natural for anyone to need a period of time to adjust to sleeping with a CPAP mask on his or her face. It will take time before you can get adjusted to positive pressure in the airway.

If you feel uncomfortable at anytime feel free to back off and start again.

Always try to relax and feel loose during initial phase of CPAP and remember frustration is normal for many beginning CPAP users.

Once you feel comfortable, start using CPAP regularly during sleep.

Always think CPAP will only help you. The more you try using, better the chance of success.

Feel free to call our Sleep Lab for any questions or issues.

We at Pacific Sleep Lab are dedicated to highest level of patient care. We spend considerable amount of time for patient education and CPAP adjustment. Patient satisfaction and successful outcomes have been the reward of our hard work. Feel free to consult us or call for any questions.