Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. While there are a number of sleep apnea treatment options, CPAP remains the most popular due to its ability to provide immediate relief for most people with the disorder.
CPAP therapy clears breathing obstructions and helps stop snoring. As a result, sleeping quality improves and excessive daytime sleepiness is reduced. Over time, CPAP therapy may lower your blood pressure and prevent other serious health conditions such as heart disease. CPAP machines do not deliver concentrated oxygen; they merely provide regular air, making it a generally safe treatment method.
How Does CPAP Work?
A CPAP machine uses a hose and nosepiece or mask to push air into the back of the throat where soft tissues collapse during sleep. Snoring and sleep apnea are mainly caused by this collapse. CPAP therapy acts as an air “splint” for the airway, keeping it open to inhale and exhale air.
CPAP treatment is fast and dramatic. It eliminates most breathing obstructions and prevents snoring. To ensure effective treatment, it is important to work with a doctor or sleep specialist to determine which CPAP machine, mask, and other parts are ideal for you. It is also essential to remain consistent with your CPAP therapy.
Is CPAP Treatment Safe?
CPAP therapy is generally very safe. However, it is important to regularly clean your CPAP machine and its parts to avoid germ buildup. A CPAP cleaner can easily accomplish this.
A doctor’s prescription is usually necessary to obtain a CPAP machine. You may experience certain side effects, such as dryness of the nose, mouth, and throat. Using a heated humidifier with your CPAP machine can often help this problem. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, alleviating dryness.
Occasionally, prolonged contact and pressure from a CPAP mask can irritate the skin. Replacing or adjusting your mask can usually address this issue. If you experience any CPAP side effects, talk with your doctor or sleep specialist to make adjustments.
Tips For Avoiding Common CPAP Problems
Time and patience are essential for CPAP success. It can be frustrating at first to use a CPAP machine, but it is important to stick with it. Regular visits with your doctor or sleep specialist can help troubleshoot problems and determine adjustment settings, if necessary. It can take time to get used to the mask and find the best settings for optimal treatment.
If you experience the following problems with your CPAP therapy, consider these possible fixes to get back on track:
- Trouble getting used to wearing the CPAP mask: Try briefly wearing your CPAP mask while you are awake, like when watching TV. Then try wearing the mask and hose with the machine turned on while you’re awake. Once you feel used to that, begin to use the CPAP machine every time you sleep, including naps.
- Bothersome noise: Although most modern CPAP devices are silent, if you find a machine’s noise disruptive, make sure the air filter is clean and clear. Ear plugs or a white noise sound machine can help.
- Dry mouth or stuffy nose: If you sleep with your mouth open or breathe through your mouth through the night, your dry mouth may worsen with some CPAP machines. If you wear a nasal mask, a chin strap can help keep your mouth closed during the night. A full face mask, or a CPAP-heated humidifier that attaches to the machine can also help remedy a dry mouth or stuffy nose.
- Feeling claustrophobic: If you feel claustrophobic when wearing your CPAP mask, practice wearing it during the day while you’re awake. Start with just holding the mask to your face, then try wearing the mask with straps when you feel more comfortable. Next, without the straps, try holding the mask to your face while it is attached to the hose. Then, try it with the machine on, and eventually with using the straps as well. Relaxation exercises can help.
How Much Does CPAP Cost?
The average cost for a CPAP machine ranges from $500 to $3,000, with an average price of $850. CPAP therapy is often covered by most insurance companies, including the CPAP machine and its mask, hose, tubing, and filters.
Contact Us Today
If you are interested in learning more about CPAP therapy and if the treatment is right for you, a sleep specialist can assess your condition and recommend the treatment that best meets your unique needs.