Treatment: CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

Why you might need? CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

• To help minimise the risk of sleep apnoea, which can eventually lead to the following health concerns: An unhealthy increase in heart rate and blood pressure levels, diabetes, and stroke
• A noticeable improvement in energy levels, focus, mood stability, and productivity due to better sleep quality
• A reduction in the number of hospital visits, and thus medicinal purchases
• Preservation of one’s hearing

Treatment Info

CPAP is a form of treatment that uses continuous positive airway pressure to keep your airways stented open whilst you sleep, which is particularly useful for those diagnosed with sleep apnoea. Pressure will pass through a full-face mask that covers both your nose and mouth or just a nasal mask which will adjust accordingly and automatically to ensure your airways remain open throughout the time you are asleep, whilst maintaining a comfortable approach.

Treatment Preparation

The CPAP appointment will take place under the direction of a physiologist. You will be shown clearly how to both use and maintain the device and any other accessory equipment. A good mask fit will also be achieved in the clinic, on the same day. Replacement filters will be provided, and new masks and tubing can be purchased and collected when required, however depending on the level of care given, all of which can last up to 6-18months.

Please note, in the event that you start to develop a sore throat or dry mouth whilst using the machine, a humidifier can be attached to provide additional relief. It will be possible to track your activity on CPAP using an online account that directly connects to the device, therefore allowing you to gauge whether the number of apnoeas occurring per night has fallen and continues to fall.

Treatment Aftercare

• Ensure that the device is plugged in at a mains at all times; there is no internal battery meaning the machine will not work if you forget to bring the appropriate wire/s
• Make sure that the tubing is securely attached to both the device and the mask to prevent leak
• Practice a mask fit before you go to sleep; a physiologist will direct you on where to find this setting on your device
• To improve your chances of acclimatising to the therapy, it is possible to use it whilst you are awake and watching tv, for example. However, if you find that you are still having trouble tolerating the machine after a week or so, then it is best to speak to a physiologist as soon as possible
• Finally, you should bring the CPAP device with you to any future appointments so that one of the physiologists can aid with any potential mask fit problems, data download and support with an ongoing query