A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is a breathing assistance machine that delivers constant air pressure into your mouth and nose. This helps to keep your airway open. It will allow you to inhale completely. The pressure is delivered through air from the machine through a face mask covering your nose or mouth and nose.
CPAP is most often used for obstructive sleep apnea or sleep disordered breathing. This is a condition in which breathing stops during sleep many times during a night. This can lead to daytime sleepiness and many other complications. CPAP helps to keep the throat and airway open. People suffering from sleep apnea can then breathe normally while sleeping. It is considered to be the most effective treatment for sleep apnea.
Many patients who use CPAP for sleep apnea have the following:
CPAP is also occasionally used for preterm infants or in surgery with general anesthesia . In both of these cases, CPAP is used to ensure that breathing remains steady.
Most patients who use CPAP report at least one side effect. The first nights using a CPAP machine can be difficult. You may even experience poorer sleep at first. It is important to prepare for inconveniences until you become accustomed to the CPAP treatment. Talk with your doctor about steps you can take to minimize any discomfort.
CPAP is a noninvasive, nonsurgical way of improving sleep with sleep apnea and is considered very safe. Talk to your doctor about complications, such as:
If you are undergoing CPAP treatment for sleep apnea, you will use the machine indefinitely.
Some patients using CPAP report chest muscle discomfort due to the increased lung volume. Talk with your doctor about the best way for you to relieve any discomfort.
If you are getting a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, you must stay in the hospital for a sleep study to ensure that the correct amount of pressure is used. You could have to stay in the hospital for just one night, or a few nights.
It is important to note that in the case of CPAP for sleep apnea, discontinuing the use of the CPAP will most likely cause symptoms to return. Follow the instructions for the care and cleaning of your machine and mask.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Otolaryngology
http://www.entnet.org/
American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/
American Sleep Apnea Association
http://www.sleepapnea.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Sleep Society (CSS)
http://www.css.to/
Canadian Society of Otolaryngology
http://www.csohns.com/
The Lung Association
http://www.lung.ca/
References:
Barnes M, Houston D, Worsnop CJ, et al. A randomized controlled trial of continuous positive airway pressure in mild obstructive sleep apnea. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2002:165:773-780.
Bratzke E, Downs JB, Smith RA. Intermittent CPAP: a new mode of ventilation during general anesthesia. Anesthesiol. 1998;89(2):334-340.
Chowdhuri S. "Continuous positive airway pressure for the treatment of sleep apnea." Otolaryngology Clinics of North America. 2007; 40(4):807-27.
Montserrat J, Ferrar M, Hernandez L, et al. Effectiveness of CPAP treatment in daytime function in sleep apnea syndrome: a randomized controlled study with an optimized placebo. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2001;64:608-613.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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