What is CPAP Therapy?
CPAP is short for “continuous positive airway pressure.” Positive airway pressure therapy is the most effective noninvasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
How Does CPAP Therapy work?
Air is pushed from the CPAP machine through the tubing and mask. The air then passes through the nose and into the throat, where the pressure keeps the airway open.
The low air pressure does not interfere with breathing, though some people need a few nights to get used to the sensation of positive airflow.
Beginning CPAP Treatment
The proper treatment pressure, a comfortable CPAP or APAP unit and good education stressing the importance of therapy, often mean the difference between success and failure for CPAP users. Successful treatment means sleeping better and getting more enjoyment out of waking hours. It can also mean lowering your blood pressure, helping diabetics control their blood sugar, and reducing your chance of a stroke or other cardiovascular event.
Successful CPAP users report improvements in:
- Vitality and motivation
- Job performance
- Mood
- Alertness while driving
- Quality of life
- Quality of sleep
Failure to treat sleep apnea may lead to:
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Congestive Heart Failure