CPAP

CPAP splints the upper airway, preventing soft tissues of the upper airway from narrowing and collapsing.

Pressurised air is sent to the upper airway from a flow generator to a mask on the face via tubing.

CPAP is often the first line of treatment for sleep disordered breathing.

APAP works the same as CPAP and also decreases pressure when the airway is stable and increases pressure in response to events such as:

• Apneas
• Hypopneas
• Flow limitation
• Snoring

 

APAP is used for

• patients who are non-compliant with standard CPAP therapy
• REM-related sleep apnea
• Positional sleep apnea

• drying of the nose, mouth, or throat
• bloating
• ear or sinus discomfort
• eye irritation
• skin irritation

AutoSet or Bilevel therapy may be an alternative to CPAP therapy

Use of a heated humidifier

Appropriate mask selection and fitting

Clean the mask according to instructions

A suboptimal fitting mask is more likely to form air leaks, leading to patient discomfort.

Overtightening of headgear may lead to pressure sores.

The solution to these situations is proper mask selection and fit.