FAQ

PAP therapy, or positive airway pressure therapy, is a general term that health professionals apply to all sleep apnea treatments that provide people with a stream of compressed air while they sleep to support their airway. They wear a mask while sleeping with PAP therapy. The device then blows pressurized air from the room into their upper airway through the mask with a connected tube.

• CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure – Single fixed pressure for a continuous pressure flow.
• APAP – Automatic Positive Airway Pressure – This device is set within a range of pressure (usually 4-20 cm H2O) and monitors changes in breathing then automatically adjusts pressure to compensate for the pauses in breath.
• BiPAP – Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure – Two fixed pressures, one for inhalation, one for exhalation

CPAP therapy is considered the gold standard for treating sleep apnea. Regular CPAP usage over time has been help to reduce heart problems for people with heart disease, lower blood pressure both during the day as well as at night, improved A1C levels for type 2 diabetics, and a reduce symptoms of daytime sleepiness.

Traveling is often considered a hassle for a person with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). You may have trouble carrying your Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) machine everywhere you go when you are traveling. However, below are some tips for you to travel with your CPAP device:-

• Placing your CPAP device in bag and wrap it in a clear plastic bag so that it is easily viewed by Transportation Security Officers (TSOs).
• CPAP machines are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act as medical devices and are not counted as carry-on items.
• For frequent travellers, you may consider CPAP device that’s travel-friendly where many small new travel friendly CPAP devices now available.

The PAP machine is a therapeutic device that will assist you in getting a good night’s sleep. You will most likely continue using the PAP device as long as your condition/diagnosis remains the same. Some patients find that they do not need to use their device or can reduce their pressure settings after significant weight loss. It is important to talk to your doctor before you stop therapy. You may benefit from a sleep study to determine a lower pressure or to evaluate the severity of your condition.

For patient diagnose with sleep apnea and having problems complying or are uncomfortable with CPAP machine, there are also other available options such as:

• A Different Type of CPAP Interface

For people who aren’t comfortable with their mask, see if a different type of mask or another type of interface will help first. If not, you may discuss the alternative Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) treatment options with the physician.

• A Dental Device

OSA treatment devices that hold your tongue or slide your jaw forward to prevent the airway from collapsing are an option for some people.

• Surgery

Surgery can sometimes eliminate or reduce extra tissue from one’s throat that’s blocking their airway while they sleep.

• Weight Management Program

Lose weight may help eliminate or at least improve the OSA. People who are overweight often have necks that are thick with extra tissue in their throat that blocks their airway.

• Positional Therapy

This is a behavioural strategy that may work for people with positional sleep apnea. Many people sleep on their back which triggers their sleep apnea; when they sleep on their side, their breathing may be normal.  Positional therapy uses devices to keep them on their side while they sleep.

• Changing Daily Habits

Various lifestyle changes to OSA patients help to improve their OSA and reduce their snoring. Behavioural changes such as avoiding alcohol or quitting smoking could improve their OSA.

There are multiple reasons why people won’t use their mask. Often, it’s due to them being uncomfortable when wearing it. So, it’s essential for them to get a mask that they’re comfortable with.

A few types of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) masks you could suggest for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients include:

• Nasal CPAP Mask

A nasal CPAP mask will cover your nose from the upper lip area to the bridge of your nose. It provides your airway with indirect airflow through the mask and is ideal if you need a higher-pressure setting.

• Nasal Pillows CPAP Mask

Nasal pillows are lightweight and compact options for you and have certain designs that give you minimal face contact. Nasal pillows are ideal for people who require pressure settings that are low to moderate since high pressure could be uncomfortable when using this interface.

• Full Face CPAP Mask

Unlike nasal pillows and nasal masks that seal to one’ nose exclusively, a full-face mask will cover the nose and mouth. It covers a bigger area of face, creating a complete seal over both the airways. These are a good solution for people who breathe through their mouth or require a higher-pressure setting.

Since CPAP can reduce or eliminate sleep apnea, you’re likely to sleep much better. If you have problems adjusting to your CPAP device, our sleep health team can usually help resolve issues.

Difficulties can include:

• An uncomfortable or leaky mask. We make sure you have a mask that fits your face properly. If your jaw tends to fall open during sleep, causing leaks around the mask, a chin strap can help.
• A dry, stuffy nose. Using a saline nasal spray can help, or your doctor may prescribe a steroid nasal spray. The CPAP machines we are having comes with a built-in humidifier and heated tube along with air filter. You can adjust the heat and humidity settings to your comfort.
• Irritated skin under the mask. Special moisturizers made for CPAP users can relieve this problem.
• A noisy motor. If your CPAP machine seems loud, check the air filter to see if it’s blocked. Also, new CPAP devices are much quieter than older models. You might be due for an upgrade. We recommend you consider updating your machine every 5 years.
• Discomfort from the air pressure. If you have trouble tolerating extra air pressure when you exhale, a bi-level CPAP machine may work better for you. This type of device lowers the pressure significantly when you breathe out.

• Having a cold can make using CPAP therapy difficult due to nasal congestion or blockage.
• In most cases, you can keep using your CPAP machine if you can clear your nose or if you already use a mask that covers both your nose and mouth. Sometimes medication such as over-the-counter saline spray can help clear a stuffy nose.
• However, if you have an acute upper respiratory tract infection, you may need to temporarily stop treatment. Please consult your prescribing physician when using medication or if you have any treatment-related questions.