Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

Sleep apnea patients suffer from breathing problems while sleeping. Their airway becomes narrow or gets collapsed and the patient cannot breathe for few seconds, a minute or more. These times, when breathing ceases for some time, can occur several times in one night, and usually wakens the person suffering from sleep apnea. Obstructive, central and mixed sleep apnea are three types of sleep apnea, of which, obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has proved to be an effective form of treatment for sleep apnea as well as a few other breathing disorders.

How Does CPAP Work
As discussed earlier, CPAP machines are widely used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Other than obstructive sleep apnea, they are also used to treat patients suffering from heart failure, coronary artery diseases and other types of sleep apnea. CPAP machines avoid the collapse of the airway by increasing the pressure in the airway while breathing. Sleep apnea patients need to wear the CPAP machine every night and in the initial period it is difficult to adjust with the machine. CPAP machines come in various forms and one can even carry a CPAP machine while traveling.

Who Should Use CPAP
It is recommended that people suffering from severe sleep apnea should consult their physician and only then consider using CPAP. An otolaryngologist (doctor who specializes in ear, nose and throat problems) considers the medical history, cardiovascular condition, airway evaluation, lifestyle and medications administered to the patient, before deciding whether CPAP can be recommended to the patient. There are several steps the patient has to perform before using a CPAP so that the patient can adjust well with the CPAP. Initially, CPAP machines are not easy to adjust, as it is unnatural while breathing with CPAP. Physician guidance and sleep study are mandatory before and while using a CPAP. The pressure to be maintained in the airway varies from person to person and only a physician can guide you properly with these things after a careful study. Following are some of the symptoms when CPAP is usually considered as treatment:

• Snoring loudly while sleeping.
• Daytime sleepiness.
• Waking up frequently during night.
• Obstructive breathing while sleeping.
• Headaches or fatigue on getting up in the morning.

CPAP - Benefits
CPAP has proved to be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Following are some of the benefits of using CPAP in sleep apnea patients:

• CPAP makes breathing easy and the sleep quality increases.
• CPAP lowers the increased blood pressure in people suffering from moderate to severe sleep apnea.
• CPAP reduces the symptoms of sleep apnea, like daytime sleepiness.
• Snoring while sleeping is reduced effectively and your sleep partner can also have a sound sleep.
• Heart problems are reduced in patients suffering from coronary artery disease and who use CPAP for sleep apnea.
• Use of CPAP during night improves concentration and alertness of a sleep apnea patient during day.

CPAP - Risks
A patient suffering from sleep apnea may not find it easy to use CPAP in the beginning and as a result, there are some side-effects that may arise. Some patients find it difficult to sleep with the CPAP mask in the initial period. Given below are some of the CPAP problems experienced by sleep apnea patients on the use of CPAP:

• Bleeding in the nose
• Dry nose
• Sore throat
• Mouth dryness
• Headache
• Swollen abdomen
• Irritation of face skin and eyes
• Sneezing, congested and runny nose

All the above side effects are observed in the initial period of use of CPAP and can be relieved with the help of physician. There are remedies to get rid of these side effects and CPAP can be used easily. Nasal irritation can be reduced with the help of a humidifier and nasal spray medicines like corticosteroid can reduce congested and runny nose.

More than 18 million people of the United States are affected by obstructive sleep apnea. This disease leads to several serious health problems and needs a timely treatment. Almost 55% patients suffering from sleep apnea use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), which has proved to be effective in most cases.