CPAP (continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
- Article
- 2021-02-01
Also known as continuous positive airway pressure
CPAP is a treatment that uses mild air pressure to keep your airways open.
This involves using a CPAP machine with a mask or other device that fits over your nose or nose and mouth, straps to position the mask, a tube connecting the mask to the machine's motor, and a motor that releases air. blows into the tube. CPAP is used to treat sleep-related breathing disorders, including sleep apnea. It can also be used to treat preterm infants with underdeveloped lungs.
If your doctor prescribes CPAP instead of other treatment options for your sleep apnea, your insurance will work with a medical device manufacturer to provide you with a CPAP machine and the disposable mask and tube. Your doctor will set up your machine with certain pressure settings. After using your machine for a while, your doctor and possibly your insurance company will want to check your machine's data card to confirm that you are using your CPAP machine and to see if the machine and pressure settings are working to reduce or eliminate apnea events while you sleep.
For the treatment to work, you must use your CPAP machine every time you sleep at home, while traveling, and during naps. Getting used to using your CPAP machine can take time and requires patience. Your doctor may need to adjust your pressure settings for you. You may need to work with your sleep doctor to find the most comfortable mask that works for you, to try the humidification chamber in your machine, or to use a different CPAP machine that has multiple or auto-adjustable pressure settings. makes possible.
Some patients notice immediate improvements after starting CPAP treatment, such as better sleep quality, reduction or elimination of snoring, and less daytime sleepiness. Equally important are the long-term benefits that you don't notice, such as helping to prevent or control high blood pressure, lower your risk of stroke, and improve memory and other cognitive functions.
Side effects of CPAP treatment can include congestion, runny nose, dry mouth, or nosebleeds. If you experience an upset stomach or bloating, you should stop using your CPAP machine and contact your doctor immediately. Some masks can cause irritation. Your doctor can help you find ways to relieve these symptoms and adjust to the use of your CPAP machine. It is important that you clean your mask and tubing every day and refill your medical device prescription at the right time to replace the mask and tubing to keep the treatment working.
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