To get an overall view of Sleep Apnea, click this image to go to our Sleep Apnea Overview page. It gives a clear view of the causes, symptoms and treatments for Sleep Apnea.
C pap stands for continuous positive airway pressure. Positive airways pressure therapy is when pressurized air is pumped into the lungs to aid in breathing and prevents obstructions in the air passages. This therapy is most effective for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
The c pap machine is used for this therapy. It is composed of the device, the mask and the humidifier (if not yet built-in).
It works from the c pap machine which generates the air pressure which flows into the tube, delivering the pressurized air into the mask. The air passes through the nose or mouth, into the throat where the pressure prevents the muscles of the pharynx to drop down into the air passage.
To get an overall view of Sleep Apnea, click this image to go to our Sleep Apnea Overview page. It gives a clear view of the causes, symptoms and treatments for Sleep Apnea.
When we talk about c pap we often talk about pressure in terms of centimeters of water (cm H20). Centimeters of water refers to how much pressure you need to move a column of pressure up by one centimeter. When a person breathes from a mask into a chamber with water, the pressure that a person is breathing in can be measured by how far the water goes up to a column. Most people breathe at a pressure of around 17 cmH20. C pap machine is likely to be set at a much lower pressure. Women usually have their pressure set at 6 or 7 cmH20 while men are a little higher at 7 or 8 cmH20.
When you first put a pressure machine on the sensation will feel very different. The nerves on your airways will start to fire and your brain will tell you that there’s an enormous pressure entering the airways. But this is just the body’s initial reaction to the air pressure. The weird feeling will go away and your respiration will adjust to the new breathing pattern.
First day jitters
Most people find it very difficult to use the c pap machine especially on their first day. One technique is to not go to sleep directly. Put the mask on and keep the machine going for a few minutes while reading a book or watching television. Do anything that could distract your mind and give your body time to adjust to the sensation of the pressure.
To get an overall view of Sleep Apnea, click this image to go to our Sleep Apnea Overview page. It gives a clear view of the causes, symptoms and treatments for Sleep Apnea.
Benefits of c pap
C pap users usually notice the improvement on the first day of their use. They wake up with no headache, with more energy and better mood. Long term benefits include alertness, vitality, better performance at the workplace and improved quality of life.
Accepting reality
Most people find it difficult to accept c pap therapy because of the fact that they have to wear a mask every night when they go to bed. It is very bothersome and not everyone has the discipline to maintain the therapy daily. Some people stop therapy after a few months and look for other alternative solutions.
Getting treatment for sleep apnea will not be an easy road to travel. Part of the treatment is accepting your condition and understanding the underlying the consequence if you don’t get treated. If you really cannot tolerate the use of a c pap machine, ask your doctor for alternative solutions such as sleep apnea pillows, dental devices or surgery.
