Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) - What it is

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a condition caused by repeated upper airway obstruction during sleep, due to narrowing of the upper airway. It occurs when the muscles controlling the upper airway relax during sleep, resulting in a collapse or narrowing of the airway. This causes oxygen levels in the blood to decrease.

Upper Airway Anatomy

The Apnoea Hypopnoea Index (AHI) represents the number of apnoea (pauses in breathing) and hypopnoea (reduction in breathing) events per hour of sleep during your sleep study, and indicates the severity of your sleep apnoea.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) - Treatments

CPAP Therapy

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard and most effective non-surgical treatment for OSA. The CPAP machine uses gentle air pressure to keep your airway continuously open, allowing you to breathe easily during sleep.

Automatic CPAP varies the pressure through the night, giving you the necessary pressure to keep your airway open during sleep
Fixed CPAP provides constant air pressure through the night

Benefits of CPAP therapy

Reduces/eliminates apnoeas and snoring
Better sleep for yourself and your bed partner
Feeling more rested and alert during the day
Consistent use of CPAP can help control your blood pressure even during the day
Consistent use of CPAP can reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke
Improves memory and cognition

Maintaining My CPAP

Handwash with soap and lukewarm water
Mask/mask cushion daily
Headgear weekly
Tubing monthly
Air-dry away from direct sunlight
Hang up the tubing to dry, with the open ends facing down and away
from sunlight
Use cooled boiled water or sterile water for the humidifier chamber, and empty the water before adding more

Effective Tips and Tricks Using CPAP

A dry nose or mouth?

Caused by cold air blowing through your nose or keeping your mouth open
Use a heated humidifier
Get a chin strap to keep your mouth closed when a nasal mask is used
If you have a frequent blocked nose, talk to your doctor about
decongestants or nasal sprays

Eye, nose bridge and skin irritations?

Caused by inappropriate mask fitting; excessive tightening/loosening of mask straps
Can be relieved by fitting the mask interface as per user guide
Snugly fit the head/mask strap without compromising on the mask leak threshold

Still find it uncomfortable?

It takes time to adapt – usually at least 4 weeks of continuous use
If you are unable to sleep with it, try it when you are really tired, or for short periods during the day and gradually increase the usage time
If you feel that the prescribed pressure is intolerable, your doctor may be able to adjust it

Travelling with a CPAP machine

There are smaller travel size (palm-sized) CPAP machines for users who are frequent travellers
Do remember to bring along a copy of your CPAP prescription as it may be required during customs clearance