Understanding Sleep Apnea and Its Impact

Sleep apnea is an increasingly common sleep disorder that affects up to 30 million Americans. Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type of sleep apnea, is defined by frequent, brief periods of breathing cessation that occur throughout the night. These brief moments, known as apneas, are caused by temporarily relaxed muscles in the back of the throat and tongue, which block the airways. Untreated sleep apnea is often characterized by snoring and daytime sleepiness and is associated with an increased risk of serious health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. If you’ve received a positive sleep apnea diagnosis, the good news is that effective treatment is available. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy, better known as CPAP, is considered the gold standard in sleep apnea care. While using CPAP may seem daunting at first, here are some tips to help you avoid the most common CPAP problems and get the most from your treatment.

Optimizing CPAP Treatment: Types of Devices and Masks

CPAP devices come in various sizes, along with several different types of masks that take into account your personal sleep style and the recommended level of pressure from your sleep care provider. All CPAP devices work by pressurizing and filtering the air and delivering it through a hose and mask that you wear on your face while sleeping. CPAP keeps airways open and improves breathing quality, leading to improved sleep and better overall health. Despite the positive results obtained from CPAP usage, the compliance rate is still low. According to the National Institutes of Health, the standard for national CPAP compliance is 4 hours of use per night for 70% of the time asleep. On average, only 50% of users fall into this compliance criteria. Finding a good fit will make CPAP use more comfortable and avoid any side effects like dry mouth or eyes that can occur when there is leakage.

Choosing the Right Mask Type

CPAP masks come in three different types, each with criteria for use. Each mask type has its own pros and cons, so it is important to review mask selection with your sleep specialist. Nasal Pillows are an excellent choice for anyone who can’t tolerate a mask covering their face and are often best for patients with claustrophobia. Nasal pillows look similar to headphone ear pods that fit into the nose and are the most minimal masks for CPAP therapy. They have the least contact with the face and are also the best choice for men with a heavy mustache or beard that interferes with a full face mask creating a tight seal. However, they may not be the best choice for those who sleep on their side or move around during sleep.

The nasal mask offers an excellent middle ground between nasal pillows and full face masks. Because of its popularity, it is offered in a wide variety of fits and sizes. A nasal mask covers the whole nose, from the bridge to the upper lip. It is a good choice for those who need a higher pressure setting due to its natural airflow. It is also a common choice for those who move around while asleep. But because the mouth is not covered, the nasal mask would not be a good choice for people who tend to breathe through their mouth during the day due to certain conditions, or for people who cannot keep their mouth closed while using nasal masks.

Full face masks cover the mouth and nose and are best if higher pressure settings are recommended since the air pressure is diffused over a greater surface area. They are best for back sleepers since the lack of movement allows for a better seal and less chance of leakage. The full face mask is also suitable for mouth breathers because it includes full mouth coverage. However, the full face mask may feel too obtrusive or claustrophobic for some users. Regardless of what mask you choose, obtaining the right fit is critical to get the most from the equipment and to aid in adjusting to CPAP usage.

Adapting to CPAP: Tips for Comfortable Usage

Once you have your equipment, the next step is to get used to wearing the mask during the day to take some of the anxiety out of sleeping with the CPAP machine. A recent article in the NIH National Library of Medicine discusses an advanced feature on many CPAP machines that allows you to start with low air pressure that automatically ramps up once you are asleep. This “auto ramp” feature is quieter, allowing ample time to fall asleep before the higher and likely more uncomfortable prescribed pressure kicks in. If you find yourself pulling the mask off at night, it may be because you are experiencing nasal congestion. Some machines feature a heated humidifier that attaches to the device and helps reduce the nasal dryness that often accompanies CPAP usage.

Keeping a sleep routine will also help with the adjustment to CPAP treatment. Whether it involves taking a bath, reading, or doing yoga, consistent sleep habits help promote a good night’s sleep and relieve some of the stress of CPAP use. It’s also important to wait until you’re tired to go to bed. This is good advice whether or not you are using CPAP, but it is especially important when you are committed to making long-term treatment a part of your lifestyle. Adjusting to CPAP therapy can be frustrating at first. However, with practice and patience, it will become a natural part of your sleep routine. The investment in long-term CPAP usage will pay off with not only a better night’s sleep but with better overall health.

Get started today on your road to restful sleep!