For further information about sleep apnea and how a CPAP machine can help, visit Profmed Healthcare Solutions today at http://cpapmachinestore.ca/

1. Basic Information
about CPAP

2. Basic Information about CPAP
• CPAP is a breathing treatment
method that stands for
‘continuous positive airway
pressure’. People who suffer
from obstructive sleep apnea
and other serious respiratory
ailments use CPAP machines to
encourage a more restful sleep.

3. Basic Information about CPAP
• Positive pressure is used to
increase the amount of oxygen a
patient is able to take in, without
the patient having to work any
harder in the process.

4. What Is OSA?
• OSA stands for obstructive sleep
apnea, and it is the primary
reason that the CPAP treatment
is used. OSA is a very serious
condition that can even be life
threatening in certain situations.
As part of the condition, the
breathing passages are blocked
by tissue in the upper airway,
disrupting sleep and making it
difficult to breathe.

5. What Is OSA?
• When someone has OSA, the muscles in the upper throat that
usually let air flow into the lungs don’t work properly and the air
passage doesn’t stay open like it should. When this happens,
breathing stops and the body wakes up to get enough oxygen. The
sleep disruption usually doesn’t last very long, but if it happens
enough, the person isn’t able to reach the deeper stages of sleep
and never gets totally rested. If you have moderate OSA, you’ll
wake up between 15 and 30 times every hour, and if it is severe
your sleep may be disrupted more than 30 times per hour.

6. The CPAP Machine
• The CPAP machine is what is used
for treatment, and it is designed to
keep your airways open as you
sleep. If the airways are kept open
at all times, sleep disturbances can
be kept to a minimum and both you
and your sleeping partner can get a
proper rest.

7. The CPAP Machine
• The machine consists of a tank water and a filter, a tube, mask and
a chin strap. The tank and filter are designed to remove impurities
and the chin strap helps keep the mouth closed so the majority of
breathing is down through the nose. After the mask in on and chin
strap is in place the machine is turned on and a continuous flow of
air is sent into the airway. The pressure that the machine creates
prevents the airway from collapsing as it normally would, and you
get to breathe free and clear all night long.

8. CPAP Benefits
• Along with a much better night’s sleep, the CPAP machine provides
several benefits. Some of these include:
• Less drowsiness in the daytime
• More energy
• Better mood and focus
• More complete blood circulation
• Non-surgical
• Better immunity

9. Common Patient Issues
• While the CPAP machine does provide benefits, it isn’t completely
without issues. Many patients have issues when they first start with
the treatment. Some of these include:

10. Common Patient Issues
• Trouble with the mask – it can be difficult to fall asleep with a mask
on your face if you aren’t used to it. Sometimes, wearing the mask
while you’re awake during the day can help you get accustomed to
the feeling.
•
• Stuffy nose – a dry or stuffed up nose is perfectly normal with air
being forced into it continuously. Of course, it isn’t going to do for
you, so try turning up the humidity on the machine or using a saline
solution to increase the moisture level in your nasal passage.

11. Common Patient Issues
• Trouble with forced air – no matter how badly you need it, having air
forced into your airways can be a little unsettling at first. A lot of
machines have a low pressure feature to allow you to get used to
the pressure slowly. Try this if you’re having trouble with the air
pressure.
•
• Losing the mask overnight – sometimes, the mask just won’t stay on
your face consistently while you sleep. Naturally, this defeats the
whole purpose, so if it happens to you try switching to a different
mask. You can also check the humidity level in case you’re
removing it in your sleep from excessive dryness.

12. Things to Look For
• As you use your CPAP machine and successfully treat your OSA or
other sleep condition, it’s important to keep an eye on certain
elements of your machine. Even with the utmost care, they won’t
last forever and it’s important to replace each part as needed. Here
are some things to watch out for as you continue to use your
machine.

13. Things to Look For
• Stiff or cracked cushions or pillows
• Discomfort after using the machine
• Colour change in the cushion
• Discoloured filter
• Colour change in the tubing
• Leaks in the mask
• Tears or holes in the tubing
• Stretched headgear
• Cloudy water in the chamber

14. Further Reading…
• For further information about sleep apnea
and how a CPAP machine can help, visit
Profmed Healthcare Solutions today at
http://cpapmachinestore.ca/