Sleep apnea and a CPAP machine

Simply put, sleep apnea is where a patient stops breathing intermittently during the night due to upper airway collapse. CPAP treatment applies a positive airway pressure to ensure that the airway remains open and breathing is not obstructed. There is a quantitative improvement seen in overall health, where a patient sleeps and feels better after using a CPAP machine.

Every face is unique so getting a mask to fit properly is essential for effective CPAP treatment.

What level of sleep apnea requires use of a CPAP?

CPAP can be used to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea. Most people with mild sleep apnea, less than 15 recorded respiratory events per hour of sleep, may be able to use other forms of treatment like an oral appliance or positional therapy. A CPAP machine is the main treatment for people with moderate to severe sleep apnea, those with 15 or more respiratory events per hour of sleep. A polysomnography or a home sleep test aka. a cardiorespiratory polygraphy can diagnose the type and severity of sleep apnea.

What about masks?

A CPAP machine is connected via a tube and a mask. A mask can either cover your nose only, nasal mask, or your nose and mouth, full-face mask. It may take trying a few different types of masks and adjusting your machine in order to determine the best comfort level. Every face is unique so getting a mask to fit properly is essential for effective treatment.

Any issues you have regarding mask fit or discomfort should be divulged to your sleep technologist. A quick email or call may be all that’s needed to fix any issues.

Machines are a lot smaller and quieter than they used to be. A supportive sleep clinic helps to answer any questions or concerns in order to maintain consistent use. It only works when you use it, and long-term daily use ensures optimum sleep health.

Am I doomed to look like Darth Vader, Hannibal Lecter, Bane (most sleep technologists have heard them all) forever?

The full face mask is not for everyone. Feeling refreshed and restored from a night with CPAP feels a lot sexier than any concern about the aesthetics of wearing a mask to bed.