What is CPAP Therapy? A Comprehensive Guide

Sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder affecting 936 million adults worldwide ¹, can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy has emerged as a key solution to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea, helping individuals breathe more easily during the night.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the more common basic questions about CPAP therapy, from its prevalence and components to how it works, its pros and cons, insurance coverage, alternative treatments, and tips on avoiding CPAP therapy failure.

What is CPAP Therapy?

CPAP therapy, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy, is a non-invasive treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat relax excessively, leading to a temporary blockage of the airway during sleep. CPAP therapy involves the use of a CPAP machine, which delivers a continuous stream of pressurized air through a mask that covers the nose and mouth to keep the airway open and prevent pauses in breathing. By maintaining a constant airflow, a CPAP keeps the airway open preventing apneas (pauses in breathing) and promoting healthy sleep. While there are alternate treatments including mouth pieces, surgeries and emerging technologies ², CPAP Therapy is the most common and most effective option.

How common is Sleep Apnea, and CPAP use?

Sleep apnea is more prevalent than many might realize. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, an estimated 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, with 80% of cases going undiagnosed ³. CPAP is one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea, and millions of individuals worldwide rely on CPAP machines to manage their condition. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of Sleep Apnea.

What are the components of a CPAP?

A CPAP machine consists of several key components:

• CPAP Machine: The main unit that generates and delivers pressurized air.
• Mask: Worn over the nose, mouth, or both, the mask directs the airflow to the airway.
• Headgear: Straps that secure the mask in place.
• Tubing: Connects the machine to the mask, delivering the pressurized air.
• Filters: Capture dust and particles, ensuring clean air is delivered.

How does a CPAP work?

CPAP machines work by maintaining a constant airflow to prevent airway collapse during sleep. The prescribed pressure setting is determined by a sleep specialist based on the severity of the individual’s sleep apnea. The positive air pressure acts as a splint, keeping the airway open and allowing uninterrupted breathing during sleep.

What are the pros and cons of CPAP therapy?

Pros:

• Effectiveness: CPAP is highly effective in treating sleep apnea and improving symptoms.
• Immediate Results: Users often experience immediate relief and improved sleep quality.
• Non-invasive: Unlike surgical interventions, CPAP is a non-invasive treatment option.
• Improved Energy: CPAP reduces daytime sleepiness⁴ and increases wakefulness often leading to an improved quality of life.

Cons:

• Comfort Issues: Some users may find masks uncomfortable or experience skin irritation.
• Noise: The sound of the machine can be bothersome for some individuals or their partners.
• Compliance Challenges: Consistent usage and equipment care can be challenging for some users.

How often do people fail CPAP? and tips for how to avoid failure

Studies show that up to half of patients stop using their CPAP or never fill their prescription to begin with. CPAP therapy failure⁵ can occur due to various reasons, including discomfort, mask-related issues, and difficulty adapting to the therapy. To avoid CPAP failure, consider the following tips:

• Mask Selection: Experiment with different mask styles and sizes to find the most comfortable and effective option for you.
• Adjustment Period: Understand that it may take time to get used to CPAP therapy. Gradually increase the duration of use to allow your body to acclimate.
• Regular Maintenance: Clean and replace CPAP equipment, such as masks and filters, regularly to ensure optimal functionality and to avoid infection.
• Humidification: Some users experience dryness in the nose and throat. Adding a humidifier to the CPAP machine can alleviate discomfort.
• Positional Therapy: Explore sleeping in different positions to find the one that minimizes airway obstruction. There are even pillows meant to accommodate your CPAP equipment and help you get a more comfortable nights sleep.
• Consult with a Specialist: If issues persist, consult with your sleep specialist or CPAP provider for adjustments to the pressure settings or alternative solutions.

How often do I need to clean my CPAP equipment?

You should wash your hose, mask and chamber at least once a week but each part differs.

Maintaining clean CPAP equipment is essential for optimal performance and to prevent the risk of infections. It is important to always follow your CPAP manufacturers instructions for cleaning but here are some general CPAP cleaning guidelines:

• Mask: Your mask has a few parts, the cushion (sits directly on your skin), the frame, and the headgear. The cushion should be cleaned daily. The frame and headgear should be cleaned weekly⁶.
• Hose: Clean your CPAP hose at least once a week.
• Water Chamber: Empty the water chamber daily and refill with distilled water to prevent mineral deposits. Plan to clean it once a week.
• Filters: Regularly replace or clean filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Is CPAP therapy covered by insurance?

In many cases, CPAP therapy is covered by health insurance plans. However, coverage may vary, and some plans may require documentation of medical necessity. It’s essential to check with your insurance provider to understand the specific terms of coverage.

Are there alternate Sleep Apnea treatments?

Yes. While CPAP is a widely accepted treatment, alternative options exist. Most commonly an individual’s doctor will make a recommended treatment plan based on the severity of your sleep apnea. Just like CPAP therapy, each treatment alternative has its pros and cons.

• BiPAP (Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure)⁷: Similar to CPAP but provides different pressures for inhalation and exhalation.
• Auto-CPAP (APAP): Adjusts the pressure automatically based on the individual’s needs throughout the night⁸.
• Oral Appliances: Devices that reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open.
• Surgery: Invasive options, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), may be considered in severe cases.

CPAP therapy has revolutionized the management of sleep apnea, offering an effective and non-invasive solution for millions of individuals worldwide. While CPAP has its pros and cons, its prevalence underscores its importance in the sleep medicine landscape. Understanding how it works, the benefits and implementing strategies to avoid failing CPAP therapy, can help individuals successfully manage their sleep apnea and improve their overall sleep health.

References

1. National Council on Aging, Sleep Apnea Statistics and Facts You Should Know
2. CPAP Cleaning Machines, Innovative Nasal Spray Holds Potential for Sleep Apnea Relief
3. American Sleep Apnea Association, Sleep Apnea Information For Clinicians
4. Sleep Foundation, Before and After CPAP Machine Effects: How Your Body Changes
5. KFF Health News, I’m A CPAP Dropout: Why Many Lose Sleep Over Apnea Treatment
6. ResMed, How to Clean Your CPAP Equipment
7. Clevland Clinic, BiPAP
8. Sleep Foundation, APAP Machine