CPAP Therapy Review

CPAP or continuous positive airway pressure, is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea or OSA.  OSA occurs when the tongue or other tissue in the back of the throat closes off the airway during sleep. Many people have sleep apnea and don't even know it.  Symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness and loud snoring.  Left untreated OSA can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Along with lifestyle changes, CPAP therapy is the most common treatment.  A machine blows air through a hose into the nose.  This keeps the airway from closing off and causing apnea events.  The hose is attached to a mask worn over the nose or in the nose. 

There are three types of masks - full face, nasal, and nasal pillows.  Full face masks cover the mouth and nose for those who mostly breath through the mouth.  Nasal masks cover just the nose and nasal pillows fit into the nasal passages.  

The masks require headgear to hold them in place and keep the pressure up.  Full face and nasal mask use a four point system in which there is a bottom strap that goes around the back of head at the nose and another strap that goes around the back of the head at the forehead.  The straps are attached to the mask with clips or Velcro. Nasal pillows usually have headgear that fits like a hat to hold the mask in place.

Therapy usually takes a few days to a few weeks to get used to, but it does help improve the quality of sleep by allowing the patient to sleep without the many awakenings they had been experiencing. 

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea four years ago.  I would like to share my symptoms as they were not the usual symptoms.  The apnea events apparently kept me from reaching a deep enough sleep.  I would frequently partially act out my dream with flailing, swatting, talking and even screaming.  Unfortunately these problems kept my hubby from getting a good nights sleep as well.

I do find myself struggling at times to continue the therapy.  While it does work, wearing a mask all night, every night can be a challenge.  The mask leaks get frustrating, as well as struggling with headgear.  Trying different masks helps as does the appreciation of my husband.

I recommend that anyone who has a problem with daytime sleepiness or other sleep troubles get tested.  While the CPAP therapy has it's drawbacks, it could just save your life.