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CPAP RISK

June 24th, 2008 by Gideon George

The Risk Associated with CPAP.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has become a mainstay of therapy for sleep apnea. However, intolerance to CPAP often leads to attrition and the device is abandoned as theraphy.

A single night off CPAP has been shown to be associated with recurrence of apnea, hypersomia, and impairment of alertness. And also what you have to know is that a CPAP decreases blood pressures in patients.

When using a CPAP make sure you check it well and don’t forget to get the best one with all the features you want because a failed CPAP titration polysomnography increases the cost of care of sleep apnea patients
Below are some of the Problems that may occur with using a CPAP machine
• Leaks around the mask because it does not fit properly
• Headaches.
• Nightmares and excessive dreaming during early use.
• Dry nose, nosebleeds, and sore throat.
• Nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing.
• Irritation of the eyes and the skin on the face.
• Abdominal bloating.

Rare complications of CPAP may include:
• Bacterial infection in the lining around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
• Severe nosebleeds.
You can expect mild discomfort in the morning when you first start using CPAP. Talk with your doctor if you do not feel comfortable after a few days.
Relieving side effects
You may be able to limit or stop some of the side effects:
• Your doctor may be able to adjust your CPAP to reduce or eliminate problems.
• Be sure the mask or nasal prongs fit you properly. Air should not leak around the mask.
• Use a humidifier or a corticosteroid nasal spray medicine to reduce nasal irritation and drainage.

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Continuous positive airway pressure Machine (CPAP)

June 20th, 2008 by Gideon George


What is continuous Positive Airway pressure (CPAP)?

Continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) is a device that uses a machine to help a person who has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to breathe more easily during sleep. The Nasal CPAP delivers air into your airway through a specially designed nasal mask or pillows while the flow of air creates enough pressure when you inhale to keep your airways open.

A CPAP machine is usually about the size of a shoebox but can be smaller. A flexible tube connects the machine with a mask or other interface device that is worn over the nose or mouth. CPAP is considered the most effective non-surgical treatment for the alleviation of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, it is the first treatment choice and the most widely used.

CPAP is also useful for children with collapsible airways, small lung volumes, or muscle weakness that interferes with adequate ventilation, and also used for adults with CORD, acute respiratory failure.

As a sleep apnea patient you are required to wear the nasal mask every night.

CPAP does not cure your sleep apnea completely but it has been found to be nearly 100 percent effective.

There are several CPAP manufacturers that offer different types of machines with different features.

In deciding which CPAP machine to use, think about what features you want or need. Options include

  • A carrying case, the ability to convert to foreign currents (automatically or with additional equipment),
  • The capability to adjust for different altitudes,
  • An attached heated humidifier,
  • Ramping (which allows for a gradual increase in pressure),
  • D.C (direct current) operations via a car or boat battery

Bi-level devices with two different pressures–one for inhalation and a lower pressure for exhalation–are also available.

Some machines can monitor how often you use the CPAP, while others can also record if you had any apneas while using the machine (this can indicate a need to adjust the pressure).


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