Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common and effective treatment for Sleep Apnoea. CPAP treats Sleep Apnoea by providing a gentle flow of positive pressure air through a mask to 'splint' the airways open during sleep.
When CPAP is applied, air is pumped in through a mask into your upper airway. The air prevents the muscles in the upper airway from collapsing during sleep, as is the case in Sleep Apnoea and snoring.
How can CPAP help?
When your airway collapses, you can no longer take in air normally. Your body becomes deprived of oxygen, and often, your brain pattern is disturbed, leaving you feeling tired the following day. Properly applied, CPAP prevents disturbed sleep, airway closure, and snoring. When used properly, CPAP can alleviate the following symptoms caused by Sleep Apnoea including, Sleepiness, Fatigue, Morning headaches, Poor concentration or memory, Decreased libido or impotence, Decreased attention, Depression, Decreased dexterity and Personality changes.
Is CPAP a cure for OSA and snoring?
CPAP is not a permanent cure for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). CPAP will treat OSA and alleviate the symptoms associated with OSA, while it is used. If you stop using CPAP, Sleep Apnoea will occur again.
Why do I need another Sleep Study?
A Treatment Review Study is required in order for us to know what is happening in your airway while you sleep with CPAP, and to treat your Sleep Apnoea optimally. This will occur 2 weeks after the end of your CPAP Trial.
What to do after your CPAP titration Sleep Study
You should make an appointment with your referring doctor towards the end of your 4-week CPAP Trial to discuss your progress, and the results from your Treatment Review Study on CPAP.
How often do I need further sleep studies?
We recommend that you have a Sleep Study every 12 months, or more if you have lost or gained weight. This will ensure that your CPAP equipment is working as well as it should, and to make any necessary adjustments to the CPAP Machine and/or mask.
For more information on CPAP, go to our CPAP FAQ page, or call Sleep SA on 8366 3805.
