Why is this procedure done?
Continuous positive airway pressure is often called CPAP. It is a treatment used to help you breathe better. It keeps the airways open by using air pressure. It is the first choice of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. This happens when your breathing stops or gets shallow while you are asleep. You are not able to get enough air from your mouth and nose into your lungs. Breathing pauses from a few seconds to minutes in sleep apnea. CPAP can also be used to treat other health problems like breathing problems in babies. ‚
CPAP is given by a machine that helps breathing. It gives constant air pressure to keep the airways open. The machine most often has: ‚
- A mask that covers your mouth and nose
- A tube that hooks the mask to the machine
- A pump or motor that gives off the air pressure that is attached to the face mask
What will the results be?
- Treat sleep apnea
- Lessen your daytime sleepiness
- Lessen chance for high blood pressure
- Improve heart function
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may:
- Check your lungs, ears, nose, and throat.
- Order a sleep study. This will help your doctor know the right amount of airway pressure.
- Send you to see a lung or ear, nose, and throat specialist.
What happens during the procedure?
- Your doctor will fit a mask tightly on your face. This will make sure that air does not leak out.
- The mask will cover your mouth and nose. The pump will force air through your airway to keep it open. You will feel pressure from the mask.
- You will wear the face mask when you sleep at night.
- If you have CPAP treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, you will use the machine for the rest of your life.
What happens after the procedure?
- After your sleep study, you will be able to go home.
- If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you will need to have a CPAP machine at home. CPAP machines are costly. You can rent a machine before you buy it. Your insurance may also help to pay for it.
What care is needed at home?
- Be sure to use the CPAP machine every night. If you stop using it, it is likely that your signs will return.
- Ask your doctor or machine provider how to care for and clean the machine and face mask.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Lose weight
- Exercise regularly.
- Keep your home smoke free. Stay away from secondhand and thirdhand smoke. Anyone in your home who smokes should quit smoking.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
What problems could happen?
- Skin allergy or skin irritation from the mask
- Dry mouth and nose
- Air may leak from mask
- Problems from air pressure
- Nightmares and dreaming a lot during early use
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cpap/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚