A frequent question that comes up in the sleep clinic is, “what is CPAP?”
CPAP is an acronym for continuous positive airway pressure.
CPAP is a device that sits next to the bed, is plugged into the wall, and has a tube that connects to a mask that a user would wear.
CPAP takes room air, compresses it, then delivers it through the tube, through the mask, and into the upper airway to prevent it from collapsing during sleep.
🚫 CPAP is not supplemental oxygen.
🚫 CPAP is not breathing for you.
✅ CPAP is very safe and effective for treating obstructive sleep apnea but it takes some getting used to.
✅ On average it takes 4-6 weeks to sleep through the night with it.
✅ Having a customized mask fit and close follow up for troubleshooting common pitfalls are very helpful for success.
✅ I showed you a Resmed Airsense10 and different masks in a previous post. This video contains a short tour of the Respironics Dream Station which is one of the two most popular brands of CPAP machines in the USA.
✅ I hope this video provides you with an idea of what CPAP is and what it looks like.
❓What questions or concerns do you have about CPAP?