cpap (continuous positive air pressure)

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The "gold-standard" and most commonly prescribed method of treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is continuous positive air pressure or CPAP. A CPAP machine delivers air pressure of adjustable intensity through a nasal mask worn during sleep.

Nasal CPAP is a well established treatment that many people adapt to quickly, however, some patients may have difficulty.

There are three types of CPAP devices:

* Standard CPAP - Standard CPAP delivers a fixed pressure of room air. The air pressure forms a "splint" preventing the airway from collapsing during sleep. The pressure used is determined during a CPAP titration study.
* Bi-level CPAP - Bi-level devices use two different pressures to support the airway - a stronger pressure is delivered during inhalation and a lower pressure is used during exhalation. The change in pressure is determined by the patient's breathing pattern.
* Smart CPAP- Smart PAP machines automatically adjust the pressure in response to a patient's needs throughout the night.

Side effects of CPAP treatment include

* Nasal Congestion
* Conjunctivitis
* Sinus Involvement
* Skin Irritation
* Gastric Distension

CPAP Compliance is difficult to determine but studies indicate that it is influenced by a variety of factors including:

* severity of the sleep apnea
* quality of patient training and education
* initial success or problems
* participation in a support group
* claustrophobia
* follow-up and monitoring by health care professionals
* patient motivation
* use of humidification
* ramping feature of CPAP device (gradual increase in pressure as patient falls asleep)
* treatment reactions
* patient's age