This FAQ provides answers to common questions about sleep apnea, CPAP therapy, and CPAP equipment. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder involving pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. It’s potentially serious, as breathing repeatedly stops and starts. Throat muscles relax and narrow the airway, obstructing breathing and lowering blood oxygen levels. The brain senses this and briefly wakes you to reopen the airway.
What are the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Loud snoring
- Observed breathing cessation during sleep
- Abrupt awakenings with gasping or choking
- Awakening with dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headache
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes (depression, irritability)
- High blood pressure
- Nighttime sweating
- Decreased libido
When should I see a doctor about sleep apnea?
Consult a medical professional if you or your partner notice:
- Loud snoring disturbing sleep
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Intermittent pauses in breathing during sleep
- Excessive daytime drowsiness, potentially causing you to fall asleep while working, watching TV, or driving
What causes Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking airflow to the lungs. This narrows the airway, causing intermittent breathing stops (10-20 seconds), lowering blood oxygen and increasing carbon dioxide. The brain reacts by briefly waking you to reopen the airway. This can happen 5-30 times per hour, leading to poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. Many with sleep apnea are unaware of these interruptions.
What are the risk factors for sleep apnea?
- Excess weight: Fat tissue in the upper airway can cause obstruction.
- Narrowed airway: This can be genetic or due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Chronic nasal congestion: This can narrow the airway.
- Smoking.
- Diabetes.
- Gender: Men are twice as likely as women to have sleep apnea.
- Family history of sleep apnea.
- Asthma.
What are the complications of untreated Sleep Apnea?
- Daytime fatigue and sleepiness: Repeated awakenings lead to poor sleep quality, drowsiness, fatigue, and irritability, making concentration difficult and increasing the risk of falling asleep during activities like driving.
- Cardiovascular problems: Decreased blood oxygen can increase blood pressure and strain the heart, leading to hypertension, heart disease, and potentially fatal cardiac events.
- Complications with medications and surgery: Sedatives, narcotics, and general anesthetics can worsen sleep apnea.
- Eye problems: There’s a correlation between sleep apnea and glaucoma.
What are the statistics on Sleep Apnea?
- 1 in 5 adults has mild OSA.
- 1 in 15 has moderate to severe OSA.
- 9% of middle-aged women and 25% of middle-aged men suffer from OSA.
- Prevalence 1 is similar to asthma (20 million) and diabetes (23.6 million).
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- 75% of severe sleep apnea cases are undiagnosed.
- OSA can occur at any age, but prevalence increases with age.
- About 80% to 90% of adults with OSA remain undiagnosed.
How is Sleep Apnea diagnosed?
Based on your symptoms, your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist. They may perform a physical exam and order overnight sleep studies to assess your breathing and sleep patterns. Two studies are usually conducted: one to diagnose sleep apnea and another to determine a customized treatment plan
What is a Sleep Study?
Overnight sleep studies are conducted at a regulated sleep clinic. You’ll sleep in a private room while technicians monitor your breathing, heart rate, and other vital signs using specialized equipment.
- Polysomnography (Diagnostic): This full-night study monitors your heart, lung, and brain activity, breathing patterns, and blood oxygen levels to diagnose sleep apnea and measure your AHI (apnea-hypopnea index), which indicates the number of breathing interruptions.
- Polysomnography (Titration): This study helps doctors adjust positive airway pressure therapy by calibrating CPAP pressure and finding a suitable mask.
Home sleep apnea testing: A home-based version of polysomnography may be an option in some cases.
What are some tips for Sleep Studies?
- Shower beforehand and avoid lotions, oils, and makeup.
- Stick to your sleep routine and avoid caffeine after 5 pm.
- Bring your own pillow, sleepwear, and something to read.
- Bring toiletries for the morning.
- For titration studies, bring your CPAP mask and hosing if you have them
What are some lifestyle modifications for sleep apnea?
For milder cases, doctors may recommend:
- Weight loss
- Exercise
- Moderate alcohol consumption
- Quitting smoking
- Using nasal decongestants or allergy medication
- Avoiding sleeping on your back
What is Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy?
PAP therapy is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea. A small machine delivers air pressure through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep
What is CPAP Therapy?
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the most common type of PAP therapy. It delivers constant air pressure to keep the airway open, preventing apnea events. CPAP machines include humidifiers for comfort and use various masks (nasal, nasal pillows, full face) to suit individual needs.
How does normal breathing work during sleep?
During sleep, air travels through the nose, mouth, and throat to the lungs. When this passage is open, breathing is normal. If it narrows or becomes obstructed, snoring and sleep apnea can occur.
How does PAP therapy work?
PAP therapy uses an air pump, a mask, and a tube connecting them. The pump pressurizes air, which flows through the tube and mask into the airway, keeping it open.
What are the different types of PAP machines?
- CPAP: Provides constant air pressure throughout the night.
- APAP (Auto-titrating Positive Airway Pressure): Adjusts pressure automatically based on breathing patterns.
BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure): Uses different pressures for inhalation and exhalation.
How do I care for and clean my CPAP equipment?
- Daily: Disassemble and handwash mask components (except headgear) with mild soap and warm water. Use a soft brush to clean vents. Rinse and air dry.
- Weekly: Handwash headgear, clean the water chamber, and wash the air tubing with mild detergent. Rinse and air dry.
- Regularly replace CPAP supplies (cushions, frames, headgear, humidifier, tubing, filters) according to manufacturer recommendations.
What are some tips for CPAP usage?
- Ensure proper mask fit: Work with your doctor and CPAP supplier to find the right mask size and style.
- Get used to wearing the device: Practice wearing the mask during the day to adjust.
- Use the ramp feature: Start with low air pressure and gradually increase it.
- Address dryness: Use a heated humidifier and nasal saline spray.
- Manage claustrophobia: Practice wearing the mask while awake and try relaxation techniques.
- Prevent leaks: Adjust pads and straps for a secure fit.
- Address skin irritation: Adjust the mask or try a different style.
- Improve sleep: Follow good sleep habits and use the ramp feature.
- Manage dry mouth: Use a chin strap, full-face mask, or humidifier.
- Keep the device on: Use a full-face mask, chin strap, or humidifier to prevent mask removal during sleep.
Reduce noise: Clean the air filter, check for proper function, and consider earplugs or a white noise machine
What are the different types of CPAP masks available?
- Nasal Mask: Covers the nose.
- Nasal Pillow Mask: Fits into the nostrils.
Full Face Mask: Covers both nose and mouth.
How do I choose the right CPAP mask for me?
Consider your sleeping position, breathing style, comfort, facial hair, and personal preferences.
What is the difference between nasal masks and nasal pillow masks?
Nasal masks cover the entire nose, while nasal pillow masks fit directly into the nostrils.
How often should I replace my CPAP equipment?
Replace cushions every 1-2 months, mask frames and headgear every 6 months, humidifiers every 6 months, tubing every 6 months, and filters every month.
Why is my CPAP mask leaking air?
Leaks can be caused by improper fit, worn-out cushions, or loose headgear straps
What if my CPAP mask feels uncomfortable?
Adjust the mask, try a different type, or consult your CPAP provider
Can I sleep on my side with a CPAP mask?
Yes, certain masks, like nasal pillows or smaller nasal masks, are suitable for side sleepers.
What are some recommended ResMed masks for CPAP therapy?
- ResMed AirFit™ P10 (nasal pillow)
- ResMed AirFit™ N20 (nasal)
- ResMed AirFit™ F30i (full face)
How do I know if my CPAP mask fits correctly?
It should create a good seal without causing discomfort or leaving red marks.
Are there CPAP masks specifically designed for women?
Yes, ResMed offers the AirFit™ For Her series with smaller sizes.
Can I wear my CPAP mask with facial hair?
Yes, but nasal pillow masks are often a better option.
What should I do if I have allergies or sensitive skin?
Use hypoallergenic cushions, CPAP wipes, and hypoallergenic filters.
Can I wear glasses with my CPAP mask?
Yes, many masks allow for a clear line of sight
Should I use my CPAP machine if I have a cold or sinus infection?
Yes, but elevate your head, use a humidifier, and consider decongestant sprays.
Why is my CPAP mask leaking?
Check for proper fit, worn-out components, and appropriate mask size.
What can I do if I wake up and find that I’ve removed my CPAP mask in my sleep?
Practice wearing the mask while awake, consider using gloves, or try a different mask style.
How can I reduce dry mouth when using CPAP?
Use a full-face mask, chin strap, or humidifier
How tight should my CPAP mask be?
Snug but not overly tight; you should be able to slip two fingers between the mask and your face.
What should I do if I experience discomfort or skin irritation from the mask?
Adjust the mask straps, use mask liners, or try a different mask type.