Saturday, May 26, 2012

Nasal CPAP

Table of Contents

These devices are useful for children and adults with collapsible airways, small lung volumes, or muscle weakness that makes it difficult to breathe.

CPAP or BiPAP may also be used by people who have:

  • Acute respiratory failure
  • Central sleep apnea
  • COPD
  • Heart failure

HOW CPAP WORKS

CPAP works in the following way:

  • The device is a machine weighing about 5 pounds that fits on a bedside table.
  • A mask fits over the nose. A tube connects the mask to the CPAP device.
  • The machine delivers a steady stream of air under slight pressure through this tube into the mask.

The doctor, nurse, or therapist will help choose the mask that fits you best. They will also help adjust the settings on the machine. The settings on the CPAP machine depend on the severity of your sleep apnea.

If you are using the CPAP machine but your sleep apnea symptoms do not improve, the settings on the machine may need to be changed. Some patients can be taught to adjust the CPAP at home. Otherwise, you will need to make trips to the sleep center.

GETTING USED TO THE DEVICE

It can take time to become used to a CPAP device. The first few nights of CPAP therapy are often the most difficult. Some patients may actually sleep less or not sleep well at the start of treatment.

Patients who are having problems may tend not to use CPAP for the whole night, or even stop using the device. However, it is important to use the machine for the entire night.

Common complaints include:

  • A feeling of being closed in (claustrophobia)
  • Chest muscle discomfort, which usually goes away after a while
  • Eye irritation
  • Irritation and sores over the bridge of the nose
  • Nasal congestion and sore or dry mouth
  • Noise that interferes with sleep (although most machines are quiet)
  • Nosebleeds
  • Upper respiratory infections

Many of these problems can be helped or eliminated by the following methods:

  • Ask your doctor or therapist about using a mask that is lightweight and cushioned. Some masks are used only around the nostrils.
  • Make sure the mask fits correctly. It should not be too tight or too loose, and it should not leak any air.
  • Try nasal salt water sprays for a stuffed nose.
  • Use a humidifier to help with dry skin or nasal passages.
  • Keep your CPAP equipment clean.
  • Place your CPAP machine underneath your bed.

Your doctor or therapist can lower the pressure on the CPAP machine and then increase it again at a slow pace. Some new machines can automatically adjust to the pressure that is needed.


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Review Date: 09/15/2010
Reviewed By: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)