Obstructive sleep apnea treatment requires a positive air-pressure device called a CPAP. CPAP stands for continuous positive air pressure. This mechanical device delivers positive air pressure during a sleep cycle and prevents a person's airway from becoming obstructed during the night. People who suffer from asthma, obstructive airway conditions like sleep apnea and have a history of respiratory failure benefit from this device, MedlinePlus reports.
Step 1
Begin by talking with the respiratory therapist about any concerns you may have. Ask questions that relate to sleeping, the machine and what to expect during the night. Take notes and place them where you can find them easily to refer back to when you think of more questions or just want to review what you and your therapist have discussed. This will help to ease any anxiety about the new machine, MedlinePlus indicates.
Step 2
Ask how to troubleshoot the machine if something occurs differently during the night. The respiratory therapist will come to your home to make the initial set up of the CPAP. This person will show you how to use the machine and make adjustments. During this instruction, ask about potential problems that may develop with either your breathing or the machine. Make sure the therapist's phone number gets placed on the instruction booklet that describes the machine and its use, MedlinePlus suggests. Keep the CPAP machine's manufacturer's phone number available in case you cannot reach the therapist.
Step 3
Question the therapist about the settings of the machine concerning the humidified water area, the positive air-pressure percentage and ramp control setting, MedlinePlus suggests. Setup of the machine requires knowledge. Focus your questions on the ramp control setting as this controls the level of pressure at which the oxygen flows. You will need this information at night time, especially if your breathing becomes more difficult.
Step 4
Set the ramp values from a low-point setting to allow your body time to become comfortable with the amount of pressure the airways need to remain unobstructed, MedlinePlus indicates. This cycle setting, which has the ramp feature, will be the key focus for you and your therapist to review.
Step 5
Report to the therapist any nose bleeding, dryness in the mouth or problems with the fitting of the mask during her follow-up visit with you. The mask has an important function in the connection of the CPAP and you. In order for the CPAP to work correctly, the mask needs to fit properly. The therapist can fit you for another mask or adjust the one you use. Noticing difficulties within the CPAP mask may occur in the beginning stages of getting used to the machine.
Things You'll Need
- Respiratory therapist
- Machine settings
- Mask fitting
- Distilled water
- Phone numbers
