CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, is a primary treatment for sleep apnea, but CPAP therapy is also useful for improving symptoms associated with a variety of pulmonary diseases. Regular CPAP use in patients with respiratory dysfunction may improve symptoms and increase energy to promote exercise, thereby controlling weight, assisting with sleep and improving overall health. When and how often you should use CPAP depends on your diagnosis and doctor's instructions.
Function
CPAP improves breathing and sleep and treats apnea and other problems by forcing a flow of positive air pressure through a mask and into the airways. The positive air pressure holds the airways open to enable free breathing. Typically, a CPAP user runs a machine during the night to prevent airway constriction and respiratory distress during sleep. To obtain maximum benefits when treating sleep apnea, you should use CPAP every time you sleep. Daytime users typically experience better results when using CPAP consistently for several weeks. Do not use CPAP during exercise unless specifically instructed by your doctor to do so.
Benefits
CPAP promotes exercise by improving lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other lung disorders. By assisting with respiration, edema and other cardiopulmonary symptoms are improved, and CPAP use during sleep can increase energy and endurance. A study published in the July 2006 issue of "Chest" concluded that 30 minutes of daily nasal CPAP use improves lung function and exercise tolerance in patients suffering from congestive heart failure. The benefits to some patients may result from improved respiratory function and sleep quality. CPAP benefits typically begin after several weeks of continued use, according to Kaiser Permanente.
Considerations
CPAP use can cause a variety of side effects, including dry, sore eyes; abdominal bloating or cramping; pressure sores and skin irritation; and dry mouth. While these side effects do not usually interfere with daily activities or exercise, it is important to mention them to your doctor. In some cases, pressure sores or rashes may become infected and require medical treatment. Changing masks may prevent some side effects from occurring.
Warnings
The ability to exercise does not mean that exercise is safe. If you are under treatment for any heart, lung or other condition, speak with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Your doctor can work with you to design an exercise routine that is safe for your condition, and he will be better able to monitor the effectiveness of your CPAP treatment if he remains aware of your daily activity level.
References
- Kaiser Permanente: How Does Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Work?
- Virginia Tech; Physiological Responses in OSA Patients to Ramping Exercise After CPAP Treatment; D. Edward Shifflett, Jr.
- "Chest"; Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Pulmonary Function and Exercise Tolerance in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure; Veronica L. Wittmer, et al.; July 2006
- "American Review of Respiratory Disease"; Improvement in Exercise Endurance in Patients with Chronic Airflow Limitation Using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; DE O'Donnell, et al.; December 1988
- "American Review of Respiratory Disease"; Benefits of Continuous Airway Pressure During Exercise in Cystic Fibrosis and Relationship to Disease Severity; KG Henke, et al; November 1993
