Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway collapses during sleep. This happens when the muscles in the airway relax, allowing some of the tissue to droop. If the airway becomes obstructed, the person partially wakes up even if he is not aware of it. One effective way of treating obstructive sleep apnea is with a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask.
Identification
Continuous positive airway pressure devices are made up of three parts: a small machine that pumps air, a mask that directs the air into the patient's airway and a tube that connects the air pump to the mask.
How It Works
A CPAP mask is worn while the person sleeps. It is designed to direct a gentle stream of air into the respiratory system at all times. The mask does not actively help the person breathe; the air flow is too gentle to affect inhaling or exhaling in any significant way. The mask has its main effect during the time between inhalation and exhalation--the time when the airway collapses. It is during sleep, when breathing becomes slow, that the airway is especially prone to collapse
Types
The Mayo Clinic notes there are many different kinds of CPAP masks. With the nasal pillow, the mask is connected only to the nose. A nasal pillow can be held in place using straps that fit around the side of the patient's head or with a set of straps that fit over the top of the head ("ball cap-style" straps). Nasal pillows may also be fitted with a foam cushion for greater comfort and a tighter fit. Other CPAP masks use a nasal mask that fits tightly around the nose or a mask that fits over both the nose and mouth.
Options
Continuous positive airway pressure masks can be bought along with the air pump or purchased separately. There are many different commercial providers of CPAP supplies. Most CPAP machines can be adjusted to provide different air pressures, but these settings are designed to be adjusted only by a physician or sleep technician.
Side Effects and Adjustments
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute notes many patients have trouble falling asleep when they start using a CPAP mask. This often gets better over time, though some patients benefit from "practicing" wearing the CPAP mask for short periods of time during the day. Some machines have a "ramp" setting such that the machine gradually increases the air pressure as the night goes on; the lower initial pressure makes it easier to fall asleep.
