How Comfortable CPAP Therapy

How Comfortable CPAP Therapy

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP therapy is considered the “gold standard” for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and has been available for 30 years. It refers to the pressurized air that is delivered through a unique delivery system which utilizes a mask.

The CPAP machine is basically a small box which has a motorized fan inside. This fan very quietly draws air from the room, gently pressurizes it, then delivers it at a setting specific to your needs.

The air intake section of a CPAP machine has a filter on it to eliminate the intake of dust, smoke, or other impurities in the air. You will replace the filter as necessary.

Another key part of the CPAP machine is the humidification chamber built into the box. This is where water is warmed to humidify the pressurized air before it is delivered.

Warm, moist air soothes your nasal and upper airway passages and helps prevent swelling and discomfort that can sometimes occur while using the therapy. Although using humidification is optional, it brings relief for the majority of patients using CPAP therapy who live in dry or arid climates or who wake up with a dry mouth, nasal passages, or throat. The humidification chamber is pretty easy to keep clean and should last the lifetime of the machine itself.

That leaves the CPAP mask. It is often said that the success of CPAP therapy often rests on how comfortable and well fitting the mask is. CPAP masks come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit the vast array of facial landscapes. Masks wear out over time and should be replaced on a regular schedule.

CPAP machines are fairly compact and can easily fit on a standard nightstand. They are pretty easy to keep clean, and with regular maintenance and care, should last you a long time.