CPAP Treatment for UARS

What is CPAP? - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

For treating UARS and other sleep breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, doctors typically prescribe a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to keep your airways from collapsing at night.

A what machine?

A continuous positive airway pressure machine, or as most of us call it, a CPAP.

A CPAP machine works by delivering a constant stream of air pressure through a hose and facial mask or nosepiece. This

These machines must be calibrated by a sleep technician to dial-in the correct pressure. Once set at the optimal pressure, the CPAP machine should keep your airways open wide during times the airways become too narrow or collapse.

Types of Positive Air Pressure Machines

CPAP - Continuous Positive Air Pressure

This is the most basic form of positive air pressure machines.

It uses a single pressure setting, typically set by a sleep technician during an in-lab titration study.

APAP - Automatic Positive Air Pressure

These machines are pretty much the same as CPAPs, but are able to change your pressure during the night to adapt to slight changes in your breathing.

Your doctor will most likely start you on an APAP machine, especially if you didn't have a titration study.

BiPAP - BiLevel Positive Air Pressure

These machines are similar to APAP machines, but have one huge differentiating factor.

BiPAP machines have two pressure settings.

ASV - Adapto-Servo Ventilation

CPAP FAQ

What are CPAP side effects?

• Sore or dry mouth
• Nasal congestion, runny nose, sinusitis, or nosebleeds
• Irritation of the nose
• Stomach bloating and discomfort
• Chest muscle discomfort

How can I make using my CPAP more comfortable?

Try these few tricks:

• Heated humidifier
• Make sure your mask fits comfortable
• Try wearing your mask before your go to sleep
• Nasal sprays to alleviate any congestion

How long do I need to use CPAP for?

You need to use the CPAP every night to notice its benefits.

The only case in which you could stop using a CPAP is if it helps you to lose the extra weight that was causing your sleep issues in the first place. (But this is more likely in those with obstructive sleep apnea)

How do I get a CPAP machine?

You must be prescribed a CPAP machine by your doctor.

You can also buy a second-hand machine without a prescription.

You'll also need to complete some form of a sleep study confirming a UARS diagnosis, in-lab or at-home, before being prescribed a CPAP.

Where should I buy my CPAP?

Once you get your prescription, you can purchase a CPAP through a local durable medical equipment (DME) supplier or a more cost-effective option is purchasing online through a site like CPAP.com.

Shopping online is definitely the way to go in my experience as most DMEs overcharge for the same products.

If your insurance won't be covering your CPAP, many CPAP users report that buying a lightly used CPAP from somebody that doesn't use it anymore is the best route if you'd like to save some cash.

What will CPAP do for me?

If you are successful with your CPAP therapy, it should completely treat your UARS and dramatically increase your quality-of-life.

Why am I still tired on CPAP?

Have you been using CPAP for a few months, but still feel you're not feeling as rested as you should?

Reasons for this

• Incorrect pressure

  • This is even more important if you have a CPAP (one steady pressure setting) rather than an APAP (automatically sets pressure).
  • Be sure to voice your concerns to your doctor. They might send you back for another titration study in a sleep lab.
  • Not only can your pressure be set too low, it can also be set too high!
  • Too high of a pressure can cause Central Apneas
• You're using the wrong type of machine

• There could be other reasons for your fatigue

  • Be sure to get all your bloodwork checked to rule out the possibility of another condition causing your fatigue.

I hate CPAP

Do you feel like you've tried everything in your power to try and sleep with your CPAP, but still can't acclimate to it?

You're not alone.

CPAP Alternatives

Luckily, there are many alternatives to a CPAP machine.

• Dental appliances
• Surgery
• Lifestyle changes

What is AHI?

AHI is the apnea-hypopnea index.

It refers to how many times you stop breathing per hour.

Ex: An AHI of 10 means that you have some form of obstruction 10 times per hour.