You have likely heard about cpap and the many benefits it can bring, including preventing serious health problems like heart disease. Most insurance providers cover the cost of the machine and mask.

CPAP keeps your airway open while you sleep, significantly reducing or eliminating snoring. It also helps reduce daytime sleepiness and high blood pressure.

Symptoms

The main way to treat obstructive sleep apnea is to use CPAP. The device consists of a mask that covers your nose or mouth, a tube and machine that pumps air under pressure, and a headgear to hold the mask in place while you sleep.

CPAP can reduce symptoms such as snoring, daytime sleepiness and impaired memory. It can also lower blood pressure and prevent clots from forming in the arteries. These benefits make CPAP treatment important for people with diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and stroke.

Occasionally, CPAP may cause nasal discomfort. A chin strap can help with this, as can using saline nasal spray or a humidifier. Keeping the equipment clean can also alleviate discomfort. A ramp feature that gradually increases the air pressure to your prescribed level as you fall asleep can also make CPAP more comfortable. Getting regular support and advice from a sleep center can help you get used to CPAP therapy.

Treatment

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines deliver a stream of pressurized air to keep the upper airway open. This prevents the stops and pauses in breathing that cause sleep apnea. It also eliminates snoring and improves daytime function.

Besides CPAP, there are other treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea, including oral appliances and various surgical techniques. In addition, simple lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol and sedative use and maintaining a normal body mass index can significantly mitigate sleep apnea symptoms.

For patients who can’t accept or tolerate CPAP therapy, our experts at the Michigan Medicine Alternatives to CPAP Clinic may recommend different options, such as nasal and/or oral appliances or other surgical techniques. They will review the results of your sleep study, examine your mouth and throat anatomy, and discuss the best option to suit your individual preferences and needs. For more information, visit our Non-Surgical and Dental Alternatives to CPAP page.

Getting Started

Once you’ve received a prescription for PAP therapy, the next step is to take it to a durable medical equipment (DME) provider. These providers are independent of sleep clinics and may be preferred by your insurance, or even your doctor. Meagan Remmes is a medical writer and patient advocate who specializes in helping people get the supplies they need to treat their sleep apnea. She works with Aeroflow Sleep and has written for a variety of health-related industries.

Maintenance

The cpap machine and mask must be clean on a regular basis to avoid complications such as bacterial contamination. Generally the machine can be wiped down daily, while parts that touch skin need to be wiped or washed thoroughly once a day or once a week. Non-disposable filters need to be soaked every other week in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes and rinsed well.

Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, some items may need to be cleaned more often than others. The water chamber should be emptied and washed weekly, preferably in your sink with warm, soapy water then allowed to air dry. The tubing, humidifier and non-disposable filter should also be washed once a week with warm, soapy water. Using only distilled water will help prevent mineral deposits that can damage the cpap equipment over time.