 The Equipment
CPAP consists of a blower unit, a mask,
gear to hold the mask on, and a tube to connect the blower to the mask.
- The Mask: There are
several ways to get air into the nose and upper airway: A mask that covers only the nose,
nasal pillows that fit into the nostrils and on occasion a full face mask that covers the
nose and the mouth. For most patients the nose mask is the most comfortable. Sizes vary
from large to petite and from wide to narrow. Nasal pillows are more comfortable for some
but may cause problems at higher pressures because the air blows directly into the nose.
Nasal pillows also come in different sizes and must be turned correctly to fit the shape
of the nostril. A number of different styles of masks area
available, making proper fit for individuals likely.
- The CPAP Machine:
Several different companies make CPAP machines. They all work on the principle that
positive pressure holds the upper airway open.
- The Pressure: A pressure
between 5.0 and 20.0 centimeters of water pressure (cwp) is usually effective. This is the
amount of pressure necessary to hold up a column of water of that height. The higher the
pressure, the more noticeable it is. However, patients at higher pressures also are able
to use CPAP over the long run. Some machines gradually increase the pressure over several
minutes at the beginning of the night; this feature is called a ramp.
The ramp allows time to go to sleep before reaching the
maximum CPAP pressure.
When using CPAP, air will blow out of the
mouth when it is open. This makes talking (or kissing) difficult when using CPAP. Some
patients feel that it is difficult to breathe when using NCPAP. This sensation will
diminish if one breathes calmly and deliberately. Watching TV and holding the mask up to
the nose without strapping it on will help adjust to its use. Normally, a patient's mouth
stays closed during sleep. However, in some cases, a chin strap may help hold the mouth
closed. |
