Sleep Therapy Concerns:

What is a CPAP?
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This method, also used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, involves wearing a mask over your nose while you sleep. The mask is attached to a small pump that supplies pressurized air which holds open your upper airway. CPAP may eliminate snoring and prevent central sleep apnea. As with obstructive sleep apnea, it's important that you use the device only as directed. If your mask is uncomfortable or the pressure feels too strong, talk with your doctor so that adjustments can be made.

What is a BiPAP?
Bilevel positive airway pressure (bilevel PAP). Unlike CPAP, which supplies steady, constant pressure to your upper airway as you breathe in and out. Bilevel PAP builds to a higher pressure when you inhale and decreases to a lower pressure when you exhale. The goal of this treatment is to boost the weak breathing pattern of central sleep apnea. Some bilevel PAP devices can be set to automatically deliver a breath if the device detects you haven't taken a breath after a certain number of seconds.

What is ASV?
Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV). This newer airflow device is designed to treat central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea. The device monitors your normal breathing pattern and stores the information in a built-in computer. After you fall asleep, the machine uses pressure to regulate your breathing pattern and prevent pauses in your breathing.

My CPAP, BiPAP, ASV device is a" cure" for obstructive sleep apnea.
Fact: CPAP, BiPAP and ASV are modalities of treatment. It works if you use it. If you discontinue your therapy you will revert back to the way you felt prior to CPAP intervention.

If the electricity goes out during the night, I'll suffocate on the CPAP, BiPAP, ASV machine.
Fact: All CPAP masks are designed with exhalation ports and have to be FDA approved before they are introduced to the marketplace. More than likely, if the CPAP, BiPAP, ASV machine stopped during the night, you would wake up; but if you do not wake up, don't worry. These masks are designed to allow you to breathe room air if the blower stops.

When I take a nap in the afternoon, I don't have to use the CPAP, BiPAP, ASV device.
Fact: If you have obstructive sleep apnea, you have it no matter what time of the day or night you sleep. If you use your CPAP, BiPAP, ASV device faithfully (every night for at least 4 hours or more per night) you may lessen the need to nap.

If I go on a trip or vacation, I don't have to bring my CPAP.
Fact: If you are planning to take a trip or vacation, you should always bring your sleep therapy: CPAP, BiPAP, ASV device. The likelihood of having a restful vacation or trip will be minimized since you would resort to feeling and sleeping the same prior to using your therapy.

If I keep using the CPAP my body will become accustomed to it and I won't ever be able to stop using it.
Fact: It is not possible for your body to become “addicted” to this therapy. However, your sleep should improve along with health, mood and therefore you may feel better only when using your therapy. Discontinuance of any respiratory assistance device is a decision that should be made with your physician’s knowledge.

CPAP, BiPAP, ASV devices are noisy and I will sleep less due to noise.
Fact: Manufacturers have made significant improvements in quality of machines and sounds, so much so they are extremely quite.

Once my insurance has paid for my CPAP, BiPAP, ASV device, I will never be able to get a “new” machine.
Fact: Actually, depending on your insurance, you may be able to get a new machine within 5 years or less. Each insurance plan has different stipulations and may require a new sleep study to renew prescription and give you a new device.

Once I have had a sleep study, my prescription for my sleep apnea will never change.
Fact: As you age, your weight and sleep patterns change so may your prescription for your CPAP, BiPAP, ASV device. If you notice that you are waking in the middle of night and not having the continuance of sleep as before, you may need to have your prescription changed. Contact your physician to schedule an appointment to discuss this.

If I use the CPAP a couple of times per week, it is sufficient enough to be treated.
Fact: CPAP treatment only works if you use it! At least 4 hours or more per night is needed to achieve optimal results.

I can't bring my CPAP onto an airplane.
Fact: Airport personnel are becoming more familiar with CPAP equipment. It is recommended that if you travel by air, you should carry your CPAP on board with you as a "carry-on" (as opposed to packing it into your suitcase.) Many airlines have restrictions regarding using your CPAP in flight. When in doubt, call your airline ahead of time to see what their regulations are.

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