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CPAP Therapy

How does CPAP therapy work?

PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) commonly known as CPAP therapy is the gold standard for treating Sleep Apnoea. It is a safe and non-invasive treatment, consisting of 3 main parts – an air pump, a mask and a tube that connects the two.

How PAP therapy works is that the air pump provides air pressure via the tube and mask into the throat, keeping the airways open while you sleep. Receiving enough airflow during your sleep means your brain will not jolt your body awake to breathe, and you will not experience disruptions through the night when you sleep.

PAP therapy is an ongoing treatment and is designed to work straight away. The best way to get an effective therapy with PAP therapy is to persist at using it every night when you sleep. If you stop PAP therapy, the symptoms you used to experience will also start coming back very quickly.

Does CPAP therapy stop my snoring?

In most cases, you will stop snoring as soon as you commence treatment, and as long as you are continuing with treatment. If you still snore while using your CPAP, please contact your doctor as your pressure level might need to be adjusted.

How long does CPAP therapy last?

CPAP therapy is a treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) but not a cure. This means that CPAP therapy should continue as long as a patient is suffering from OSA. That said, there are patients who have been able to go off CPAP therapy after making some lifestyle changes such as exercising more and losing weight. If applicable, they can do another Sleep Study to investigate if they are still suffering from OSA. If they are not, they can stop CPAP therapy.

There are more complications to OSA than just losing weight. Your best advice can come from your Respiratory and Sleep Specialist.

Can I travel with my CPAP equipment?

Yes, you can and you should travel with your CPAP equipment. Your machine and mask can usually be included as a carry-on baggage. Please check with your airline to find out more about your baggage allowances as they differ across airlines. Also, remember to remove the water from the water chamber in the humidifier before you pack it up to transport as water spillage can damage your device.

Can I use my dentures when using CPAP?

No, we do not recommend you using your CPAP device and mask with your dentures on.

As air pressure is delivered from the device through the hose and mask to your upper airways, the air pressure might dislodge your dentures and cause you to accidentally swallow it, especially when you are asleep.

If I need to be hospitalized, should I take my CPAP device with me and use it at night?

Yes. Unless otherwise advised, you should use your CPAP device whenever you go to sleep. Also, if you are having surgery, it is important to tell the surgeon and anaesthesiologist that you are using CPAP at home. You should also inform the doctor treating you for sleep apnoea that you are going into the hospital.