CPAP Sleep Apnea Treatment

Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by the collapse of airways. Treatment involves keeping airways open, and one of the most effective ways to do that is through the application of continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP.

Understanding CPAP

CPAP treatment involves a machine and sleep mask. The machine concentrates air to achieve the pressure needed to keep your airways open, and the pressurized air is delivered to your nose and/or mouth through the sleep mask apparatus.

Benefits of CPAP Treatment

CPAP treatment ensures a constant exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the night, eliminating sleep disturbances from stopped breathing. As a result, CPAP treatment improves sleep quality, which comes with a number of health benefits, including:

Increased energy and alertness throughout the day
Increased focus and improved performance at home or work
Lower blood pressure
Decreased risk of cardiovascular disease

Overall, people who sleep well at night enjoy a higher quality of life than those suffering from sleep deprivation.

Adjusting to Your CPAP Sleep Mask

People with sleep apnea have to wear their CPAP mask every night to get the benefits of treatment. Consistent use of the mask will make sleeping with it more natural. Other strategies to increase comfort of your sleep mask include:

Adjusting headgear and straps to fit snugly but not too tightly
Staying hydrated
Using saline nasal spray
Using nasal decongestants (as needed)
Adding a humidifier to the CPAP device

Follow-up visits to your sleep doctor to ensure the proper titration can ensure long-term comfort and effectiveness as well.

For CPAP treatment in the greater Albuquerque, New Mexico area, contact Neurology & Sleep Medicine. All patients are personally evaluated by Dr. Senthil Ramasamy, our board-certified sleep specialist.