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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP)

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) - Symptoms

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) - How to prevent?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) - Causes and Risk Factors

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) - Diagnosis

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) - Treatments

CPAP Therapy

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the gold standard and most effective non-surgical treatment for OSA. The CPAP machine uses gentle air pressure to keep your airway continuously open, allowing you to breathe easily during sleep. 

  • Automatic CPAP varies the pressure through the night, giving you the necessary pressure to keep your airway open during sleep 
  • Fixed CPAP provides constant air pressure through the night


Benefits of CPAP therapy

  • Reduces/eliminates apnoeas and snoring
  • Better sleep for yourself and your bed partner
  • Feeling more rested and alert during the day
  • Consistent use of CPAP can help control your blood pressure even during the day
  • Consistent use of CPAP can reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke
  • Improves memory and cognition

Maintaining My CPAP

  • Handwash with soap and lukewarm water
  • Mask/mask cushion daily
  • Headgear weekly
  • Tubing monthly
  • Air-dry away from direct sunlight
  • Hang up the tubing to dry, with the open ends facing down and away
  • from sunlight
  • Use cooled boiled water or sterile water for the humidifier chamber, and empty the water before adding more

Effective Tips and Tricks Using CPAP

A dry nose or mouth?
  • Caused by cold air blowing through your nose or keeping your mouth open
  • Use a heated humidifier
  • Get a chin strap to keep your mouth closed when a nasal mask is used
  • If you have a frequent blocked nose, talk to your doctor about
  • decongestants or nasal sprays

Eye, nose bridge and skin irritations?

  • Caused by inappropriate mask fitting; excessive  tightening/loosening of mask straps
  • Can be relieved by fitting the mask interface as per user guide
  • Snugly fit the head/mask strap without compromising on the mask leak threshold

Still find it uncomfortable?
  • It takes time to adapt – usually at least 4 weeks of continuous use
  • If you are unable to sleep with it, try it when you are really tired, or for short periods during the day and gradually increase the usage time
  • If you feel that the prescribed pressure is intolerable, your doctor may be able to adjust it

Travelling with a CPAP machine
  • There are smaller travel size (palm-sized) CPAP machines for users who are frequent travellers
  • Do remember to bring along a copy of your CPAP prescription as it may be required during customs clearance


Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) - Preparing for surgery

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) - Post-surgery care

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy (CPAP) - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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