Frequently Asked Questions about CPAP Treatment

You have had at least one sleep study and the result of the study has confirmed the diagnosis of obstructive Sleep Apnea. Either your family physician or referring specialist has recommended treatment of your sleep apnea with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Below we have provided some frequently asked questions and answers. We hope this information answers some questions your may have about your CPAP treatment and sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?
Why does Sleep Apnea require treatment?
How is Sleep Apnea Treated?
What does CPAP therapy do?
What is a CPAP machine?
What supplies are needed to use the machine?
What is humidification?
What does CPAP and Bi-Level stand for?
Is there more than one type of nasal mask?
Can I breathe through my mouth?
Are prescriptions required to obtain a machine?
Why has my physician set my CPAP pressure at a certain level?
Will my insurance cover the cost of my CPAP therapy?
When I travel, what do I do?


What is sleep apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious and life threatening disorder that requires treatment. This disorder is characterized by episodes of stopped breathing and loud snoring during sleep. This is caused by a narrowing of the muscles of the upper part of the throat that would usually keep the passage open to allow air to flow into the lungs. Since there is a narrowing, during sleep, relaxation of the muscles causes the passage to close which prevents air from going into the lungs.

Why does Sleep Apnea require treatment?
Sleep Apnea is also known as fragment sleep and can cause daytime sleepiness. Daytime sleepiness has been associated with numerous problems, including an increased number of car and/or truck accidents. Sleep Apnea is also a source of significant stress on the heart, lungs, and blood pressure. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is one of the loudest “silent killers” known to medicine.

How is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Sleep Apnea is treated by increasing the size of the upper airway passage with a CPAP machine so it does not collapse during sleep.

What does CPAP therapy do?
CPAP therapy provides a constant airflow which holds the airway open so that uninterrupted breathing is maintained during sleep. It is traditionally provided through a nasal mask that seals around the nose to maintain the pressure level.

What is a CPAP machine?
A CPAP device blows one constant pressure. Your ideal pressure was determined during your sleep study. However, many factors can affect your ideal pressure over time, like weight fluctuations and even sleeping positions.

What supplies are needed to use the machine?
The CPAP apparatus consists of a nasal mask, headgear, a flexible nose, humidifier, water chamber and filters.

What is humidification?
Humidification adds moisture to the CPAP air, reducing irritation to the nasal passages caused by the increased airflow. Humidification is therefore a critical part of CPAP Therapy.

What does CPAP and Bi-Level stand for?
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Bi-Level is CPAP with two pressures – one for inhalation and one for exhalation.

Is there more than one type of nasal mask?
There are several different masks and similar devices to choose from. During your set-up the respiratory therapist will try different mask on you to find the most comfortable mask for you.

Can I breathe through my mouth?
It is very important to breathe through your nose at all times. Typically people do breathe through their nose once they are sleep. Initially it may be difficult to exhale while using the CPAP. If you are unable to stop breathing through your mouth it may help to try a chin strap or a full face mask.

Are prescriptions required to obtain a machine?
Yes. Federal law requires a valid prescription to obtain a CPAP or Bi-Level device.

Why has my physician set my CPAP pressure at a certain level?
Your physician has determined a pressure, based upon your overnight sleep study, which best suits the severity of your OSA. This is a prescribed pressure that only your physician can authorize.

Will my insurance cover the cost of my CPAP therapy?
Most insurance providers, including Medicare, will cover the majority of your costs, although you may be charged a co-pay or a remaining allowable balance. Some insurance providers may limit your system or mask choices. We recommend you contact your insurance to verify what benefits you have for the CPAP machine.

When I travel, what do I do?
CPAP systems are designed for portability and usually come with their own travel case.