Question 1

what is a cpap machine used for? how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Sleep apnea: CPAP machines are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, and they are the most effective therapy for this condition.  They work by applying pressure to the inhaled air you breathe while asleep, preventing your palate or throat from collapsing and thus obstructing airflow.  When tolerated by patients, 95%+ success rates are observed.

Question 2

what is sleep diagnostics and cpap titration to stop snoring?

Accepted Answer

For Sleep Apnea: A diagnostic sleep study is data that is painlessly collected by sensors while you are sleeping.  This is typically done at a sleep center, and evaluated by an md who is a sleep specialist.  Sometimes this data indicates that you stop breathing at night.  This is called sleep apnea and the treatment is a CPAP device that helps you breath.  Titration, is just the adjustment of this device for you.

Question 3

how does cpap work?

Accepted Answer

Airway splint: CPAP forces positive pressure into the nose/ mouth or both.  It acts as a pneumatic splint to open up a closed airway.  It can provide pressure when you breath in only or both when you breath in and out.  CPAP works for mild, moderate and severe sleep apnea.

Question 4

if i cannot afford cpap, now what?

Accepted Answer

CPAP: See if you can get on Medicaid.

Buy a used-reconditioned one. I have one myself I bought as a back up.  Will cost at least 1/2 as much.

Advertise for the type you need on Freecycle or in paper.

See what you can find online. 
Ask Dr. to have a social service consult to help pay.

Question 5

is 16 hours a day on cpap too much?

Accepted Answer

CPAP: Yes. It sure sounds like it.  Are you sleeping that much every day? If so, it may be that you need a follow up appointment with your sleep doctor.

Question 6

what are the benefits of using a cpap?

Accepted Answer

Quality sleep: CPAP improved the quality of sleep in patients with sleep apnea. It imroves alertness during the day and may reduce the risks of cardiac disease.

Question 7

how can you tell if a cpap is working?

Accepted Answer

Sleep study : Ask your doctor to have a sleep study done while wearing the c pap machine. You will know if it is working during that study.

Question 8

how to know if i need cpap or bipap?

Accepted Answer

Sleep MD: Depends on your situation. Work with a sleep MD and sleep technician. Some good advice here: https://www.sleepassociation.org/cpap-vs-bipap/

Question 9

do i have to wear my cpap every night?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The short answer is yes. If you were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (osa), than you are at risk for the complications that can come with that disease and wearing the c-pap mask and using the machine is important to your well being.  Weight loss may help and keeping routine appts to follow your care is important in the monitoring process of osa.   Best wishes.

Question 10

could cpap help you breathe when you're sick?

Accepted Answer

See below: CPAP is a treatment modality used for sleep apnea. It is important to use CPAP consistently as much as possible. Some patients note that it is easier to breathe on CPAP while having an upper respiratory illness, while others note it to be more difficult. So it depends.

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Doctor answers about:

What is cpap

A member asked:

What is a cpap machine used for? how does it work?

A member asked:

What is sleep diagnostics and cpap titration to stop snoring?

A member asked:

How does cpap work?

A member asked:

If i cannot afford cpap, now what?

A member asked:

Is 16 hours a day on cpap too much?

A member asked:

What are the benefits of using a cpap?

A member asked:

How can you tell if a cpap is working?

A member asked:

How to know if i need cpap or bipap?

A member asked:

Do i have to wear my cpap every night?

A member asked:

Could cpap help you breathe when you're sick?

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