Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, is a device composed of a mask connected to a small air compressor through a corrugated tube.
Depending on the specific model, the mask must be placed over the nose or the nose and mouth during sleep, and the device must remain next to the bed. CPAP provides airflow to prevent snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. In doing so, this device keeps the upper airways open throughout the entire sleep period and prevents these apnea episodes from happening. Furthermore, it enhances sleep quality, mitigates fatigue and daytime drowsiness, and improves the quality of life for the individual.
The Importance of Good Quality Sleep and the Role of CPAP
A good night’s sleep is essential for the optimal functioning of our body. Sleeping well helps our body rest and have the energy to perform daily tasks with great physical and mental performance. There is an aspect as important as sleeping enough for good recovery, that is quality of sleep.
Before starting Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)treatment, a sleep study must be carried out to determine the best treatment for the patient’s specific case. To diagnose sleep apnea, the patient must consult a sleep specialist, who will recommend a sleep test. Therefore, the patient ensures the best treatment for their case.
The diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is both simple and necessary. The Biologix Sleep Test is a type IV polysomnography that can be conducted at home using only your cellphone and a wireless compact sensor. Therefore, it does not alter the patient’s sleep routine. The patient just needs to place the sensor on their finger before going to sleep and start the test on the Biologix app. When waking up the next morning, they tap on “Finish test”, and they will receive their results in a matter of seconds.
What is known as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment is recommended as a gold standard for patients who suffer from moderate or severe sleep apnea, that is, they have more than 15 apneas/hypopneas per hour. A comprehensive patient analysis must be conducted to understand and address the best chances of adaptation. Even patients with lower apnea indices, when highly symptomatic and experiencing a significant reduction in quality of life, adapt easily to this treatment.
Besides treating snoring, CPAP can be used to treat other diseases such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and heart failure. It all depends on the equipment’s model or the setting being used. CPAP can even be used after cardiac, abdominal, and/or cardiothoracic surgeries.
The physician is responsible for prescribing the treatment. However, in cases of CPAP, physical therapists are the most qualified professionals to apply, adapt the patient to it, and monitor them throughout the entire treatment, analyzing data and verifying its effectiveness.
There are several benefits related to this treatment, including an increase in the patient's respiratory and motor capacity. Other advantages include increased oxygen (O2) absorption, enhanced elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2), reduced fatigue and shortness of breath, and improved physical and respiratory capacity, among others.
IMPORTANT! Only properly qualified physicians and dental surgeons can diagnose diseases, recommend treatments and prescribe medications. The information available herein is for educational purposes only..
