The motor creates pressurized air, which is then blown through the hose into the mask. Masks can either go into your nose or over your mouth, depending on your needs. The pressurized air creates a cushion that keeps your airway open. By keeping the airway open the CPAP machine reduces the number of apnea episodes you have during the night.

What is BiPAP Therapy?

Now that we understand how CPAP works, let’s look at how BiPAP is different.

BiPAP therapy is actually very similar to CPAP. It has a mask, motor, and hose. The machine creates pressurized air that keeps your airway open while you sleep. Like CPAP therapy, BiPAP machines are also used to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

So, how is BiPAP different from CPAP?

BiPAP stands for bilevel positive air pressure. The bilevel part is where the difference lies. CPAP machines blow air at a steady pressure all night long. BiPAP machines have two levels of pressure, one for inhaling and one for exhaling. When you breathe in the pressure stays at one level, but when you breathe out the pressure drops down.

A BiPAP machine has three different settings for when the pressure changes take place:

• Spontaneous – automatically senses when your breathing changes and adjusts accordingly.
• Timed – the pressure changes are preset.
• Spontaneous timed – follows your natural breathing patterns but the timed switch turns on when it senses that you have dropped below a set number of breaths per minute.

When Would Someone Need CPAP vs BiPAP Therapy?

When Would Someone Need CPAP Therapy?

As we’ve already noted, CPAP therapy is the main treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It’s the least invasive treatment option available. Therefore it’s often the first treatment considered for OSA patients. 

There are many benefits of choosing CPAP therapy. The biggest is just the fact that it lets you get the sleep you need.

Apnea episodes tend to occur so often at night that you aren’t able to go into deep REM sleep. This means your body isn’t getting the rest it needs. CPAP therapy keeps the airway open so you are able to get deeper, more restful sleep. 

When Would Someone Need BiPAP Therapy?

Since CPAP is so effective in treating sleep apnea, BiPAP is only recommended in specific situations.

The most common time when you need BiPAP therapy is if you can’t tolerate your CPAP machine. You may find it hard to exhale when using their CPAP machine. Breathing in is just fine. But because the air pressure remains the same, as you breathe out it can find some resistance. This can lead to feeling like you’re choking on air. 

BiPAP therapy resolves this issue by having different pressure levels when you breathe in and out. The pressure is a bit higher when you inhale. Then, as you exhale the pressure goes down. The lower pressure makes it easier for you to push air out. 

Another time you might want to consider BiPAP therapy is if you have central sleep apnea instead of OSA. Central sleep apnea is different from obstructive sleep apnea in that the cause is usually neurological. With central sleep apnea, your brain isn’t sending the right signals to the muscles that control your breathing. So you stop breathing completely, even though there’s no obstruction.

In some situations, you can have both OSA and CSA, this is known as complex sleep apnea. In this case, your OSA is treated with CPAP therapy, but you’re still struggling to breathe while you sleep. So you’ll need to use a BiPAP to help treat central sleep apnea.

Other people have a hard time breathing with the pressurized air that comes from the machine. 

No matter the reason, we want to help you get used to your CPAP machine. Take a look at the CPAP tips below and reach out to us if you have any questions.

CPAP Tips and Tricks

Practice Using Your CPAP

The most important tip for using a CPAP machine is to practice. Any new habit or routine takes time to get used to. And so the more you practice the quicker you will get used to your CPAP machine. 

To practice getting used to your CPAP, start by wearing it long before you get ready for bed. Find some time either during the day or in the evening to sit with your CPAP on for a few minutes at a time. 

Take this slow and let yourself ease into it. Start by putting the mask on without hooking it up or turning the machine on. Let it sit on your face and breathe slowly. 

After you get used to the mask being on your face, take a break. Then, put the mask back on but this time, hook it up to the machine. Turn the machine on and let yourself get used to the pressure from the CPAP machine. The pressure should already be set from the prescription we gave you. Then, repeat the process. Let yourself sit with the air flowing for a few minutes. Breathe deep and slow.  

You may need to do this for a few nights so you are more and more comfortable each time you go to bed. Eventually, your body will get used to your CPAP and how it feels. 

Make Sure You Get the Right Mask

Another important CPAP tip is making sure you get the right mask. There are several different CPAP masks. They also come in different sizes. And not every CPAP mask will be right for each patient. You have a unique set of needs and require a CPAP that meets those needs. 

We will help you choose the right mask when we prescribe it to you. It helps if we can get as much input from you as possible. Think about how the mask will fit physically, of course. 

But we also need to think about how you sleep. Tell us about all of your sleeping habits so we can take that into consideration when ordering your mask.

Do you sleep on your side or on your back?

Do you breathe through your mouth?

Do you toss and turn a lot?

Knowing all of these things can help us get the right mask for you. Having the right mask helps you get used to your CPAP faster. 

Of course, we want to get the right mask the first time. However, sometimes we think one will work best for you but you struggle to use it when you get it home. If that’s the case you just need to let us know so we can order a different one.

Don’t Skip Wearing it

You may not like this CPAP tip, but you need to make sure you don’t skip using your machine. Like with any new habit, getting used to your CPAP takes consistency. You’re never going to get used to your CPAP if you only use it once a week or every couple of days. You need to use it every time you sleep.

The more you wear it, the quicker you will get used to it. If you aren’t consistent, none of the other CPAP tips will be helpful.

Try Not to Nap at First

Another tip for getting used to your CPAP that you might not think of is avoiding naps at the beginning. 

Of course, a nap here and there won’t hurt. But if you sleep too much during the day you won’t be very tired when you go to bed. 

Instead of napping try to find some activities to do during the day to wear you out. The more tired you are at night, the easier it will be to fall asleep, even with your CPAP on. 

Get Help If You Need It

Part of the reason people can’t get used to their CPAP machines is that they don’t have the support they need. You need both the support of your family and your medical team to make this successful. 

Let your family know what you’re struggling with and what adjustments they can make to help you. Do they need to be a bit quieter when you go to bed? Is there something your spouse can do to make sharing your bed easier? Telling them these things will help you get what you need from them.

And if you’re having a hard time getting used to the CPAP, let us know. We want you to get the best sleep possible. If you’re CPAP is getting in the way of that, we want to know. That’s the only way we can help you. Ask us any questions and let us know what you’re struggling with. We want to help make things easier.

What If These CPAP Tips Don’t Work?

Of course, you may end up trying all of these tips for using your CPAP machine and still struggle. In this case, you may need to consider other treatment options.

Other treatment options for sleep apnea include:

• Oral appliances
• Surgery

Let us know if you think these other treatments would be better for you. Our goal is always to make sure you get the right treatment. Because the right treatment will help you get better sleep.

What is CPAP Therapy?

First, let’s do a quick review of what a CPAP machine actually is.

CPAP machines help to treat obstructive sleep apnea by keeping your airway open while you sleep. They do this by blowing pressurized air through a mask all night. The pressure gradually increases while you sleep. This air creates a cushion that keeps your airway clear so you can breathe while you sleep.

Benefits of CPAP Machines

CPAP therapy is the gold standard of OSA treatment. It’s been used successfully since 1980.

There are many benefits of using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea. Many people find that these benefits outweigh any side effects of using CPAP therapy.

The main benefit is that it helps you get the sleep you need. Because the machine keeps you breathing all night long your body doesn’t have to wake itself up multiple times a night. That means you are able to sleep all night. And you get deeper sleep as well. Because your body has to keep aking up you’re never able to get into REM sleep. This is why you usually wake up so tired when you have sleep apnea.

When you get better sleep everything in your life gets a little better too. You have more energy and get more done during the day. With CPAP machine you breathe better, which means you sleep better. And sleeping better means you can get back to your life.

What Are the Side Effects of CPAP?

Aerophagia

A common side effect of CPAP therapy, aerophagia happens because of the high-pressure settings on the CPAP machine. Because the pressurized air is hard to breathe air can be pushed back into your esophagus and down into your stomach.

This leads to a build-up of air in your stomach, resulting in bloating and abdominal discomfort.

Dry, Stuffy Nose and Nosebleeds

Nasal congestion is a normal side effect of CPAP therapy. The air blown into your nose can dry things out. This often leads to dry or stuffy noses. Nosebleeds are a common side effect of CPAP therapy.

Skin Irritation

The materials in the mask can also cause skin irritation, especially in patients with sensitive skin. If your mask doesn’t fit properly it can also rub against your skin, causing red marks.

Infections

You may also develop upper respiratory infections or sinus infections. This usually happens when you don’t clean your mask enough. Bacteria can get into your mouth, throat, and lungs through your mask.

Claustrophobia

Finally, probably the most common issue people have with CPAP machines is claustrophobia. Claustrophobia happens because the CPAP mask is over your face. Most people experience this side effect when they first start using CPAP therapy. However, most people find they are able to adjust over time. However, for some people, this is enough for them to not use their CPAP machine at all.

How to Deal with the CPAP Side Effects

If you are experiencing any of these CPAP side effects you want to know how to deal with them. Knowing how to deal with CPAP side effects can help you be prepared as you move forward with treatment.

Make Sure You Have the Right Mask

One of the best ways to deal with skin irritation and other side effects is by making sure you have the right mask. CPAP masks come in different types and sizes. Your doctor will be able to help you figure out the best one for you.

And you can always change your mask if you experience skin irritation or discomfort at any point.

The different types of CPAP masks include:

• Nasal masks
• Nasal pillows
• Full face masks

Turn Down the Pressure

If you are experiencing aerophagia or nasal problems you may want to consider adjusting the pressure on your machine. However, you should NOT do this on your own. Adjusting pressure on your CPAP machine on your own is very dangerous. If you think you need an adjustment talk to your doctor first. They can help you figure out the right settings for your specific needs.

Clean Your Mask Regularly

You can avoid infections and skin irritation if you clean your machine regularly. Clean your mask on a daily basis using warm water and soap. If you’re using a cushioned mask replace the cushion every two weeks to keep it fresh.

Try a Humidifier

Finally, a humidifier can do wonders in terms of dealing with a dry nose, nasal congestion, and nosebleeds. CPAP humidifiers help soften the flow of air and keep your nose moist.

Other Treatment Options if CPAP Side Effects Are Too Much

Most people find that the benefits outweigh the side effects of CPAP machines. But others have a hard time adjusting. In fact, some studies have shown that only about 50% of CPAP patients use their machines long-term. If you find that the side effects of CPAP therapy are too much for you, there are other treatment options.

Oral appliances are another great treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. People with mild OSA find that oral appliances are less bulky and cumbersome than the CPAP machine. Oral appliances are also great for people who travel a lot since you don’t have to carry a big machine around all the time.

Sleep apnea can also be permanently cured through MMA surgery. Of course, surgery is more invasive so you need to make sure this is the best option for you. MMA surgery is used for patients who have a small airway due to an underdeveloped jaw. MMA surgery actually has a very high success rate at 90%, so it’s definitely something to look into.

Types of Sleep Studies for Sleep Apnea

There are two main types of sleep studies for sleep apnea. The first type is polysomnography (PSG). This type of study happens overnight in a sleep lab. The second type of sleep study is a home sleep test (HST). As the name implies, an HST takes place in the comfort of your own home. There are some differences between PSGs and HSTs. Your sleep apnea specialist will discuss which one is right for you.

Polysomnography

A polysomnography is the most common type of sleep study for sleep apnea, as well as other sleep disorders. A PSG uses many components to gather data while you sleep. Because of the specialized equipment used, PSGs are exclusively performed in a sleep lab. This sleep lab is in either a hospital or a sleep center.

What Does an In-Lab Sleep Study Measure?

Polysomnographs record several different things while you sleep. Measurements from a PSG include:

• Blood oxygen levels
• Heart rate
• Breathing

A PSG also measures your brain waves and eye movements while you sleep. This helps us assess your sleep stages and identify any disruptions in your sleep cycle.

What to Expect During an In-La Sleep Study

For some patients, the idea of going to a sleep lab can be intimidating. Knowing what to expect during a sleep study can help you feel more at ease. The process of getting a sleep study for sleep apnea is actually quite simple. Once patients get through it, they realize it’s not really anything to worry about.

Before the Sleep Study

Because you’ll be spending the night in the sleep lab, your doctor will work with the lab to schedule your study. You need to tell your doctor about any medications you’re currently taking. They may recommend stopping these medications for the sleep study. We also recommend not drinking caffeine or alcohol on the day of your test. These can make it harder for you to sleep normally and interfere with your results.

Once you arrive at the sleep lab and get checked in, you will go to a private bedroom. This room looks like a hotel room and is designed to be as comfortable as possible. The room will be dark and quiet so you fall asleep easily. There may be a TV for you to watch before you get ready to sleep. Each room also has its own bathroom which you can use at any time. You just need to let the technician know so they can come to unhook you from the PSG equipment.

The room is also equipped with a camera so the technicians can see what’s going on inside the room. You will also have an intercom system so you can communicate with the technicians.

You should wear your own pajamas and bring anything you need to be comfortable. You may want a book, extra pillows, or blankets. The goal is to make sure you have the ideal environment to fall asleep in.

During the Sleep Study

Right before it’s time to start the study, the technician will come in and hook you up to all the equipment. You will have small sensors for your head and body, an elastic belt wrapped around your chest, and a finger probe. Many patients worry about falling asleep with the sensors, but most find they aren’t a big deal.

Then, you will simply fall asleep. The technicians will be in a room down the hall all night keeping an eye on everything. If you need anything you can let them know. If they notice signs of sleep apnea, they may wake you to connect you to a CPAP machine. Otherwise, they will let you sleep through the night.

After the Sleep Study

In the morning, you will wake up at about 6:00 am. The technician will remove the sensors and you will be able to go home.

Once you leave, the technicians will begin analyzing the data they gathered overnight. Depending on the case this can take several days or even weeks. Then the results will be sent over to your doctor so you can figure out how to move forward with treatment.

The results of an in-lab sleep study will include:

• How long you spend in each sleep stage
• How many times you wake up during the night
• Limb movements
• Brain activity

Of course, if you’re concerned about sleep apnea, data on your breathing will be crucial. The PSG will collect data on how many times you stop breathing during the night, whether you snore, and how deep or shallow your breathing is. This information can help us determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea.

Home Sleep Tests for Sleep Apnea

Home sleep tests are starting to gain popularity when it comes to diagnosing sleep apnea. HSTs offer a convenient, cost-effective way to perform a sleep study for sleep apnea. As the name suggests, an HST is performed in the comfort of your own home. A home sleep test uses a portable monitor that you hook up to gather data on your breathing while you sleep. The data uploads to the cloud where a sleep technician can access and evaluate it.

What Does a Home Sleep Test Measure?

A home sleep test doesn’t measure as much as polysomnography. Where a PSG is able to measure brain activity and limb movement, an HST only measures your breathing. Therefore, an HST is only used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. An HST is not recommended if your doctor suspects other sleep disorders.

Even though they don’t measure as much as a PSG, the HST still collects accurate data when it comes to your breathing. This accuracy makes home sleep tests effective in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea.

What to Expect During a Home Sleep Test

The process of getting a home sleep test is pretty straightforward. Your doctor will have to order the sleep test kit, which you will pick up from them. You may be worried about administering the test yourself. But your doctor will show you how to use everything when you pick up the testing equipment. This equipment will include:

• Chest belt
• A finger probe to measure blood oxygen levels
• Nasal mask
• Sensors to put on your chest
• A portable monitor

Then, you simply take everything home and get ready to go to bed at your usual time. When you go to bed you’ll hook up the equipment just like the doctor showed you. In the morning, you’ll wake up as normal, unhook the equipment and return the test to your doctor. The information gathered from the equipment is uploaded to the cloud once you’re test is complete.

After your doctor has the chance to review the data they will call you in to review everything.

Which Type of Sleep Study Do I Need?

Now that we’ve discussed the different types of sleep studies for diagnosing sleep apnea, you may be wondering which one you need. This will depend on your specific situation. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, so you will need to discuss everything with your sleep specialist.

Benefits of an HST for Sleep Apnea Patient

Home sleep tests offer many benefits over polysomnographs. The biggest benefits are that they are more convenient and cost less. You don’t have to try to work your schedule around to go to the lab, which saves you time and money.

Results are also much faster with an HST because the information is uploaded right to the cloud. You don’t have to wait for technicians to work through all the data gathered to get a diagnosis.

Even though having to administer the test is often intimidating, most patients find that the equipment is comfortable and easy to use.

When We Don’t Recommend a Home Sleep Test

Even though you may prefer a home sleep test over going to a sleep lab, HSTs aren’t always right for every patient. Because the equipment only measures your breathing, HSTs are only helpful for evaluating patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

They are extremely helpful in understanding the severity of your OSA. However, they aren’t recommended for patients who may have other types of sleep disorders. If your doctor wants to rule out other possibilities, they will most likely recommend a PSG over a home test.

Benefits of a PSG

In-lab sleep studies may not be as convenient as a home sleep test, but they still have several benefits. The biggest benefit is the amount of data they provide. PSGs don’t just measure your breathing. They measure every aspect of your sleep. The amount of data gathered from a PSG can help your doctor get a better picture of the problems with your sleep patterns. This enables us to give you a better diagnosis, which leads to better treatment.

Getting a sleep study in a lab also has the benefit of having the technicians there if anything goes wrong. They can adjust or replace equipment if it stops working. If you have questions or concerns you can talk to them right away. This extra support helps make sure the information gathered is accurate.

When Do We Recommend a Polysomnography

Polysomnographs are usually recommended when we aren’t sure if you have other sleep disorders. Measuring brain activity helps us rule out these other sleep disorders.

A PSG is also recommended for patients who have other medical conditions, including:

• Neuromesuclar disease
• Pulmonary disease (like COPD)
• Congestive heart failure

What Happens After a Sleep Study?

Once your sleep study is complete we will need to review the data. This may take a few days or weeks depending on your case. Then, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss everything. If you have obstructive sleep apnea we will perform an examination of your airway. Examining the airway gives us a chance to see where the obstruction is. From there we will be able to develop a treatment plan.