As the frontline treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, continuous positive airway pressure therapy can be a life changer. Research shows that CPAP therapy can produce health benefits for your brain and heart. It also can improve your daytime alertness and energy.
But it may take some time to get used to sleeping with CPAP. The good news is that CPAP therapy has come a long way since it was first introduced in the early 1980s.
CPAP machines are quieter, smaller and more portable. CPAP masks are more comfortable. There also are more mask options, including “nasal pillows” and special sizes for women.
“The trend has clearly been toward development of smaller, more comfortable masks and sleeker, quieter machines,” said Dr. Timothy Morgenthaler. He is a sleep specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and President-Elect of the AASM.
Advances in technology also have made today’s CPAP machines “smarter.” This makes the therapy more effective and easier to use.
If you are just getting started with CPAP therapy, here are some Tips for CPAP to help you. Remember to use CPAP all night, every night – and during every nap.
