by SleepDoc11 on Tue Oct 25, 2011 2:03 am
I came to this thread via a web search and haven't been able to find the other thread referred to -- so I'll carry it on to see if it's of any value.
As we already know from the earlier posts, CPAP stands for 'continous positive airway pressure' and, as the name suggests, it works by creating an 'air splint' or 'pneumatic splint' which keeps the soft tissue of the upper airway from collapsing and obstructing the airway.
Contrary to popular belief, CPAP does not breathe for the patient. It merely keeps the airway open by introducing gently pressurised air to 'inflate' the airway, a bit like a long, skinny balloon. Imagine trying to breathe through an uninflated balloon -- it is virtually impossible. But when the balloon is inflated enough to keep the walls apart, breathing is easy. The same principle applies to CPAP.
CPAP is unquestionably the 'gold standard' when it comes to the treatment of severe sleep disordered breathing conditions, such as moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea. It is virtually 100% effective at treating even the most serious cases -- but the problem is whether the patient will 'comply' with treatment. The young lady in the earlier post talking about her difficult fit is an example of why many patients stop using CPAP.
This is extremely unfortunate, because in most cases a very comfortable fit can be achieved and the benefits of effective treatment are simply phenomenal. Successful treatment of CPAP just requires good support, advice and care from
someone who knows what they're doing. Unfortunately, too many CPAP suppliers are mere merchants who sell you the equipment and wish you luck. Better suppliers are true treatment providers who will work with the patient until they are fully and successfully compliant and comfortable.
Anyone care to comment?
I came to this thread via a web search and haven't been able to find the other thread referred to -- so I'll carry it on to see if it's of any value.
As we already know from the earlier posts, CPAP stands for 'continous positive airway pressure' and, as the name suggests, it works by creating an 'air splint' or 'pneumatic splint' which keeps the soft tissue of the upper airway from collapsing and obstructing the airway.
Contrary to popular belief, CPAP does not breathe for the patient. It merely keeps the airway open by introducing gently pressurised air to 'inflate' the airway, a bit like a long, skinny balloon. Imagine trying to breathe through an uninflated balloon -- it is virtually impossible. But when the balloon is inflated enough to keep the walls apart, breathing is easy. The same principle applies to CPAP.
CPAP is unquestionably the 'gold standard' when it comes to the treatment of severe sleep disordered breathing conditions, such as moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnoea. It is virtually 100% effective at treating even the most serious cases -- but the problem is whether the patient will 'comply' with treatment. The young lady in the earlier post talking about her difficult fit is an example of why many patients stop using CPAP.
This is extremely unfortunate, because in most cases a very comfortable fit can be achieved and the benefits of effective treatment are simply phenomenal. Successful treatment of CPAP just requires good support, advice and care from [url=http://www.sleeptherapyclinic.com]someone who knows what they're doing[/url]. Unfortunately, too many CPAP suppliers are mere merchants who sell you the equipment and wish you luck. Better suppliers are true treatment providers who will work with the patient until they are fully and successfully compliant and comfortable.
Anyone care to comment?
