CPAP

The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine was developed in 1981 as a home treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea. CPAP works by creating increased air pressure within the upper airway and thereby keeping the airway open. The patient wears a face mask with a tube attached to a shoe box sized device that creates the air pressure. CPAP is commonly used in intensive care units as a form of ventilation, but is still the prefered treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea by some health institutions in the world.

In recent years this has begun to change. Countries such as Sweden, the Netherlands, and France, now use MAA type therapy such as the Somnowell as the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnoea.

Studies have shown patient compliance with CPAP therapy can be as low as 30%. Patients find wearing the mask uncomfortable and the machine itself can be noisy. Understandably prospective candidates for CPAP therapy can often be quite reluctant, finding the mere thought of wearing such a contraption every night unbearable.

The benefits for a health service in opting for CPAP therapy are an effective treatment if the patient is compliant, and if the patient does not continue with CPAP therapy the machine can be returned and offered to another patient.

For a list of CPAP supplier websites, and general information websites, please go to the Useful Links page.