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Positive airway pressure – The most effective, least invasive and clinically proven therapy is positive airway pressure.  In this treatment, a small machine delivers air pressure from a mask that fits either your nose or mouth while you sleep. Positive airway pressure reduces the number of respiratory events that occur as you sleep, reduces daytime sleepiness and improves your quality of sleep. 

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• The most common type is called continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP. This treatment uses a machine that continuously pressurizes the air at a constant level, which keeps your airway passage open. The air prevents your muscles from blocking your airway thus preventing obstructive sleep apnea. 

• All machines include a humidifier to improve your comfort by moistening the air and changing the temperature of the air to be either warmer or cooler based on your preference. A tube is attached between the machine and a mask to allow airflow into your throat. There are different types of masks, and your CPAP clinician may recommend one that is best suited for your comfort and needs. 

• As all new therapies may be uncomfortable at first, there is an adjustment period and with practice, most people learn to adjust to the mask and machine. You may need to try different types of masks to find a suitable mask. Several options are available, such as nasal masks, nasal pillows or face masks. Check out our blog for more info on the types of masks. 

• Don't stop using your positive airway pressure machine if you have problems. Check with your CPAP clinician and your doctor to see what adjustments you can make to improve your comfort. In addition, contact your sleep doctor if you still snore despite treatment, if you begin snoring again or if your weight changes.

• Costs for PAP devices are covered by OHIP, social assistance programs and insurance companies. 
   

Although PAP is the most consistently successful and most commonly used method of treating sleep apnea, some people find it cumbersome and uncomfortable at first. With some practice and help from our CPAP Specialists, most people learn to adjust the mask to obtain a comfortable and secure fit. You may need to try different types to find a suitable mask. If you’re having particular difficulties tolerating pressure, there are machines that have special adaptive pressure functions to improve comfort. Some people also benefit from using a humidifier and/or heated tubing along with their CPAP system.

Don’t stop using the CPAP machine if you experience problems. Check with our PAP specialists at CPAP Point to see what adjustments you can make to improve your comfort. In addition, contact your doctor if you still snore despite treatment or begin snoring again. If your weight changes, your doctor may need to adjust the pressure settings.
 

Normal Breathing during sleep

• During sleep, the air travels through your nose, mouth, and throat into your respiratory cavity where your lungs are. When the passage is normal and open, air flows freely, allowing you to breath normally. 

• However, if the passage narrows or becomes obstructive (through the relaxation of the muscles at the back of the throat or enlarged glands/muscle), snoring occurs and leads to a blocked airway. This further causes breathing difficulties causing sleep apnea. 

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PAP therapy

• How it works - The equipment has 3 basic parts, an air pump machine, a mask that covers the nostrils or nose or mouth, a tube connecting the machine and mask. 

• The CPAP pump takes air from the room and gently pressurizes it. The air blows through the tube and mask into the airway. The pressure of the air keeps the airway open while you are asleep. 

Types of machines​