CPAP and BiPAP (Continuous and Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure) breathing machines have been used as the “standard” therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. These devices work by forcing air through the nose or mouth via a mask. CPAP machines are used when you are about to sleep. The device has the highest rate of success in treating sleep apnea IF you use the machine. CPAP machines do not cure you of sleep apnea but rather provide an effective, non-invasive method to treat sleep apnea.
Dr. Pasha realizes that many patients cannot tolerate CPAP machines because they are claustrophobic or cannot keep the mask on at night. Others have difficulty traveling with their machine or develop rashes from the mask. Some simply do not like being attached to a device at night. In fact, some studies suggest that <40% of patients actually use their machine after several months. Dr. Pasha states that his patients either “love” their machine and have the greatest sleep of their life or they “hate” the machine and simply don’t use it.
[Related: Dental Devices for Snoring & Sleep Apnea]
Dr. Pasha has many patients on CPAP/BiPAP machines and offers almost all the brands and various types of machines and masks. For these patients he has developed a compliance program to help them tolerate their machines. He uses “smart” machines that have data cards or communicate through the internet data so that Dr. Pasha can make adjustments. Dr. Pasha may also consider in-office procedures that allow you to breathe better through your nose to better endure your mask.
