Man in bed with breathing machine attachment on his face

Continuous Positive Airway
Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP: The Gold Standard Treatment of Sleep Apnea and is recommended as the first line treatment option.

When you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, treatment depends on the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) you have and its causes. For symptomatic patients we typically recommend starting with CPAP, however, other alternatives also exist. For example, doctors may suggest:

Other surgeries like Hypoglossal nerve stimulator (Inspire) implants are performed by ENT surgeons for OSA. This involves activating the nerve which controls the tongue movement and prevents it from blocking the airway.

Phrenic nerve stimulators (Remede) are a implant stimulates the diaphragm and helps restore breathing in patients who have central sleep apnea.

In addition to various treatment options- if you are overweight, losing weight is critical in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Lately, Zepbound which is a GIP and GLP-1 agonist, this is a FDA approved drug for OSA. Sleep medicine specialists at Emory Sleep Center can help determine what treatment option is right for you. If you decide to move forward with CPAP therapy, our specialists will find the best machine for your needs. Our experts provide the education and support that will make your experience with CPAP as successful as possible. And with our durable medical equipment program, finding the best CPAP machine is easy and convenient.

We also have ENT surgeons, dentists who are included in our multidisciplinary team for patients not able to tolerate PAP therapy and we can help find suitable non-CPAP alternatives.

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Keeping Your Airway Open  

Positive airway pressure treatments help keep your airway open and make it easier to breathe during sleep. A machine generates airflow through a tube connected to a mask. You wear the mask over your mouth and nose or just under your nose.

Although CPAP is the positive airway pressure treatment used most often, some people benefit from bi-level airway pressure, or BIPAP. Air pressure stays constant when you breathe in and out using a CPAP machine. With a BIPAP machine, pressure is higher when you inhale and lower when you exhale, making bigger breaths possible.

When you have sleep apnea, consistent use of CPAP should help you sleep better. But even more importantly, it can help you avoid the more serious consequences of this condition.

Durable Medical Equipment Program

Our durable medical equipment (DME) program provides positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP or BIPAP) to patients with non-government-sponsored insurance programs. A variety of CPAP machines and masks are available. An onsite respiratory therapist can help you find a machine with a mask that fits well and perform the initial machine setup.

Masks must fit snugly to your face. Some people find it takes time to get used to wearing one. But newer CPAP models are much more comfortable than models of the past, and our team is here to help. 

Durable Medical Equipment Program

The DME program is at Executive Park 12

In addition to offering a variety of masks, it also provides:

  • CPAP machine replacement parts
  • CPAP mask fitting if the current mask is not comfortable for you.

All DME services must have a doctor’s prescription.

CPAP Benefits and Risks

Regular use of your CPAP machine may lower your risk of:

  • Heart attack
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  • Stroke

Still, using the machine comes with potential side effects including:

  • Dry nose, stuffy nose or nosebleeds
  • Gassiness or bloating
  • Sinus and lung infections if you don’t properly clean your equipment
  • Sores on your face or nose caused by the equipment

Your doctor will talk to you about these risks and ways to lower them.

Tips for Using Your CPAP Machine

We teach you how to use your machine and to make it as safe and comfortable as possible. Keep these tips in mind:
  • Consider using a nasal saline mist or spray to keep your nose from getting dry and sore.
  • Do not eat or drink while using your device. Air pressure from the machine could push food or liquids into your lungs.
  • Follow your doctor’s advice concerning when and how to use the device.
  • Keep your equipment clean, according to instructions.
  • Use sterile distilled water in the machine’s humidifier.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects your breathing during sleep. It causes periodic 10- to 60-second pauses in your breathing. This can result in your oxygen levels dropping overnight.

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