Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the leading therapy for sleep apnea. Patients wear a face or nasal mask during sleep. The mask, connected to a pump, provides a positive flow of air into the nasal passages in order to keep the airway open. Most insurance companies now pay for sleep testing and for CPAP treatment.
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea you may be feeling overwhelmed. You’ve conquered the sleep study and received your equipment, but are now struggling to find comfort sleeping with your CPAP. For many, sleeping with a CPAP can take some adjustment. The good news is that there are many things you can do to improve your experience of CPAP therapy.
How long does a CPAP machine take to work?
The majority of people who use CPAP find immediate symptom relief and are delighted with their increased energy and mental sharpness during the day.
Some people have dramatic CPAP results from the first day showing a woman sleeping with a cpap machine they use the machine. Others find that the effect, for them, is cumulative. They may not feel an improvement until they have used a machine regularly for several weeks or months.
If you have obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor might refer you to an ear, nose and throat doctor to rule out blockage in your nose or throat. An evaluation by a heart doctor (cardiologist) or a doctor who specializes in the nervous system (neurologist) might be necessary to look for causes of central sleep apnea.