Learn more about how CPAP works to manage your sleep apnea symptoms and help you sleep better.

Do you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea? Have you been diagnosed by one of our Portland, OR, sleep medicine specialists Dr. Gerald Rich, Dr. Radhika Breaden or Dr. Gregory Clark? If so, then you may be wondering how to manage your condition to reduce symptoms and to get a better night’s sleep. In most cases, CPAP therapy can help.

What is CPAP therapy?

CPAP, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure, is a machine that directs continuous airflow and pressure into the throat to prevent the airways from collapsing. CPAP offers different mask styles and sizes to cater to people’s individual needs. Our Portland, OR, sleep doctor can help you choose the facemask that will provide you with the results you need to sleep better.

How does it work?

Once we have conducted a sleep study to determine that you have obstructive sleep apnea, the next step is to make sure that CPAP is the best treatment option. It does tend to be the most common treatment used for relieving sleep apnea symptoms.

In most cases, patients will need to come back in for a follow-up to ensure that the CPAP machine is providing them with the proper treatment they need. It’s also important for us to calibrate the machine’s air pressure to make sure that your airways are remaining open while you sleep.

Once we have provided you with CPAP equipment, it’s important that you use it every night. Even if you feel great and aren’t experiencing symptoms such as daytime exhaustion this doesn’t mean you should stop using it. There is no cure for sleep apnea, but CPAP can help eliminate loud snoring and prevent obstructions in breathing. Plus, it can reduce your risk of developing other health issues such as heart disease and high blood pressure, which are conditions often linked to those with untreated sleep apnea.

Pacific Sleep Program in Portland, OR, is ready to help you get your sleep apnea under control. Whether you’ve already been diagnosed or you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, give us a call today to schedule an appointment with us and find out how we can help.