Frequently Asked Questions
What is OSA?
If you snore, you might have a common sleeping disorder called Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
If you have OSA, it means your upper airway temporarily collapses while you sleep, causing you to stop breathing. These periods when your breathing stops (called apnoea) can last for more than ten seconds and may happen up to several hundred times a night.
This puts a strain on your body, raising blood pressure and reducing your quality of sleep. These repeated apnoeas reduce your oxygen levels, and this alerts your brain to wake the body to begin breathing again.
You are unlikely to remember this happening, but you may feel tired the following day. You may even wake yourself up in the middle of the night thinking that you need to go to the toilet, but this may be your body’s response to waking up from an apnoea.
If you are overweight or have type 2 diabetes, your chance of having OSA is increased. The associated risk of health complications is also raised. Getting diagnosed and effectively treated is important to reduce these risks.
What is involved in the testing process for sleep apnoea?
The testing facility would discuss the process but typically includes completing the initial test, the Polysomnogram / Diagnostic test. Where positive for sleep apnoea is confirmed, the CPAP titration would be scheduled. The testing facility would be able to advise on testing dates, rate and possible contribution via medical aid.
** Please contact us and we can refer you to a testing facility closest to your location**
I have tested positive for sleep apnoea and require a CPAP device; how do I go about this?
Stock is generally readily available. As Sleep Easy, based on your Sleep Study results we can provide quotation on the device suitable to your requirement. Where on a medical aid we can assist with preauthorisation and confirmation of the benefit amount available through to processing and payment of the claim.
What are the main types of sleep apnoea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) – The more common type of apnoea, occurring when the throat muscles relax and physical block the airway
Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) – Occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing
Complex Sleep Apnoea – a combination of both OSA and CSA
What are the main symptoms?
- Loud, chronic snoring, gasping, choking, or waking up suddenly feeling short of breath, observed episodes of stopping breathing during sleep.
- Excessive daytime fatigue, morning headaches, dry throat upon waking, and difficulty concentrating, mood changes
- Weight gain
- Family history of OSA
- High blood pressure
- Decreased interest in sex
Can I ignore my OSA diagnosis and go untreated?
Ideally not a condition to be ignored and to consult with your treating specialist on any concerns in this regard. View sleep apnoea as a serious medical condition that requires treatment. Undiagnosed and untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome can lead to abnormal physiology that can have serious implications including increased cardiovascular disease, stroke, metabolic disease, excessive daytime sleepiness, work-place errors, traffic accidents and in some instances death.
Why do so many people quit using their CPAP?
CPAP treatment does take time to get used to and takes most users a week or three to settle in the use of their treatment. It is and adjustment and does require a personal commitment to lifestyle changes.
Users quit for various reasons. The CPAP mask may be one of the more reasons but to work with your provider to assist with making the best possible decision on mask design and size. Progress monitoring goes a long way to assisting in user compliance and addressing challenges. Sleep position also plays a part in comfort / discomfort, ideally to sleep on left or right side and not on the back.
Does sleep apnoea go away?
The answer is usually no, although it is a common question among those diagnosed with OSA. Sleep apnoea is treatable but not curable.
Is CPAP treatment a cure for sleep apnoea?
CPAP is not a cure for sleep apnoea. Using a CPAP machine does not lead to structural changes or symptom improvements that make therapy unnecessary. Like a pair of glasses, which improves vision only when you wear them, CPAP treatment only offers benefits when used.
Does an oral appliance work for sleep apnoea?
Oral appliances, prescribed by a dentist or specialist in this field, can reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. These devices are custom fitted and can be a good alternative for mild to moderate OSA. Ideally to speak with your physician in this regard.
My mask system is torn and no longer sealing, what do I do?
With the CPAP mask systems, if the mask cushion is damaged or torn or has lost its elasticity and seal, you can replace just this component. Similarly, if the mask headgear is stretched out and is no longer holding the mask in place as it should, this item too can be replaced separately. Typically, to maintain your mask system for effective us, the annual replacement components would include the mask cushion, mask headgear and CPAP device filters. Where on a medical aid, we can assist with preauthorisation and confirmation of the benefit amount through to claim processing and finalization. Stock is readily available.
What do I need to connect my O2 to my CPAP device?
For simultaneous use of your CPAP device and mask system with supplemental O2, an O2 port connector would be required. The port connector is fitted between the CPAP mask and CPAP tubing connecting to the home O2 concentrator or hospital O2 supply.
What can I do about the cold air and water build up in my tubing and mask?
During the colder months, condensation may occur in the standard tubing and via the mask. This is known as rainout and can worsen nasal congestion. The climate line / heated tubing will assist in addressing rainout, keeping the air at a comfortable, consistent temperature and moisture level.
What do I do when I have severe nasal congestion?
Where nasal congestion, flulike symptoms, bronchitis, pneumonia or similar are present it is not as comfortable using your CPAP treatment. Use your treatment for as many hours as you are comfortable with Using a nasal mask with congestion is challenging and you may need to switch over to using a full-face mask until the congestion has cleared. This way you can still get your prescribed air pressure without feeling like you are suffocating. Some usage each night is better than none. A slight increase in the humidification and or climate line tubing may assist in preventing nasal swelling. Consult your doctor to assist with clearing symptoms.
Why am I getting a CPAP device and not a BiPAP device?
CPAP provides constant pressure airflow or in auto adjusting where an APAP device is recommended and in use. BiPAP machines automatically switch between an inhalation and exhalation pressure. BiPAP may be recommended when continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy isn't effective or well-tolerated, and in cases of more severe respiratory distress or failure. It may not be suitable if you have very weak breathing, reduced consciousness, or difficulty swallowing. Often prescribed in the case of other conditions such as neuromuscular diseases, central nervous system disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, to mention a few.
The device recommendation is always based on the most recent sleep study results. Any provider of the medical devices is required to quote, assist and support a user based on the test results.
Is CPAP or BiPAP treatment a form of life support?
CPAP / BiPAP treatment is not considered life support. BPAP is a non-invasive form of ventilation that helps people breathe more easily, typically used to treat sleep apnea, COPD, or other respiratory conditions. However, in hospital or emergency settings, BiPAP may be used as an alternative to invasive ventilation for people who are having serious trouble breathing. The treatment is supportive but not a full life support solution.
How do I connect my CPAP system to oxygen?
Where supplemental O2 is prescribed for use together with your CPAP or BiPAP treatment, an O2 port connector is typically fitted between the CPAP mask and CPAP tubing with a connection for the tubing to the O2 concentrator, allowing simultaneous use.
Should I take my machine on holiday?
Most definitely, we recommend you take your CPAP machine when you go on holiday. If you are flying, you can request a travel letter. The letter typically allows you to take your CPAP device on board an additional piece of hand luggage. The RESMED range of products are FAA approved.
How often should I have my usage data assessed?
Whether via the remote monitoring option or a download via the device SD card download, we do advise every 3 – 6 months. There is no additional cost attached to you as the user for a follow up / progress report.
What if I don’t have access to electricity?
Your Resmed device does not come with a battery and needs to be connected to mains power to work. Please contact us and we can advise you on the battery backup options. For our campers, we do have a DC converter option.
**Any information provided is not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding your medical condition**
