Question:
What is a CPAP machine?

I'm visiting my pcp tomorrow to get a referral to a pulmonologist for a sleep study. I know I have sleep apnea and have had for at least 15 years. I'm ready to do something about it. I have done a lot of reading about CPAP machines and they sound like the greatest thing since toilet paper but I can't figure out exactly what a CPAP is. What does it look like? How does it work? Does it get in the way if you are a side sleeper? How big is it? I can't wait to get one but I would like to know what to expect. I am so ready for a good nights sleep.    — Tina H. (posted on February 24, 2000)

February 24, 2000
My CPAP machine was about the size of a shoe box, filter in the back for fresh air intake.. Top has on/off switch and switch to reduce air flow. A hose hooks up to front leading to a mask that looks much like a pilot's oxygen mask (much smaller) triangular mask that fits right over the nose. The head harness that slips over your head and holds this mask in place with the use of Velcro straps. This CPAP machine puts out a steady flow of air (pressure predetermined by sleep study doctor) Yes, you can sleep on your back, side, or stomach.
   — Victoria B.

February 24, 2000
I'm not sure if I can describe a CPAP properly, but I'll try. A CPAP machine is kinda like a small air compressor. Or at least that's what I think, LOL. It usually is a small box or similar type object with plastic tubing, about an inch in diameter coming from it. One end of the tubing hooks into the CPAP, and the other is threaded thru a headgear harness. The headgear fits over your head (kinda like when kids have braces??) and holds the tubing in place. There are a couple of different types of "masks". I personally have the nasal pillows and find them MUCH more comfortable than the masks, but most people seem to like the mask better. The masks are triangular in shape and resemble the oxygen mask you might see on a patient in the hospital. The nasal pillows are small silicone things (hard to describe) that fit just into the tips of your nasal passages. Mine is about 12 inches square and about 2.5 to 3 inches thick. The machine itself blows air thru the tubing and into your nose, thereby keeping your airway open. It is a God-send and a curse all at the same time. I love my CPAP and can never imagine being without it, even now after surgery. But, I also can't do some of the things that I love, like rustic camping. I cannot sleep without the machine. You do become terribly dependent on them. I hope this helps, and if I can answer any of your questions, just let me know.
   — Anne C.

February 24, 2000
I have used a cpap machine for 7 years and hopefully after WLS I won't need it any more. It is "a really good thing" but not because of the snoring changes...but because you are able to watch a movie without falling asleep, are able to sit with your family without dozing off, and are never sleepy when driving. The first few weeks are the toughest because you must get use to it. Give it a chance...you will feel so much better. The machine is a small unit that sits by the side of the bed. It has a small hose which attaches to a mask. The mask fits over the nose and the machine puts a continuous flow of air into your throat to hold your throat open. There are different head pieces but mine is velcro straps which fit over my head and around it near the neck area. You will not stop breathing during sleep or have episodes of "apnea" when using this machine. Ofcourse you will not snore either. Others around you will appreciate this fact! Snoring is very disruptive to others, let alone what it is doing to our bodies. It is not oxygen, only filtered air from the room you are sleeping in. When I was first tested, I stopped breathing 372 times in 4 1/2 hours! My Doctor said that it is sort of like stopping and starting a car that many times. It will evidentually wear out...and with us, it may mean heart problems or other health-related problems. I am a side sleeper also, and have no problems with it! Again, good luck and if you have any other questions, please feel free to email me. Just remember, you will feel so much more alert and you will not be putting your life and others in danger when you are behind the wheel of a car.
   — Ruth M.

February 24, 2000
Hey Tina, I too, was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I got my CPAP three weeks ago. It kind of looks like a small canister type vacuum cleaner with a hose like the old time hair dryers ( you know, with the shower cap thingee on the other end) but it has a mask like an oxygen mask on the other end. When I first used mine, my eyes looked funny for a few days. Puffy. I finally figured out that it was because I was finally RESTED! God Bless you in your efforts, Beverly
   — Beverly M.

February 24, 2000
Tina, The CPAP machine IS a wonderful and wonderous thing. I have been on mine for the past year. Though as much as I love it, one of the cheif reasons I am going for WLS is to get rid the thing (I have a real love/hate relationship with it). Yes, I do get a great night's sleep, most nights, but I am looking forward to the day when I don't have to sleep with a vaccum cleaner strapped to my nose! First of all CPAP stands for constant positive air pressure. The way it works is that air is blown through your nose or nose and mouth, depending on the mask they give you. The constant air pressure keeps you throat from closing when your throat muscles and uvulva (the hangy-down-thingy in the back your mouth) relax during sleep. I have what is called a Smart CPAP, it blows at a lower pressure until it senses resistance and/or the vibrations from my starting to snore, the it raises the pressure as needed. I have a small mask that just covers my nose and it is held in place by a strap contraption that resembles an athletic supporter. Very attractive. There are other types of masks and head gear, talk to the provider, try them all on. As for sleeping on your side, it can be done. In fact, I usually sleep on my side most nights. You will have to arrange the hose so it is out of your way and it doesn't pull on the mask and dislodge it. Make sure you are shown how to adjust the mask, so air doesn't leak into your eyes. My machine is slightly larger than a closed shoe box. The hose is about 1" in diameter and about six feet long. There a couple swivals on the mask so you can move around at night. There is a constant hum of the air blowing (white noise), that my DH informs is much perferable to window rattling snores, snorts, wheezes and gasps he put up with before. (Sometimes the change in pitch when the Smart CPAP revs up the juice wakes him, but he says it's still better than pre-CPAP.) Pleasant dreams. (If you need a CPAP, you may not have been dreaming for a while. I know I wasn't.) If I can answer any other questions, please feel free to write me personally. BTW, it comes with its own very attractive carrying case, mine has almost earned its own frequent flyer ticket!
   — Sharyle L.

February 24, 2000
One thing that I would like to add, I have a humidifier attached to my CPAP. The air goes from the CPAP machine through a hose to the humidifier and then there is a second hose coming from it to the mask. I've only been on the CPAP machine for a few months and have found it difficult to adjust to. Best of luck. Janet
   — Janet F.

February 24, 2000
All of the descriptions of the cpap are great! The only thing I can add is you won't need it after surgery! I am 5 weeks postop and finally had the courage to sleep without it last night for the 1st time. My apnea is gone and so I don't need it anymore. Tina, you will love it once you get used to it, but don't get too used to it, cause after surgery, you probably won't need it. Good Luck
   — M B.

February 24, 2000
I'd like to add that you MIGHT not need it after surgery. WLS doesn't necessarily cure sleep apnea, as there are different reasons for sleep apnea developing. Everyone is different. I tried using my CPAP machine for 3 weeks before surgery (which was when I got it), and kept waking up with the mask in my hand. My sleep apnea has been gone since 2 weeks post-op. I hope that everyone is a fortunate as I was! Jaye Carl, RN, open proximal RNY 7-29-99, 94 pounds gone forever, and no more sleep apnea. I don't even snore!
   — Jaye C.