What can you expect from a CPAP Trial with Place of Dreams

 Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea? Now you can get started on the path to reclaim your sleep!

There are multiple different treatment options for sleep apnea that your sleep physician will discuss with you, but today the focus is on what CPAP is, and what can you expect from a CPAP trial.

What is CPAP?

There are different types of sleep apnea, but the most common by far is Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA. OSA is a relaxing or closure of the upper airway, which restricts or stops air from entering the lungs. CPAP uses an air pump to deliver mild pressure into the airway to stop the airway from collapsing, stop the snoring, and helping you to sleep better.

To learn more about the different types of sleep apnea, click here.

There are 2 main parts to a CPAP system: the mask and the machine, and both come in different types and sizes.  Because CPAP isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ type of treatment - it takes time to tailor things to work perfectly for you. Our CPAP trials are designed to help figure out exactly the right combination.

What happens during a CPAP trial?

A CPAP trial takes place over 4 weeks, which gives you plenty of time to get comfortable with your new treatment, supported by our team. Over the course of the first few weeks, you’ll have the chance to try different mask types and comfort settings to find the ones that work best for you. Our team will also be working to find the best type of machine, and machine settings, to best treat your sleep apnea.

Together, we make sure that over the trial you have plenty of time to ask questions and try different options - so that by the end of the 4 weeks you feel confident and comfortable to transition onto your own personal equipment.

What are the benefits of using CPAP?

Sleep really is the foundation for the rest of your health, so the benefits of deciding to treat your sleep apnea are far-ranging.  Because everyone experiences sleep apnea differently and has different symptoms, how you will feel on treatment is really dependent on how it’s impacting your life:  

• If you are experiencing tiredness or fatigue, you can expect to feel more rested and have more energy.
• If you were snoring, you and your partner can expect the snoring to be eliminated and a more peaceful night to be had by all.
• If you were experiencing problems with concentration, short term memory or performance, you can expect to see improvements in these areas.

Talk to our team about what symptoms you are experiencing before you start, so they can help you track your improvement over the course of your treatment.

Are there any side effect?

One of the reasons CPAP is the gold standard of treatment for sleep apnea is because it is so safe and effective. The most common side effects - such as dry throat, stuffy nose or bloating are generally down to incorrect settings on the machine and can easily be fixed.  Let our team know if you are experiencing any of these issues and we can easily find a solution.

Still have questions?

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are considering giving CPAP a try, give our team of sleep coaches a call on 08 6168 1450.