|  | Conditions Treatments | Sleep Disorders

Criteria for CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are used to help with sleep problems. Before you purchase your CPAP machine, there are a few things you need to know. You should have a basic understanding of how CPAP machines work and why you're a candidate for CPAP use. Knowing what to expect from a sleep specialist and what criteria you need to meet for CPAP use can better prepare you for your upcoming CPAP experience.

  1. Common Reasons for CPAP use

    • CPAP machines are typically used by individuals with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when you cease breathing multiple times in your sleep. These periods of not breathing can last anywhere from several seconds to several minutes. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea where the airways are either constricted or blocked. Sleep apnea is normally found in adults, but children can also have the breathing disorder. It's commonly under-diagnosed; doctors normally don't check for it during regular checkups. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, discuss it with your doctor.

    How CPAP Machines Work

    • CPAP machines treat sleep apnea by providing continual airflow at constant, prescribed pressure through a tube and out a CPAP mask. The constant air and pressure holds the airway open so that uninterrupted breathing is maintained during sleep. There are many different styles of CPAP masks; they can cover your entire face, only cover your mouth and nose or they can just be a tube for your nose held in place by a nasal pillow. Regardless of the style, they'll all supply you will adequate amounts of air. The physician that prescribes the CPAP machine will determine the appropriate pressure and airflow needed for a patient.

    Sleep Specialists

    • If your doctor recommends CPAP therapy for you, she may refer you to a sleep specialist, a physician who specializes in sleep matters. The specialist will ask you questions about your symptoms -- it can be helpful to write down a complete list of symptoms you've experienced for better diagnosis. If your symptoms are serious enough, you'll take a special diagnostic test called a polysomnogram. You'll sleep with electrodes placed on your body so your eye movement, brainwaves heart rate, muscle-tensing, leg twitching, airflow and chest wall movement can be monitored. Then the decision will be made as to which treatment options are best for you. Some physicians may prescribe some type of medication or therapy for sleep apnea, but CPAP machines are more commonly prescribed.

    Medical Criteria for CPAP

    • In order to qualify for a CPAP machine you need to meet certain criteria. Your Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) will largely determine if you qualify for a CPAP machine, your AHI rates how severe your sleep apnea is. Your AHI will have to be greater than fifteen, or somewhere between 4 and 14 along with symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired cognition, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, or history of stroke, and mood disorders or insomnia.

Sleep Disorders - Related Articles