Question 1

What is sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing is interrupted during your sleep preventing you from getting enough oxygen. Symptoms can include snoring, gasping for air during sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Question 2

What causes sleep apnea?

Accepted Answer

The main causes of sleep apnea are excessive weight and obesity. Obstructive sleep apnea can also arise from abnormal anatomy such as a deviated septum or a large tongue.

Question 3

What are the different type of apneas?

Accepted Answer

There are three different types namely obstructive, central and complex. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type caused by blockage of the upper airways. Central sleep apnea is when the brain does not signal the muscles to breathe. Complex apnea is when you have both obstructive and central apnea. You may want to look into BIPAP therapy for central sleep apnea.

Question 4

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) arises when the upper airway is blocked or has collapsed during sleep, resulting in shallow breathing or breathing pauses.
 
When you attempt to breathe, any air that squeezes past the blockage can result in loud snoring. OSA can affect anyone, but it typically happens more often in people with upper airway abnormality and those who are overweight. It can also cause dire consequences to your long-term health due to fluctuations of blood pressure and oxygen level.
 
Untreated OSA may increase the risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and diabetes. In addition, fragmentation of sleep in consequence to OSA can lead to the tendency of having work-related or driving accidents.

Question 5

What is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)?

Accepted Answer

In general terms, CPAP implies the constant use of air pressure to keep the upper airway open. It prevents the upper airway muscles from collapsing, which causes the blockage.
 
There are 3 main components to deliver the pressure, namely the pump (the machine that pressurizes the room air), the mask (delivers pressure to the airway- a good seal is mandatory), and the tubing (connects the pump and the mask).

Question 6

What is AHI?

Accepted Answer

Apnea-Hypopnea Index is a measure of sleep apnea severity. It can be summarised as the number of times you stop breathing in you sleep per hour.

AHI Rating
<5 - Normal Sleep Apnea
5-15 - Mild Sleep Apnea
15-30 - Moderate Sleep Apnea
>30 - Severe Sleep Apnea

Frequently Asked Questions

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General

What is sleep apnea?

What causes sleep apnea?

What are the different type of apneas?

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

What is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)?

What is AHI?

CPAP Therapy

How will CPAP therapy help?

How long will I take to get used to CPAP therapy?

How do I know my CPAP therapy is working?

Does the machine give me extra oxygen?

Will I be able to fall asleep quicker with the machine?

If I hold my breath, will the machine increase the pressure?

Are there any long-term side effects? Is CPAP safe to use?

Must I use the machine everyday?

Is it a lifetime therapy?

Can I still sleep in my usual sleep position while using CPAP?

CPAP Trial

How long will the trial take?

How much does the trial cost?

What should I bring to the trial?

Can I bring my family?

I have mobility issues, can I request to do the CPAP trial at home?

Do I need to do a sleep study before booking a CPAP trial?

Can I bring the AirMini home to try?

Can I extend my loan?

When should I return my machine?

What do I need to bring when I return the machine?

How do I purchase a new machine after the trial?

CPAP Trial

Should I change the settings myself if I feel uncomfortable?

Does higher pressure mean I get better quality of therapy?

How do I know if the pressure is right for me?

Can I use the humidifier on the trial machine?

What is RAMP?

What is EPR/SoftPAP?

Other Enquiries

What kind of servicing will be done during preventive maintenance?

How long does servicing take?

How much does servicing cost after warranty?

What is the warranty period?

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