No More Confusion — The Most Complete CPAP Therapy Glossary!

CPAP therapy is a treatment method that delivers pressurized air to the airway to treat sleep apnea. With CPAP therapy, symptoms sleep apnea such as loud snoring can be eliminated, sleep quality improves, and fatigue, headaches, and excessive daytime sleepiness can also be reduced.

Although CPAP therapy is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea, the terminology associated with CPAP therapy can still be confusing for some people. No need to worry! You can now find the full meaning of CPAP therapy terms in the glossary below!

CPAP Therapy Glossary

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

CPAP is a therapy sleep apnea that uses a single constant pressure maintained throughout the night. Over time, the term CPAP has also been widely used to refer to sleep apnea therapy in general.

Auto-adjusting Positive Airway Pressure (APAP)

APAP, also commonly known as Auto-CPAP, is a therapy sleep apnea that uses a single air pressure level that can automatically adjust up or down according to the user's breathing condition. ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset, is the best APAP machine of 2023 according to Very Well Health.

Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BPAP)

BPAP is a therapy sleep apnea that uses two different air pressure levels — one when inhaling and one when exhaling. BPAP is generally used for severe sleep apnea or patients with respiratory conditions.

Ventilator

A ventilator is a breathing support device that assists or replaces respiratory function in patients who have difficulty breathing, by delivering controlled air pressure to the airway to supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.

Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV)

Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) is a method of supporting a patient's breathing without surgery or inserting devices into the body. NIV uses a special mask to deliver air pressure to the lungs through the nose or mouth — CPAP therapy being one example.

Pressure

The term Pressure in CPAP therapy refers to the air pressure generated by the CPAP machine and set according to the patient's needs. Pressure is produced from room air drawn in and pressurized by the machine, meaning CPAP air pressure is not pure oxygen. This pressurized air helps keep the airway open and prevents sleep apnea.

Mask Leak or Mouth Leak

Mask leak or mouth leak are CPAP therapy terms referring to air leakage that escapes through the gap between the CPAP mask and the user's face due to an improper mask fit. Mask leak can reduce therapy effectiveness and cause discomfort.

Humidifier

Humidifier also known as humidification, is a CPAP therapy feature that adds moisture to the pressurized air to prevent a dry throat and maintain comfort during CPAP therapy.

Chamber

Chamber also commonly referred to as a water tub, is the CPAP therapy term for the water reservoir that holds the water to be heated and vaporized to activate the Humidifier. HumidAir Cleanable is one of the ResMed chambers compatible with the AirSense 10 Autoset through the Lumis 150 VPAP ST.

Tubing

Tubing, also known as the CPAP hose, is a component of CPAP therapy that connects the CPAP machine to the mask. Its function is to deliver the pressurized air generated by the CPAP machine to the patient's airway.

Rainout

Rainout is a CPAP therapy term referring to the condition where water droplets accumulate inside the tubing. Rainout It occurs when warm air from the humidifier meets the tubing which is cooler and causes condensation. Rainout can cause gurgling noises and water splashing during inhalation, leading to discomfort.

Bloating

Bloating in CPAP therapy terminology, refers to bloating that commonly occurs when first starting CPAP therapy. Bloating occurs when the user is not yet accustomed to CPAP therapy, causing the air pressure that should enter the airway to be swallowed and enter the stomach instead. Bloating can be managed by adjusting sleeping position and training oneself to adapt to CPAP therapy.

Ramp Time

Ramp time is a CPAP machine feature in which air pressure is set to start at a low level and gradually increase to the prescribed pressure. Ramp time can help CPAP users feel more comfortable, as the lower initial pressure feels gentler and less intrusive on the nose.

Flow Limitation

Flow limitation occurs when the airway narrows due to the airway muscles relaxing during sleep. When flow limitationoccurs, airflow can still enter but is greatly restricted and may lead to oxygen deficiency. Flow limitation can also be referred to as hypopnea.

Humidity Level

Humidity level is the setting that controls the level of air humidity in the humidifier aimed at maintaining patient comfort. Humidity level is adjusted to each patient's individual condition to find the most suitable humidity level.

Distilled Water

Distilled water is water that has undergone a distillation process, carried out to produce pure water free from harmful contaminants, minerals, and particles that can cause deposits.

Distilled water is widely used in CPAP therapy to prevent scale buildup in the chambers or water tub.

Sleep Hygiene

Sleep hygiene is a set of practices aimed at improving sleep quality. Sleep hygiene includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding excessive caffeine intake, and exercising regularly. Sleep hygiene can also enhance the effectiveness of CPAP therapy.

Compliance

Compliance is the term used to describe the level of patient adherence to using CPAP therapy regularly and as instructed. A good compliance level means the patient uses CPAP for at least 6 hours each night and maintains consistent use of the therapy to achieve maximum benefit.

Conclusion

CPAP therapy terms are not particularly difficult to understand, as most of them are predominantly in English. You can also ask the staff explaining the CPAP therapy device if there are any other CPAP therapy terms you do not understand.

Resindo Medika is an authorized ResMed distributor and service center since 2004. Resindo Medika provides a patient monitoring therapy service where you will be guided through CPAP therapy to ensure you achieve optimal results.

And there you have it — a complete and clear guide to CPAP therapy terms. We hope this helps!