Regaining Quality Sleep

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that affects one in five people¹ so you are not alone.

When you experience sleep apnea, airflow to your lungs stops for 10 seconds or more. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is caused by a blockage in the airway.

When your body stops breathing, the control center in your brain wakes you up — just enough to take a breath and resume normal breathing.

Then you fall back asleep and the cycle repeats. The lack of oxygen and the constant jolting awake to breathe — every hour, every night — puts a serious strain on your body.

So when you feel exhausted the next day, there is likely much more going on beneath the surface.

But the good news is, you have already taken a step toward doing something about it.

Getting started with positive airway pressure therapy

The concept behind positive airway pressure therapy is straightforward: a regulated flow of pre-pressurized air is used to keep the upper airway open and prevent
sleep apnea.

This pre-pressurized air flows through a small device into a mask worn while you sleep. As long as you breathe through the device at the pressure set by your doctor, you can sleep free from sleep apnea.

Getting to know your therapy equipment

Mask

Using the right mask is key to successful therapy. You need a mask that is comfortable and fits well on your face.

The ResMed AirFit™ mask series offers three different options:

• AirFit P10 is a nasal pillow mask that rests gently at the base of your nostrils.
• AirFit N10 is a nasal mask that covers only the nose.
• AirFit F10 is a full face mask that covers both the nose and mouth, making it ideal for those who breathe through their mouth.

The Device

There are three types of therapy devices that deliver air in different ways: CPAP, APAP, and Bilevel.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

A CPAP device delivers air at a constant (fixed) pressure. Each person has their own pressure requirement, so the device is individually set for you following your sleep study.

Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP)

An APAP device, such as ResMed's AutoSet™, is ideal for those who require varying pressure levels throughout the night. It automatically adjusts the air pressure throughout the night to match your breathing pattern.

Bilevel

A Bilevel device delivers two fixed pressures — a higher pressure when you inhale and a lower pressure when you exhale.

Bilevel devices are particularly suitable for those who require very high treatment pressures or who find it difficult to exhale against a single fixed pressure.

Humidification

Using a humidifier makes a positive difference to the comfort and overall experience of your therapy.

It prevents your nose or throat from drying out, warms the air you breathe, moisturizes your airway, and helps keep your mouth closed while you sleep.

If you do not have a humidifier, speak with your doctor or your ResMed distributor.

Getting Started

Most people who use positive airway pressure therapy agree that it takes a few weeks to get used to the equipment — but they also say it is well worth it.

Like most new things, it takes a little patience to adjust. One person compared it to wearing a hat — strange at first, but something you get used to after a while.

If it is taking longer than expected, speak with your doctor about any concerns.

Setup

Your doctor will show you how to set up the device and mask.

If you run into any issues, refer to the guide with clear setup instructions. You can also contact your ResMed distributor.

Benefits of therapy

By starting and consistently following therapy, many people enjoy better sleep, improved personal relationships, and a better overall quality of life.

If you have been struggling with elevated blood pressure, some people find it improves once therapy begins.².

However, do not make any changes to your equipment without consulting your doctor.

You may also find that your weight decreases as your energy levels increase and you are able to engage in activities that previously felt too tiring.³.

Remember, as long as you use this therapy, your sleep apnea is being managed. Speak with your doctor for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my device if I have a cold?

If you have an upper respiratory tract infection, a middle ear infection, or sinusitis, speak with your doctor promptly about continuing therapy. You may be advised to pause treatment until the infection has cleared.

If you continue therapy while infected, it is advisable to wash your mask and humidifier chamber more frequently. A full face mask may be a good option at this time, as it covers both your nose and mouth so treatment is not disrupted even if your mouth opens.

Sometimes I feel bloated in the morning. What should I do?

Some people find it difficult to exhale against the therapy air pressure, which causes them to swallow air and experience mild bloating.

A ResMed AutoSet device may provide a solution, as it automatically adjusts the delivered pressure to suit your breathing needs. It also maintains a lower pressure throughout the night, reducing the amount of air you swallow.

Do I need to bring my device if I have to go to the hospital?

Yes. Your recovery may be slower if you stop therapy, and your sleep apnea symptoms may return. If you are undergoing surgery, you must inform both your surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are being treated for sleep apnea. You should also notify your doctor that you will be hospitalized.

If the power goes out while I am asleep, can I still breathe through my mask?

If you use a nasal mask or nasal pillow mask, you will still be able to breathe through your mouth. If you have a ResMed full face mask, the anti-asphyxia valve on your mask will open when the device loses power. This feature allows you to breathe room air in the event of a power outage. Please refer to your user guide for more information.

What should I do if my mask causes skin irritation?

• Your headgear adjustment may be too loose or too tight. Your mask should fit snugly without being overly tight.
• Your mask may not fit properly because the style is not right for you or is the wrong size. Speak with your ResMed distributor to try a different mask.
• The mask may be dirty or due for replacement.
• Wash your face with warm water each night and dry it thoroughly before putting on your mask.
• Use a Gecko™ nasal pad under your mask. Place it across the bridge of your nose beneath the mask. Gecko is a soft gel strip that helps to:
  • reduce skin damage and facial soreness
  • improve mask comfort
  • minimize mask leaks
• For best results, the Gecko pad should be replaced once a month.

Does this therapy have any side effects?

Some side effects may occur during the course of therapy, including:

• Dry nose, mouth, or throat
• Eye irritation
• Nosebleeds
• Skin irritation
• Bloating
• Ear or sinus discomfort

Please refer to your user guide for more information. If any problems arise (or if any sleep apnea symptoms return), consult your doctor.

Be sure to consult your doctor if you feel you are unable to continue therapy for more than a few days. Do not stop treatment without your doctor's approval.

^{1 Young et al. Epidemiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Am J Resp Crit Care Med 2002. Supported by NIH grants RO1 AG14124 and RO1 HL62252.1018330r1 Towards Quality Sleep Broch APAC Eng.indd 4-5 29-10-2014 15:03}

^{2 Young et al. Epidemiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Am J Resp Crit Care Med 2002. Supported by NIH grants RO1 AG14124 and RO1 HL62252.1018330r1 Towards Quality Sleep Broch APAC Eng.indd 4-5 29-10-2014 15:03}

^{3 Engleman HM, Martin SE, Kingshott RN et al. Randomised placebo controlled trial of daytime function after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for the sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome. Thorax 1998;53:341-45. Department of Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK.}