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About CPAP Therapy

CPAP ("See-pap") is the acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP is the most common, most effective form of OSAS treatment. Thousands of Canadians use it every time they sleep. CPAP consists of a gentle stream of air that is directed through the airway during sleep. The pressure of the air stream holds the airway open and prevents apnea. Oxygen levels, blood pressure, heart function and sleep patterns are stabilized, resulting in a more restful sleep.

In most cases, CPAP is needed for the rest of the user's life to keep Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) under control. CPAP therapy is a long-term investment to improve quality of life. Choosing a knowledgeable, experienced and supportive provider is key to successful CPAP therapy.

For over 25 years, we've been focused on quality respiratory care with a client-centred approach. Our Regulated Health Professionals are specially trained in Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy. Our team works closely with our clients, community physicians and sleep labs to ensure optimal therapy planning to achieve successful treatment outcomes.

We partner with you for effective therapy and make therapy easy by providing everything you need in one convenient package. At ProResp, we've planned for your start-up and future CPAP needs. Our program is straightforward - there are no hidden fees. We'll support you every step of the way.

How CPAP Works

A CPAP machine is an electrical device, small enough and quiet enough to sit on a nightstand. It takes in air from the room, lightly pressurizes it and delivers it through a flexible tube to a special mask. CPAP uses ordinary air to keep your airway open while you sleep. It is not the same as oxygen therapy, although oxygen can be added for people who need both. A complete CPAP system has several essential components:

Other components and/or accessories, such as a heated humidifier, may be added to enhance comfort or provide flexibility for travel. Our healthcare professional will help you to determine what your equipment needs are based on your lifestyle.

The pressure of the CPAP air stream needs to match your individual needs. Usually this pressure is determined in the sleep clinic after you have been diagnosed with OSAS. This may be done during or after your first sleep study. To determine your optimum CPAP pressure, the sleep technician tests various levels of CPAP on you while you sleep. You will receive a prescription for the CPAP pressure level that best treats your condition.

By contacting your local ProResp office, you can arrange to meet with one of our health care professionals at your convenience. They will teach you more about OSAS and CPAP, help you select the CPAP system and mask that suits you best, get you started and help you continue your therapy.

Success with CPAP Therapy

You should remember that just like other treatments, CPAP is most successful when you are determined to get started and keep going. Your doctor and your ProResp health care professional can help you with any issues you face during your CPAP therapy.

Compliance plays a significant role in your success. Clinical studies have shown that CPAP therapy compliance rates of 80-90% are possible when a Regulated Health Professional is involved in education, support and follow-up, compared to only 50-60% compliance without such clinical support. Improve your chances of success by remembering these tips:

Many CPAP users report feeling much better after their very first night of CPAP therapy. Partners of CPAP users often report an immediate end to the snoring and thrashing that had been disturbing their own nightly sleep as well. With continued use, CPAP therapy enhances quality of life and reduces or eliminates OSAS’s health risks. Generally, the more severe the OSAS, the more dramatic the improvement with CPAP therapy. People who have less severe OSAS, or a fainter awareness of their symptoms, may find that their improvement is less dramatic but still rewarding.

Many CPAP users are delighted by the benefits of good sleep which include improved energy and mood, renewed interests in work, hobbies and social activities. Many are able for the first time to succeed with their weight-loss, fitness, or quit smoking plans. Some are even able to reduce their dosages of blood pressure or heart medications after consulting their doctors.