Sleeping Quietly

Sleeping near a person who snores is no fun. That's what I always heard, anyway. I have no firsthand knowledge, as I am the one who used to snore. From what I've heard, I would have won most any snoring contest around, as I could be heard snoring in other parts of the house, as well as outside!

Have you ever slept next to a person who snored? If you have, then you probably appreciate the quiet that comes when an apneic is diagnosed and treated with one of the varieties of PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) machine, such as a CPAP (Constant Positive Airway Pressure) or a BiPAP (BI-level Positive Airway Pressure). The CPAP or BiPAP machines allow for non-invasive airway treatment and therapy, meaning they keep the airway open. By maintaining an open airway, all snoring should be eliminated and the apneas should be greatly reduced or eliminated.

CPAP or BiPAP machines aren't totally silent. For instance, the one I use, a Respironics Synchrony, is fairly quiet although it does produce a quiet whisper. That noise is produced by air being taken into the air intake port, which is then pushed through a connected tube, then into my Fisher and Paykel HC100 heated humidifier, and finally into the 12-foot section of hose that goes to my mask. The mask sits on my face, from the bridge of my nose to just above my upper lip, with my nose being totally covered. The Synchrony is much quieter than the first BiPAP machine I had. That was a Respironics BiPAP S/T-D 30.

In terms of masks, I've used many, broken many, and have found several that are quite comfortable. Some of the masks I've used include the Respironics GoldSeal, the Respironics Profile Lite, the Respironics Contour Deluxe, and the Respironics SoftSeries. I've also used the Puritan-Bennett Breeze SleepGear with Nasal Pillows, the Puritan-Bennett Breeze SleepGear with DreamSeal Interface, the ResMed Mirage, the ResMed Ultra Mirage, the ResMed Mirage Full Face Mask Series 2, the SleepNetIQ Nasal Mask, and the and SleepNet Phantom Nasal Mask. On an everyday basis, I use the Respironics Simplicity, as it is the mask I find that I have fewer leaks while using.

The humidified air in then forced into my airway, keeping it open, and thereby knocking out most of my apneas, but eliminating all of my snoring.

Are CPAP or BiPAP machines comfortable to use, and are the masks (called a “user interface” in the industry) comfortable to wear? Well, I wouldn't necessarily call the force or volume of air pumped into your nose comfortable. By the same token, I also wouldn't say they are uncomfortable.

Being compliant (consistent and persistent) in the use of the CPAP or BiPAP machine is mandatory if the treatment is to be effective. Without compliant use, the benefits of the CPAP or BiPAP machine will never be realized, but you will also never become comfortable using the interface or mask that is prescribed for you.

The most common questions and complaints that I've seen about PAP machines involve the interface. Many people have problems getting used to wearing the mask while sleeping. Others wake up to find that they removed their mask during the course of the night. Still others experience the joy of awakening as they rip the mask from their face and toss it across the room. This was something that I did during my first two weeks on the CPAP or BiPAP.

Once I got used to the machine and the mask, including the once-odd sensation of air being forced into my nose, I began sleeping soundly, peacefully, and feeling rested. In fact, a lot of my daytime sleepiness disappeared, though not all of it. I still take frequent naps, but that's another discussion.

As for my thoughts on CPAP or BiPAP usage, I equate it to the commercials for that one credit card: I never go to sleep without my BiPAP being turned on and my mask in place.

Please check back in the future for more information, including info about masks, nasal pillows, and the various types of CPAP or BiPAP machines.