Nasal CPAP is an equipment used in the treatment of sleep apnea, improving the quality of sleep of the individual. This equipment produces a constant pressure of air that crosses the airways, thus preventing apnea from occurring. For this, the individual should apply a mask on the nose at night, which allows the person to breathe normally without the sleep being changed.
For these reasons, nasal CPAP can also be used in the treatment of snoring because it unblocks the airways, facilitating the passage of air. See other treatments for snoring in: Treatment for snoring.
Neonatal nasal CPAP is used primarily in neonatal intensive care in premature newborns with infant respiratory distress syndrome, preventing them from being intubated and preventing them from developing respiratory failure. Learn more at: Childhood Discomfort Syndrome.
What is nasal CPAP for?
Nasal CPAP is used to treat sleep apnea, keeping the airway unobstructed, thus also reducing snoring. In addition, nasal CPAP can be used to treat other diseases such as pneumonia, respiratory failure or heart failure, for example.
How to use nasal CPAP
Nasal CPAP consists of a mask that is attached through a hose to a small machine. The mask should be placed over the nose or nose and mouth, according to the manufacturer, during sleep and the machine should be at the side of the bed.
When using CPAP it is advised to avoid moving in the bed so that the mask does not leave the desired position. Sleeping on the side can be more comfortable and when the equipment makes a lot of noise what can be done is put a plug in the ear or a small piece of cotton to reduce noise, making sleep easier. If the eyes become dry due to the constant jet of air on the face, the doctor may prescribe the use of eye drops to lubricate the eyes upon waking.
Price of nasal CPAP
The price of nasal CPAP varies between 1, 000 and 4, 000 reais, but there are stores that rent the equipment, and in some cases it can be supplied by SUS. Nasal CPAP can be purchased at medical and hospital stores or on the internet.
Learn about other options for sleep apnea treatments.
