National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) Sleep Respiratory Unit

Transcription

1 National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) Sleep Respiratory Unit

2 If you would like this document in another language or format or if you require the services of an interpreter contact the Sleep Respiratory Unit directly. We will try our best to meet your needs. Contents What is CPAP therapy? 3 What does the CPAP equipment consist of? 4 What benefits will I feel using CPAP therapy? 4 Are there any side effects of using CPAP? 4 Do I have to use CPAP every night? 5 How will I be set up on CPAP? 5 How would I be set up on CPAP? 5 How do I look after the CPAP equipment? 6 What should I do with my CPAP machine if I am going to be admitted to hospital? 7 Can I travel with CPAP equipment? 7 How to contact us 9 Where to find us 10 2

3 This booklet has been written by the Sleep Respiratory Unit Team at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. It is intended for patients (or their families and carers) who have been referred to our service. It is not intended to replace discussion with your consultant. This booklet explains how we treat obstructive sleep apnoea with CPAP. If you have any questions regarding obstructive sleep apnoea or CPAP a member of our team will be happy to answer them for you. What is CPAP therapy? In obstructive sleep apnoea, when the deep levels of sleep are reached, the airway collapses and stops air getting to the lungs. The sufferer struggles to breathe and then suddenly starts breathing again, often with a snort and noisy snoring. This may happen many times each night and disrupts the normal sleep pattern. CPAP (which stands for continuous positive airway pressure) works by blowing air through the nose which stops the airway collapsing and allows unobstructed breathing. 3

4 What does the CPAP equipment consist of? The CPAP equipment consists of: A portable pump (the blower unit) to produce pressurised air A length of plastic tubing to carry the air to you A mask which fits over the nose (or nose and mouth) so that you can breathe the pressurised air. The mask is held on by straps which fit over the head What benefits will I feel using CPAP therapy? By relieving the upper airway obstruction, CPAP normalises your breathing and therefore your sleeping pattern. You will feel more alert when you awake and will not feel sleepy during the day. It can be immediately effective but some people need a bit of time to get used to sleeping with a mask on. Effective treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea with CPAP can also lower blood pressure and reduce the risks of strokes and heart attacks 4

5 Are there any side effects of using CPAP? CPAP is an extremely safe and effective treatment. The most common side effect is nasal congestion or a runny nose. We usually suggest a nasal decongestant spray is the most effective remedy for this. Sometimes people on CPAP get a very dry nose and mouth from the dry air being blown into their airway. If this does happen, we can incorporate a humidifier into the CPAP equipment and this moistens the blowing air. Soreness on the bridge of the nose. If this occurs, try loosening the head straps which hold the mask. If it continues, contact the Unit and we will try and find a solution. At times it is difficult to get the mask to seal and air leaks out. This can be sometimes be helped by lifting the mask off your face and then replacing it. It is also helpful in this situation to alter the tightness of the straps holding the mask. 5

6 Do I have to use CPAP every night? CPAP does not cure obstructive sleep apnoea but while you are on it stops it occurring. It is therefore important that you use it every night. If you do not use it you will find your symptoms coming back How will I be set up on CPAP? Once you have had your sleep study at home you will be offered an outpatient appointment to see a doctor and the Sleep Unit s Clinical Nurse Specialist. If you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea we will offer you a trial of nasal CPAP. This will be set up by the Nurse Specialist during your out-patient appointment. You will then take the CPAP equipment home and use it each night. We will repeat the sleep study at home to make sure that the CPAP therapy has abolished the obstructive sleep apnoea. 6

7 How do I look after the CPAP equipment? The mask or nasal pillows should be washed daily using plain washing up liquid (no perfumes or antibacterial agents) and warm water. Each week, the whole mask system and tubing should be thoroughly washed: Separate the mask from the tubing and wash it in soapy water using plain washing up liquid. A new soft toothbrush can be used to get into the crevices. Rinse well and allow to air dry. Immerse the tubing in the soapy water and then rinse thoroughly. Shake out excess water and hang up to dry. Attach the tubing and start the blower before you attach the mask to remove any residual water. Hand wash headgear in soapy water, rinse and allow to air dry away from direct heat. Remove the dust filter from the back of the machine and wash in soapy water, rinse and air-dry and return to machine. Wipe the surface of the machine with a fresh disposable cloth and mild detergent. 7

8 What should I do with my CPAP machine if I am going to be admitted to hospital? If you need to be admitted to hospital it is important that you take your CPAP equipment with you and use it each night. If you are due to undergo surgery it is essential that you tell your anaesthetist that you suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea and you are being treated with CPAP. Can I travel with CPAP equipment? You should ideally take your CPAP machine with you whenever you go away. The CPAP machines have dual voltages so can be used in most places. Because they are delicate machines, they should be carried on as hand luggage rather than being put into the hold. If you are going overseas we can supply a letter for customs. 8

9 How to contact us Sleep Respiratory Unit Box 94 The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery Queen Square London WC1N 3BG Direct line: Website: 9

10 Where to find us 10

11 Space for notes and questions 11

12 Publication date: September 2015 Date last reviewed: September 2015 Date next review due: September 2017 Leaflet code: UCLH/NHNN/SLEEP/CPAP/PIL01 University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust