Important CPAP Drop-in clinic dates

The nasal mask just covers the nose, the face mask covers both nose and mouth. Nose masks may be adequate but many people experience a leak of air out of the mouth which dries the inside of the mouth. his can be quite unpleasant so if there is a mouth leak then a mask covering both the nose and mouth means that such a leak cannot occur.

It is generally thought that wearing CPAP for most of the night and most nights is best as this ensures that sleep apnoea is treated for the majority of your sleep time. However many patients find that they can use for less than this (either for fewer hours per night or not every night) while still experiencing considerable benefit.

Because CPAP stops sleep apnoea occurring and is not a cure, then stopping it usually means it will return if nothing changes. If being overweight is the dominant cause of someone's sleep apnoea then weight loss can mean that the sleep apnoea is cured and CPAP can be stopped. Occasionally other treatments may be possible and replace CPAP.

CPAP is very effective and apart from weight loss other treatments are not usually as effective. There are devices worn in the mouth at night that hold the lower jaw forward, but these tend to only work in milder cases and thinner patients. Most other suggested treatments are still in the experimental stages.

CPAP machines are remarkably quiet, in fact most noise comes from the air escaping from the ventilation holes around the mask. Even this noise is pretty quiet, and vastly quieter than the snoring that CPAP resolves.

An explanatory letter from your Sleep Clinic should accompany the machine to show to Customs or Security officials. Always check the electrical details of the countries you are visiting in advance. Most machines are auto-adjusting to local voltages but do check before departing. Remember, you may need an extra-long extension lead as the mains sockets are often not near the beds. When flying, the CPAP machine should always be carried as hand luggage and must not be stored in the hold. You are allowed medical equipment as extra carry-on baggage for free. See the excellent information from SATA on flying with CPAP,  http://www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org/uk-airlines-cpap/ 

YES - definitely. Staff should be aware of the need for you to use your CPAP when asleep and allow you to use it. If having an operation it is important that CPAP is available for you in the recovery area after the operation. SATA have a leaflet that you may wish to take into hospital with you to show to staff if they appear less than knowledgeable,  http://www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Sleep-Apnoea-Hospital-Admissions-Feb-2020.pdf  

Untreated sleep apnoea often causes sleepiness which may dangerously impair driving ability. Once on CPAP, any sleepiness should disappear, making driving safe again. However, should sleepiness sufficient to impair driving ability return then of course driving should stop until sorted out. The DVLA is not concerned about sleep apnoea if it does not cause sleepiness sufficient to impair driving ability.  See the advice from SATA about sleep apnoea and driving.  http://www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org/driving-and-sleep-apnoea/  

Only if it is causing sleepiness sufficient to impair driving ability. See the advice from SATA about sleep apnoea and driving.  http://www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org/driving-and-sleep-apnoea/  

More Q and As are available on the SATA website.  http://www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org/sleep-apnoea-information-patients/sleep-apnoea-frequently-asked-questions/   and   http://www.sleep-apnoea-trust.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Living-With-Your-CPAP-Your-Questions-Answered-Feb-2019.pdf