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CPAP THERAPY

CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE

CPAP For Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep. If left untreated, it can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and other health problems. People with sleep apnea often feel tired throughout the day due to poor quality of sleep and lack of oxygen. 


CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It involves wearing a mask over your nose while you are sleeping which delivers air pressure through a tube connected to the machine. The air pressure helps keep your airways open so that you can breathe normally while you are asleep. With regular use of CPAP therapy, people with obstructive sleep apnea can get better quality restful nights' sleep and improved overall health and well-being.

CPAP PROS

  • Improved sleep quality and duration
  • Reduces associated health risks such as high blood pressure
  • Decreased daytime fatigue
  • Reduce snoring
  • Better overall wellbeing and sense of energy


CPAP CONS

  • Initial discomfort wearing the mask while sleeping 
  • Need to use water in a humidifier with the machine which can add to cost or require frequent refill
  • Need to clean equipment regularly (including masks) which can be time-consuming    
  • Constant noise from the machine when it's running
Schedule My Sleep Study

Frequently Asked Questions

  • WHAT IS A SLEEP DISORDER?

    A sleep disorder is a disruptive pattern of sleep that prevents people from getting the restful, restorative sleep they need to feel refreshed the next day. We evaluate the following conditions and symptoms:

    • Snoring
    • Excessive daytime sleepiness
    • Sleep apnea
    • Insomnia
    • Unusual movement during sleep
    • Narcolepsy
    • Night Terrors/Nightmares/Sleepwalking

  • HOW IS A SLEEP STUDY PERFORMED?

    During sleep testing, your brain waves, muscle movements, eye movements, breathing and heart rate are monitored by small metal discs called electrodes. These electrodes are applied to your head and skin with an adhesive. Flexible elastic belts around your chest and abdomen measure your breathing while the level of oxygen in your blood is measured by a pulse oximeter which is placed on your finger.

  • HOW WILL I BE ABLE TO SLEEP IN A STRANGE ENVIRONMENT WITH ALL THOSE WIRES ON ME?

    None of these devices are painful and all are designed to be as comfortable as possible. The electrodes may feel strange on your skin at first, but most people do not find them uncomfortable or an obstacle to falling asleep. The electrode wires will be gathered behind your head so that you will be able to roll over and change positions while you sleep.


    The surroundings at the Chattanooga Sleep Center are homey and comfortable. Each room is equipped with a full size bed, flat screen television and private bath. The technical equipment and technicians will be in a separate room from your sleeping room. The sleep specialist recognizes that your sleep in the center might not be exactly like your sleep at home. This usually does not interfere with obtaining the necessary information from your study.

  • HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY SLEEP STUDY?

    On the day of your sleep study, avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolate) after 2 p.m. and try not to nap. Before coming to the sleep center, wash and dry your hair. Do not apply hair sprays, oils, or gels to your hair or lotion or oil to your body. Pack an overnight bag, as you would for an overnight stay at a hotel. If you have special needs, please advise the sleep center personnel so they can accommodate you.

  • SHOULD I TAKE MEDICATIONS, AS USUAL?

    Yes, take all medications as you normally would, unless your physician tells you otherwise. Bring all your medications with you to the Sleep Center. If you are diabetic, please pack and bring with you all your accucheck supplies, including test strips, syringes, and insulin.

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