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Customised sleep fitness program

Sleep therapy is the general term for any treatment for sleep related disorders. For sleep apnoea, treatments specifically aim to reduce the number of episodes of apnoea/hypopnoea experienced during sleep.

The most common treatment for sleep apnoea is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). For this treatment, a device is used at night to blow pressure adjusted air into a mask fitted over your nose, or nose and mouth.

The mask allows the air to gently blow into the back of your throat. This keeps the airway open and prevents pauses in breathing as you sleep.

The alternatives to CPAP may include position therapy, lifestyle management, dental devices and surgery. The diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnoea should be carried out by your physician or specialist.

Every individual is different so it is important to get the treatment that suits just your body and situation.

LISA™ offers a wide range of devices, masks and accessories from leading brands, and will work with you to find the right fit.

Select the CPAP that suits you best 

Your physician or specialist will identify through testing the adequate pressure required to prevent apnoeas occurring while you sleep.

A specific type of CPAP may be recommended:

APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) therapy automatically varies the pressure all through the night and from night to night. It actively responds to the continuous changes in the upper airway.

Bi-Level devices use two different pressure levels: a higher level during expiration and a lower level during inspiration. This device is generally used to treat obstructive, complex and central sleep apnoea.

In addition, a humidifier may be recommended. Humidifiers add moisture and warm the air before you breathe it in – making your CPAP therapy even more comfortable.

Fit the mask to your breathing 

There are various kinds of masks that include nasal masks, full face masks and nasal pillows. The type of mask that is right for you depends on the way in which you breathe (whether you breathe through your nose, mouth, or nose and mouth when you sleep). In any case, your mask needs to be fitted to ensure it follows the shape of your face and forms a good seal to prevent air leaks and maintain the proper level of air pressure without making you feel uncomfortable while you sleep.

Talk to others 

Being comfortable with your treatment from the start is essential to meeting your sleep fitness goals. Talking to others suffering from sleep apnoea can make a difference to your success.

Remember you are not alone. As an example, it is estimated that up to 4% of men and 2% of women suffer from sleep apnoea (1). There is a wealth of information about sleep apnoea. Do not hesitate to talk to others, ask questions and get the support you need.

(1) Young T. The occurrence of sleep-disordered breathing among middle-aged adults. N Engl J Med 1993; 328(17):1230-1235.

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