What is CPAP?

CPAP is a small machine that connects to a mask that fits over your child’s nose or nose and mouth while he or she is sleeping. The machine gently pushes air through the mask and into your child’s airway, keeping it open. It helps your child breathe better and prevents snoring. This treatment for some patients can be successful. The CPAP machine does not deliver oxygen. If oxygen is needed, an additional order will be written.

How do i know if my child needs CPAP?

If your child’s sleep study shows they have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), most children benefit from having their tonsils or adenoids removed. However, if your child has already had this surgery or they are not a candidate for surgery then CPAP may be recommended by your doctor.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)?

OSA occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep. This happens many times throughout the night. When left untreated, OSA can cause growth, learning, or behavior problems. It can even cause heart problems. But treatment can help prevent these problems, make them less severe, or make them go away.

Using CPAP

A home equipment company will show you how to use and clean the CPAP equipment. CPAP works best when it is used all night, every night. This may not be easy at first, but with regular use most children and teens get used to wearing CPAP. The CPAP machine has a modem that uploads data to an online program. After starting CPAP, a Respiratory Therapist from our sleep program will look at the data and contact you to talk about how your child is doing with wearing CPAP. We may be able to trouble shoot simple problems over the phone.

Your child will also need to have a clinic visit about 1-2 months after starting CPAP. During that visit, the CPAP machine and mask will be checked and you will get help with any problems your child might be having with using CPAP. Your child should continue using CPAP unless the doctor or nurse practitioner tells you it is safe to stop.