PCCAB “In House” CPAP Therapy Services Department

PCCAB Therapy Services carries the most technically advanced and up-to-date PAP Therapy Treatment devices around. We also carry the newest PAP masks that are available on the market today. We strive to stay ahead and knowledgeable on the best and healthiest treatment options out there. We offer Phillips Respironics, ResMed, and Fisher & Paykel CPAP products, as well as an assortment and array of CPAP accessories and PAP cleaning and maintenance products. Our very knowledgeable and expert staff is here to assist you in all your PAP Therapy needs, with a strong focus on your health and specializing in positive PAP compliance and comfort. We offer services and appointments for PAP Therapy equipment initial set-ups and sleep education, mask fittings and compliance sessions, equipment systems diagnostics checks, and more. PCCAB is a “One Stop Shop” for your convenience and a great night’s sleep.

Nasal CPAP/ BIPAP – different types that may be prescribed in sleep apnea.

Nasal CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the traditional form of airway pressure therapy developed back in 1982. Since that time this has been the most commonly prescribed therapy for patients who have obstructive sleep apnea. It is particularly important for those patients who have moderate to severe disease or patients who have severe daytime sleepiness. In using this therapy, the patient is fitted with a nasal mask (also referred to as “nasal interface”) that is worn during sleep. This mask is attached via tubing to a small air pressure generator that sits at the bedside and directs pressure to the nasal interface. When properly fitted and when the pressure is properly adjusted, this therapy alleviates any blockage in the nasal or oral passages that may lead to obstruction of the airway thereby relieving apneas during sleep. This therapy may require an acclimation period that may last anywhere from several days to several weeks for the patient to be adequately comfortable with the therapy. The equipment may require adjustments with the therapist, and potentially changes in settings by the physician.

More commonly patients are now set up with automatic positive airway pressure (APAP), wherein the machine determines the specific pressure needed for the patient at that time, a pressure that often depends on body position and stage of sleep.  A range of pressure needs to be set by the physician such that the machine does not deliver pressure below or above this range.

Nasal BiPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure) is a therapy very similar to nasal CPAP /APAP with the following exception.  Patients on nasal BiPAP will have a certain pressure delivered during inspiration and a lesser pressure during exhalation. This therapy is generally more expensive but in many patients is significantly more comfortable, particularly if high pressures are required.  The inspiratory and expiratory pressures may be set specifically, or determined automatically depending on the type of machine. This therapy also can prove helpful to patients who have other respiratory problems by actually assisting breathing during sleep by assisting inspiration by providing extra pressure when the patient is taking in a breath. In general, patients who are able to tolerate nasal CPAP usually do not require BiPAP therapy when treating obstructive sleep apnea, even if initially feeling the pressure seems excessive.