is called “apnea”). The obstruction may be due
to a variety of factors including loss of muscle
control over the tongue which may cause the
tongue to fall back against the airway and/or
the collapse of the soft palate (the soft part of
the roof of the mouth) over the airway.
You breathe differently during sleep and
wakefulness. During sleep, your muscles relax,
your airway narrows and your body exerts
less effort to breathe. During an episode of
apnea, the brain causes you to awaken slightly
without even realizing it so that you can
breathe. Episodes of apnea can last from just
a few seconds to over a minute and can occur
hundreds of times throughout the night. With
each breath, oxygen should be brought into
the lungs, absorbed into the blood, and then
distributed to the organs and tissues. Also,
carbon dioxide should be exhaled. During
apnea episodes, the oxygen content of the
blood decreases and carbon dioxide levels
increase. This causes the blood pressure to
rise, which puts stress on the heart and other
organs. Also, this constant interruption of deep
sleep results in a loss of restful, healthy sleep,
and generally causes daytime sleepiness.
The CPAP/Bi-Level unit treats Obstructive
Sleep Apnea by providing low
pressure airflow to your
airways by means of
a nasal mask that
fits over the nose
or nasal pillows
which are inserted
into the nostrils.
Air pressure holds
the airway open,
preventing the collapse of the palate and
tongue over the air passage. This allows for
normal breathing and uninterrupted sleep.
Your CPAP/Bi-Level Unit
Note:
Your unit may look different than the
units pictured in this booklet.
The CPAP and Bi-Level units use electrically
powered motors and blowers to maintain the
air flow necessary for treatment. As room air
enters the unit it is filtered for dust and other
airborne particles, then pushed through the
circuit and into your airways.
Your physician has prescribed the appropriate
level of air pressure to keep your airway open
during sleep.
Do not make any adjustments
to your CPAP or Bi-Level unit.
If you have
any questions about your prescribed
setting, please consult your physician or
Apria Healthcare.
CPAP and Bi-Level units are available in
different models. However, all models have
the same basic parts: a
power switch
to turn
the unit on and off; an
air outlet
to which the
tubing is connected; and an
air inlet
where air
NASAL CPAP/BI-LEVEL
3
Basic parts of CPAP/Bi-Level units
Air Outlet
Filter Area and
Air Inlet
Power
Inlet
Display
Screen
Power
Switch
Ramp
Button
