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New routines for better sleep

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.
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 all leading brands, and will work with you to find the right solution for you.

Select the CPAP that suits you best 

CPAP provides one constant air pressure all through the night. The pressure adequate for you, to prevent apnoeas from occurring while you sleep, will be identified by your physician or specialist through testing.

Your doctor may recommend a specific type of CPAP:

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.

Irrespective of their types, most devices have built-in humidifiers. If not, you can purchase these separately. 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 mask, full face mask and nasal pillow. The type of mask that is right for you depends on the type of breather you are (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 during your sleep.

Talk to others 

Getting comfortable with your treatment from the start is essential to meeting your sleep fitness goals. A solid dialogue with a caregiver and others suffering from sleep apnoea can make a lot of difference to your success.

Remember you are not alone. It is estimated that up to 4% of men and 2% of women in middle age 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.

If a care center, run by LISA™, is available near by, there is a good chance that some patient forums are organised. Don’t hesitate to contact us and join one of our sessions.

(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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