CPAP Therapy at Penn Highlands

What is CPAP therapy?

CPAP Therapy

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. CPAP machines are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway collapses during sleep. This collapse leads to a lack of oxygen that forces the body to wake up to start breathing again.

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How does CPAP Therapy Work?

CPAP therapy is administered through a small machine that sits next to your bed at home. Before going to sleep, you’ll put on a face mask that you’ve selected and is comfortable. Through the face mask, the machine will deliver mildly pressurized air into your airway. This air gently forces its way through your upper airway, keeping the airway from collapsing while you sleep.

There are several different types of CPAP therapy machines. Some are set to deliver a certain pressure of air at intervals set by your sleep doctor. Others automatically adjust the pressure based on your needs while you sleep. There are even more styles of face masks to choose from. If your sleep doctor prescribes CPAP therapy, our team will help you determine which sleep apnea machine and mask is right for you.

Do I Have to Use CPAP Forever?

If your sleep doctor prescribes CPAP therapy, it’s important to use it every time you sleep. That means at night, for naps, at home, and on vacation.

If your obstructive sleep apnea was caused by a treatable condition, it’s possible you may be able to stop using the CPAP machine if the underlying condition is addressed. For example, if your sleep apnea is caused by being overweight and you get to a healthy weight, you might not need CPAP therapy any longer. But don’t stop CPAP therapy without first talking to your sleep doctor.

What are CPAP Alternatives?

CPAP therapy is the most effective way to treat obstructive sleep apnea on its own. But if wearing the sleep apnea machine mask every time you sleep isn’t possible, there are alternatives. Other treatments include dental devices that keep your upper airway open, changing sleep positions, and surgery.

Are Sleep Apnea Machines Dangerous?

No. CPAP therapy is approved by the FDA. As long as you use your sleep apnea machine as instructed, you shouldn’t have any complications.

Side effects of CPAP therapy include air leaks, skin irritation from an ill-fitting mask, mouth and nose dryness, and gas and bloating if excessive air is swallowed during treatment. If you experience any side effects, talk to your sleep doctor. Do not stop using your sleep apnea machine without first consulting your physician.

Are Sleep Apnea Machines Noisy?

Early sleep apnea machines were noisy. Sometimes they kept people with sleep apnea and their bed partners from sleeping. Today’s CPAP machines are much quieter. They also come with lots of features to make treatment easier and more comfortable.

Before purchasing a sleep apnea machine, research the available options and ask for recommendations based on your needs. If you travel frequently, you may consider getting a portable CPAP. Many models come with a built-in or added humidifier to help keep your mouth from becoming dry. And some gradually increase the amount of air pressure used after you put the mask on to make the transition easier.

Is CPAP Therapy Covered By Insurance?

Yes. Sleep apnea can cause many health problems, so most insurance plans will cover the expense of a sleep apnea machine. We will help work with your insurance plan to determine what will be covered.

Sleep Disorders Center - DuBois

621 S. Main Street
2nd Floor
DuBois, PA 15801
814-375-3223

Sleep Lab - Elk

763 Johnsonburg Road
St. Marys, PA 15857
814-375-3223

Sleep Lab - Huntingdon

1225 Warm Springs Avenue
2nd Floor
Huntingdon, PA 16652
814-643-8870

Doctor Photo In Network
Illuzzi, Angelo, DO, FCCP, D, ABSM, FAASM
Specialties

Critical Care

Pulmonary Medicine

Sleep Medicine

Locations

Penn Highlands Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine - DuBoisA Service of Penn Highlands DuBois

Penn Highlands Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine - St. MarysA Service of Penn Highlands DuBois


Doctor Photo
Lipitz, Mark, DO
Specialties

Neurology

Sleep Medicine

Locations

Penn Highlands Neurology - Huntingdon


Doctor Photo In Network
Rao, Rajesh S.K., MD
Specialties

Pulmonary Medicine

Sleep Medicine

Locations

Penn Highlands Lung Center - PhilipsburgA Service of Penn Highlands DuBois

Penn Highlands Lung Center - PunxsutawneyA Service of Penn Highlands DuBois

Penn Highlands Lung Center - St. MarysA Service of Penn Highlands DuBois

The Lung Center


Sleep Centers at Penn Highlands
Sleep Center - Connellsville

The Sleep Lab is located on the 2nd floor of the Central Wing.

Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
In-Home Sleep Studies
In-Lab Sleep Studies

401 East Murphy Avenue
Connellsville, PA 15425
724-626-2201

Sleep Disorders Center - DuBois

The Sleep Disorders Center is located on the 2nd Floor of the DuBois Community Medical Center.

Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

  • In-Home Sleep Studies
  • In-Lab Sleep Studies

621 S. Main Street
DuBois, PA 15801
814-375-3223

Sleep Lab - Elk

The Sleep Lab is located on the 1st Floor of the Penn Highlands Elk.

Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

  • In-Home Sleep Studies
  • In-Lab Sleep Studies

763 Johnsonburg Road
St. Marys, PA 15857
814-375-3223

Sleep Lab - Huntingdon

The Sleep Lab is located on the 3rd floor of the Hospital in the Specialty Care Clinic.

Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
In-Home Sleep Studies
In-Lab Sleep Studies

1225 Warm Springs Avenue
Huntingdon, PA 16652
814-643-8870

Sleep Lab - Mon Valley

The Sleep Lab is located on the 3rd floor of the Charles L. & Rose Sweeney Melenyzer Pavilion.

Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine
In-Home Sleep Studies
In-Lab Sleep Studies

1163 Country Club Rd
Monongahela, PA 15063
724-258-1490

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