What is CPAP?
CPAP (pronounced “see pap”) is used as a reliable treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and other breathing related sleep conditions such as upper airway resistance syndrome or obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
CPAP service contact details
Telephone:
01642 282533 – select option 1
The line is opened Monday to Friday between 8am to 4pm. You may get an answer machine but if you leave your full name, date of birth and your address, the CPAP team will respond to you within three working days.
Email:
You can also request replacement parts and ask any question related to CPAP therapy through the email address below.
Equipment collection:
Most of the equipment is now posted to your home address. However, some parts may require collection. This has to be pre-arranged and confirmed by the clinic and collected from the collection box at the South Reception (South Entrance, The James Cook University Hospital). Any equipment not collected within one week of the collection date will be returned back to store.
Important updates
CPAP service no longer provides walk in support
Equipment collection service no longer operates from neurophysiology department
How does CPAP work?
CPAP is currently the gold treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. The CPAP machine will open the airway at the back of your throat during sleep by delivering continual pressurised air through a mask. This pressure stops the narrowing at the back of the throat, thus preventing obstruction. This will then improve airflow into your lungs, increase your blood oxygen levels during the night and reduce sleep disturbance. The CPAP machine automatically assesses and delivers the correct pressure throughout your sleep.
CPAP therapy is not a cure for OSA and other sleep disordered breathing conditions, it is used purely to manage symptoms of OSA. In many cases, OSA can be effectively and safely managed and often also cured through maintaining healthy weight.
Starting CPAP therapy
Once you are diagnosed with OSA, you will receive a face to face appointment with the CPAP clinic (2-4 weeks following your diagnosis), where you will be shown, how to use a CPAP machine, you will be fitted with a suitable mask and provided with all the necessary information related to this treatment.
This will be followed by a first, telephone review of your CPAP treatment, when one of our specialist nurses will assess whether your sleep condition is being treated effectively.
You will be provided with CPAP machine manual, CPAP therapy information leaflet, CPAP service contact details and DVLA leaflet.
It usually takes several weeks get used to the CPAP machine and wearing the mask and it is normal to have some difficulties adjusting to the idea of having to use this therapy. You should eventually see the difference, when using your CPAP such as:
- increased energy levels
- improved daytime sleepiness and fatigue
- reduced headaches
- improved sleep quality
- cessation of snoring
- improved concentration
- improved mood/depression
- stabilisation of blood pressure
- reduced risk of heart problems, strokes and improved metabolism
Further information
- If admitted to hospital for any reason it is very important that you inform the nurse/doctor about your CPAP treatment. Take your CPAP machine to the hospital with you.
- You can also take your CPAP machine on your travels. Please, contact the CPAP clinic in timely manner and they will issue you with a travel letter.
- Please note that the device you have been issued with is a property of the sleep service at James Cook. Therefore, there is an expectation that you will keep it clean and look after it. If you no longer require CPAP therapy or are discharged from the sleep service, you are also expected to return the device back to us at your earliest convenience.