How CPAP works
A small bedside device delivers a continuous flow of room air through a mask, gently keeping your upper airway open during sleep. The result is uninterrupted breathing, restored sleep architecture, and — over months and years — measurable reductions in cardiovascular risk.
Who benefits from CPAP
- Adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (AHI ≥ 15)
- Mild OSA with significant daytime symptoms or comorbidities
- Patients with treatment-resistant hypertension and concurrent OSA
- Post-operative patients with persistent residual events
- Bariatric and cardiovascular patients with measured sleep-disordered breathing
Our titration and fitting process
In-lab titration
A supervised overnight study determines your optimal pressure setting under continuous monitoring. We adjust during the night to find the lowest effective pressure.
Mask fitting
Nasal pillows, nasal masks, full-face masks — we trial several styles. Comfort is the single largest predictor of long-term adherence.
Device matching
Fixed-pressure, auto-titrating (APAP), and bilevel (BiPAP) devices serve different clinical situations. We match the device to the diagnosis, not the inventory.
First-month coaching
Most adherence problems are solvable in the first thirty days. We schedule a check-in at one week and one month for new users.
Quarterly review
Device download review, mask wear-out, residual events, and life changes (weight, alcohol, travel) are evaluated every three months in year one.
Common concerns and how we address them
- "The mask feels claustrophobic." Most patients adapt within two weeks. We rotate mask styles and use desensitization techniques.
- "My mouth dries out." Heated humidification and chin-strap or full-face mask switching solve nearly all cases.
- "I take it off in my sleep." Usually a sign of suboptimal pressure or mask fit — fixable on review.
- "I travel often." Modern devices are airline-approved and battery-compatible. We help patients plan for travel.
- "Is it lifelong?" For most moderate-to-severe OSA, yes — though weight loss, positional changes, or surgery can change the picture. We reassess regularly.
What we measure
Modern CPAP devices record nightly usage, residual respiratory events, mask leak, and patient-initiated adjustments. Each quarterly review includes a download analysis. We do not rely on patient self-report for adherence.
DME (Durable Medical Equipment) shop
We operate an on-site DME shop carrying devices and accessories from multiple manufacturers. We do not work on commission. Replacement masks, filters, tubing, and humidifier chambers are stocked.
CPAP is the most certain therapy and the only one proven, at population scale, to prevent the cardiovascular complications of untreated sleep apnea. — Dr. Han Jin-Kyu