Sleep Apnea and CPAP Glossary: Essential Terms and Definitions for Beginners

If you or a loved one has recently developed sleep apnea, welcome to the club. According to the National Council on Aging, in the spring of 2024, nearly 40 million people in the United States and close to 1 billion people worldwide suffer from this common sleep disorder. What’s more, a surprising number of people who have sleep apnea are undiagnosed and are likely not even aware of their condition or the dangers it can pose.

This article will introduce you to some of the most important ideas and terminology associated with sleep apnea and its most common and frequently most effective solution: CPAP machines. Learn the critical information about sleep apnea before making any medical decisions.

Sleep Apnea Glossary:

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which the body’s normal breathing patterns are interrupted, leading to long pauses between breaths or patchy or irregular breathing.

This interruption in breathing can be divided into three categories:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused when a physical blockage in the airway interrupts normal airflow. This blockage can have many potential sources, such as head shape and body weight.

Central sleep apnea (CSA) refers to cases where signals from the brain that control automatic breathing are interrupted or intercepted.

Complex sleep apnea is when a combination of physical blockage and interrupted brain signals cause breathing interruption.

CPAP Glossary:

CPAP (Machine)

Let’s start with the basics: CPAP stands for “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure,” referring to the treatment method in which irregular breathing is treated by a steady flow of air pressure delivered into the airways. The CPAP machine, therefore, is named after its function and the science behind it.

CPAP Machine Components

A list of key parts of any given CPAP machine:

The mask straps to the sleeper’s face to supply oxygen. They come in several shapes.

Hose/Tubing is used to connect the breathing mask to the machine

The pressure port is a feature on some masks and is found where the mask connects to tubing and measures air pressure.

The filter catches and traps floating elements in the air that can disrupt breathing, such as dust, pollen, pet hair, etc.

CPAP Pressure

The unit of measurement to express the continuous pressure the machine is supplying through the mask. This is measured in centimeters of water and should only be adjusted or changed by a medical professional. Only adjust the pressure of your CPAP machine after first discussing it with your doctor.

Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)

The AHI is the scientific measure used to determine the severity of an individual’s sleep apnea symptoms. Essentially, it’s a count of the number of breathing interruptions you experience during sleep. Understanding the data gathered from an AHI is critical to understanding the severity and best treatment for sleep apnea.

Hypopnea

Hypopnea is the scientific term for a shallow and reduced breathing rate, unlike apnea, which describes complete stoppages in breathing. While your actual breathing patterns may be healthy, your body is still experiencing restricted airflow, which can cause damage and contribute to an AHI score.

Sleep Study

Polysomnography (better known as a sleep study) is the most common method used for diagnosing sleep apnea. As the name suggests, a sleep study involves coming to a specialized lab and being connected to a machine that gathers data about your breathing patterns, brain activity, oxygen levels, etc.

During a sleep study, a trained sleep technician will observe and gather data on you while you sleep. A sleep medicine-trained physician will then review this information to determine a personalized treatment plan.

Full Face / Nasal Mask

The breathing mask that delivers continuous air pressure on a CPAP machine generally comes in two forms: a nasal mask covering only the nose and a full-face mask covering all of the nose, mouth, and surrounding parts of the face. Nasal masks are less intrusive and more comfortable, but people who breathe through their mouths while they sleep or who have problems with nasal congestion may need the full-face option.

Rainout

Rainout is condensation that forms on the CPAP machine, especially along the mask or tubing. This extra moisture is more likely to happen in cold rooms and can cause problems for the machine, but it is usually easy to solve.

Exhalation Relief

Also known as pressure relief, this is a CPAP machine feature that lessens incoming air pressure from the machine while the sleeper is exhaling. This makes breathing out easier and more comfortable.

Flow Limitation

The official medical term for any event that leads to interrupted breathing, but is most frequently used for physical blockages.

Learn More, Take The Next Steps

Understanding sleep apnea and CPAP therapy can feel overwhelming, especially with all the terminology involved. This glossary was designed to help you familiarize yourself with terms and concepts to feel more confident about your treatment.

If you or someone close to you needs a CPAP machine, there’s a lot to know and consider before making any decisions. Fortunately, the team at DreamZz Center is here to answer your questions and get you on the right path. The Dream Team is dedicated to providing you with education, support, and the personalized care you need to manage your sleep apnea effectively.