CPAP

What is CPAP?

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a type of respiratory support that assists your child's ability to breathe. It involves the use of a CPAP mask and device. The CPAP device delivers continuous pressure via the mask to the airway and lungs. This opens the airways to allow normal breathing to occur. Normal breathing is important as it helps deliver oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide.

Why does your child need CPAP?

Your doctor has told you that your child has a breathing disorder called Obstructive Sleep apnea (OSA). In OSA your child will have trouble breathing when asleep. This can be caused by: large tonsils and adenoids, obesity, narrow airways or lung disease. Signs of OSA include snoring, apnoea (breathing stops) and restless sleeping.

OSA is only a problem when your child sleeps. For this reason your child will be required to use CPAP every time they sleep. CPAP provides continuous pressure throughout the night to prevent the airways closing.

If your child sleeps during the day it is important to use CPAP for these naps.

What will we do?

Once it has been decided that your child needs CPAP you will meet with the Clinical Nurse Consultant or the Scientific Officer. During this appointment your child will be fitted with a CPAP mask. Your child needs to get use to wearing the mask before CPAP treatment can start. You will take the mask home and over the next few days encourage your child to wear the mask for short periods. This can be when your child is either awake or asleep, as the objective is to ensure that your child is not fearful of the mask. Once your child is happy wearing the mask, call the Scientific Officer and we can book you in for admission to hospital to commence CPAP. Your child will generally be in hospital for 3-4 nights while we alter the CPAP pressure and they get used to using the CPAP. During this time you will get education and information about the CPAP and the device so you can use the machine when you go home. You will be given contact details in case there is a problem with the CPAP device that you can't fix.

How do you get the mask and machine?

The Children's Hospital has a limited supply of CPAP devices and for this reason you will be required to rent or purchase the device from a company. These companies include: BOC, Air Liquide, ResMed, Mayo Healthcare (Sleepezy) and CPAP Australia. Some families may qualify for funding through a funding scheme called Home Oxygen Program (PADP). Please advise us if you have a health care card.

Your child will use the hospital's mask when they go home. For long term use of more than 3 months you will be required to purchase a mask for your child and return the hospital's mask. Masks cost $180 to $260.

How long will your child need to use CPAP?

If your child has severe OSA and is awaiting surgery (eg removal of adenoids and tonsils) then CPAP may be needed until the day of surgery. In most cases the surgery will fix the sleep apnea and CPAP won't be needed after that.

Some children continue to have sleep apnea after surgery and will need to use CPAP as a long term treatment. Long term treatment is also needed for some sleep apneas that can't be fixed with an operation. In these cases your child will need to see their Sleep/Respiratory Doctor. They will also need to have further sleep studies every 6-12 months. These sleep studies will let us monitor the progress of your child's sleep apnoea and the need to use CPAP.

What if your child becomes unwell at home?

If your child gets sick and needs to come to the Emergency Department you will need to bring all CPAP equipment with you.

If your child is breathing rapidly, noisily or seems to be having difficulty breathing you should see a doctor urgently. If the problem is very severe you may see a dusky colour around your child's lips or there may be pauses when they stop breathing. You should call an ambulance if these occur.

• Your child will need to use CPAP every time they sleep.
• Your child will need to get use to wearing the mask at home before we commence CPAP in hospital.
• You will be required to rent or purchase the CPAP machine from a company and you will be required to purchase the CPAP mask for long term use.
• Children using CPAP will need regular assessment and follow up.

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