CPAP machine

Monitor compliance with CPAP therapy. CPAP machines have a built-in compliance meter to measure the hours used at effective pressure. Patients should use CPAP therapy for at least 5 hours each night. In addition to alleviating sleep-disordered breathing, CPAP therapy may improve cardiovascular outcomes. 

Patients suspected of having sleep apnea should undergo a sleep study. If sleep apnea is diagnosed, these patients should be treated with weight reduction, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, and, in extreme cases, surgery. Sleep apnea patients in general should not be prescribed sedative-hypnotics. 

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