FAQs

Sleep apnea is a condition where you repeatedly stop breathing during sleep.

The most common cause is a blockage in the upper airway. Your airway is obstructed which causes you to stop breathing. As a result, the blood flow to the brain is interrupted and the blood oxygen level is reduced, and you will be forced to wake up to breathe. This can happen multiple times throughout the night during sleep. This condition is called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

A less common cause is communication failure between the brain and the breathing muscles. This condition is known as Central Sleep Apnea.

Sometimes patients show combination symptoms of both Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea. This condition is known as Complex Sleep Apnea.

OSA, if untreated, may cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications, such as:

• Heart disease and heart failure
• Stroke and hypertension
• Type 2 diabetes
• Anxiety and depression
• Daytime sleepiness and fatigue that increase the risk of accidents

• Feeling unrefreshed when waking up
• Daytime sleepiness and tiredness, loss of energy
• Poor concentration and memory
• Morning headaches and mood changes (depressed, irritable, etc)
• Feeling of choking during sleep
• Frequent night-time waking
• Frequent need to go to the toilet in the night
• Loud snoring

If you experience the above symptoms, you should consult with a medical professional. You might be referred to a sleep clinic and might be required to go for a sleep study, if you are suspected of having OSA. Sleep study is sleep assessment that measures your brain waves, eye and muscle movements, and assesses your heart and lung function, during sleep.

Vital Sleep provides sleep study services at a place of your choice. It can be done in the hospital or in the comfort of your own home. Our sleep technician will help and guide you through the process

PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) therapy is a very effective non-invasive treatment for OSA. PAP devices delivers air at your prescribed pressure setting into your upper airway to keep it open throughout the night. The delivery is done through a mask you wear to sleep.

It is important to stay compliant with and stick to your therapy to get the best result and benefit from this treatment. At the start of the therapy, it takes a little bit of getting used to the therapy, but consistent use of the PAP device will tremendously help improve your conditions within one to a few weeks after usage.

When you just start your PAP therapy, it might take a bit of time to get used to it. Here are some tips to stay compliant with your therapy and get the best result :

• Understand how PAP therapy can help you
• Find the right mask that fit you
• Be patient, start slow but keep it consistent
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
• Consult your doctor or contact your PAP therapy provider if you feel you require some advice or adjustment with your therapy
• Try using a PAP humidifier to overcome dryness or discomfort

Your mouth might feel dry if you sleep with your mouth open. Try to include heated humidifier in your therapy, or adjust the humidity level of your heated humidifier. Another option is to get a chinstrap to make sure that your mouth stays close during sleep. You can also check if there is any leak that causes dry mouth.

Which PAP mask is suitable for me? 

Each individual has different facial contour and different preference over which masks suit them best.

PAP mask is a very important part of your PAP therapy. When you sign up for our PAP trial program, our consultant will guide you through a mask fitting session to find the best mask that suits your needs and preferences.

Each individual has different facial contour and different preference over which masks suit them best.

PAP mask is a very important part of your PAP therapy. When you sign up for our PAP trial program, our consultant will guide you through a mask fitting session to find the best mask that suits your needs and preferences.

Your PAP mask can be a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, if they are not cleaned regularly.

Daily cleaning: you can simply wipe them with damp towel with mild soap and warm water, and let them air-dry.

Weekly cleaning: clean your mask in warm water with a few drops of ammonia-free mild soap. Rinse well and let them air-dry.