FINALLY, A SLEEP AID THAT ADDRESSES COMFORT AND COMPLIANCE ISSUES FOR CPAP USERS The American Sleep Apnea Association identifies CPAP therapy as the most common treatment for sleep apnea. CPAP therapy works by preventing the airway from closing during sleep. It is administered at bedtime through a nasal or facial mask held in place by velcro straps around the patient’s head. The mask is connected by a tube to a small air compressor. The CPAP machine sends air under pressure through the tube and into the mask, where it imparts positive pressure to the upper airways, preventing the tissues in the back of the throat from collapsing during sleep. This is an extremely effective form of treatment when used in compliance with doctors orders. However, non-compliance is a big issue. It has been estimated that over 65% of patients use the machine for a maximum of just 4 hours per night when it should be used for the duration of the patient’s sleep. Additionally, many patients report using the CPAP for just a few nights out of the week. Discomfort is a major factor contributing to non-compliance. During side sleeping or stomach sleeping, the mask presses and rubs against the patient’s face, which leads to discomfort and can also distort the mask, causing leaks and exacerbating the problem of non-compliance. It Improves: Mask comfort, Freedom of movement during sleep, Multi-position sleeping for side and back and stomach sleepers, Neck support and spinal alignment. It reduces: Mask leaks, Mask pressure on face, and Airway resistance due to better neck support.