CPAP therapy is a treatment method used for sleep apnea and other breathing difficulty symptoms. This method helps maintain normal breathing by providing air with maintained pressure in the airway to prevent airway closure. At Clionic, more professional application and management of CPAP therapy is available.
1.
Pressure Adjustment: CPAP equipment has settings that allow for pressure adjustment. Patients spend one night at the hospital wearing sleep study equipment while sleeping, during which doctors or sleep specialists adjust the pressure for optimal treatment effects.
a.
A sleep study is conducted while wearing the CPAP device to set the optimal pressure.
b.
When adjusting pressure, factors such as treatment-emerging central sleep apnea (TECSA), improvement in obstructive apnea, arousal level, and oxygen saturation are comprehensively considered to determine the optimal pressure.
2.
Continuous Use: CPAP therapy requires continuous use. Due to health insurance requirements, CPAP usage records need to be shared regularly. Clionic Sleep Clinic has implemented the AirView system, which automatically transmits usage data to the cloud without the need for monthly SD card submissions, and allows for remote setting adjustments. We also continuously share information about consumable replacements and usage instructions through KakaoTalk notifications. For patients who maintain good compliance with their treatment, we offer convenient CPAP prescriptions through telemedicine consultations.
The continuous treatment usage rate for CPAP has been reported to be between 50-80%, with domestic university hospitals known to maintain around 70%. As of November 2024, Clionic maintains approximately 92% usage rate, and we will continue to strive for even higher treatment adherence rates.
Benefits of CPAP Treatment include:
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Prevention of Airway Obstruction: CPAP provides pressure in the airway to prevent closure and maintain smooth airflow.
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Improved Oxygen Supply: CPAP enhances oxygen intake, helping to provide adequate oxygen supply to tissues.
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Enhanced Sleep Quality: It improves sleep quality by alleviating sleep disturbances caused by breathing difficulties.
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Other Health Benefits: CPAP treatment helps with other health benefits related to sleep apnea, such as reducing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and improving daytime sleepiness.
With the introduction of telemedicine services, CPAP effectiveness assessment can be done through telemedicine consultations. When telemedicine consultation is possible, we will evaluate your CPAP usage records in advance and guide you through the telemedicine process.
CPAP treatment must be conducted under the prescription and guidance of a physician. Doctors or sleep specialists provide pressure settings and treatment plans tailored to the patient's condition, along with necessary adjustments and support.
How to get CPAP Machine
1.
Under Korean National Health Insurance
a.
Rental is the recommended option. Under NHIS, the monthly rental fee is 44,500 KRW for the first 1-3 months, then reduces to 17,800 KRW (2024)
b.
One CPAP mask per year is partially covered by insurance
2.
With International Health Insurance (Cigna, Tiecare, GBG and others)
a.
Full coverage is provided when sleep apnea is confirmed by a sleep study
b.
If there is a co-pay or deductible, patients will have some out-of-pocket expenses
c.
Masks and other consumables may be covered
