Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure - EPAP Therapy

EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure) is a sleep apnea treatment for mild to moderate cases of sleep apnea. A small nasal device is used every night as an alternative to CPAP therapy for treating sleep apnea. 

Here at CPAP Depot we’re here to help you treat your sleep apnea. We stock kits to get you started on your EPAP therapy journey if you’re ready to trial EPAP to treat your obstructive sleep apnea. 

What is EPAP therapy and how does it work?

EPAP therapy uses expiratory pressure to increase pressure in the airway and treat sleep apnea. This is achieved through a small nasal device placed just inside the nasal openings, held in place by a hypoallergenic adhesive. Upon inhalation, small valves in the nasal device open and allow you to breathe as normal. When exhaling, the valves close. This directs the exhaled air through small vent holes and generates EPAP. In this way, your airway is kept open until you inhale again, reducing the effects of obstructive sleep apnea. 

The nasal device must be used nightly, as with CPAP therapy. Sometimes the nasal devices are disposable and are thrown out after each night of use and replaced. 

EPAP therapy relies on the power of your own breath to create the desired effect. EPAP therapy also works to reduce or eliminate the snoring associated with obstructive sleep apnea. 

Who may benefit from EPAP therapy? 

EPAP therapy can be a suitable alternative to CPAP therapy for some sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). If you have mild to moderate OSA, you may benefit from EPAP therapy. 

Some sleep apnea sufferers benefit from switching from CPAP therapy if they struggle to tolerate forced air flow being administered through a mask, or feel claustrophobic with a bulky mask on their face. 

If you want to try EPAP therapy, it’s important to first consult your sleep specialist to find out if it’s a good option for you. 

Benefits of EPAP therapy

If EPAP therapy is right for you and your situation, there can be many benefits. 

• Cost effective 
• Non-invasive and discrete
• Also treats OSA-related snoring
• Easy to use and convenient 
• Freedom and lifestyle that CPAP therapy doesn’t always allow
• Uses your own exhalation to create airway pressure, rather than forced air

Other notes on EPAP therapy 

As with any sleep therapy, it can take a bit of getting used to your EPAP therapy device. It may take a few nights before you start to feel more comfortable, but this is normal. Try breathing through your mouth (rather than the device) when you are still awake. You will naturally breathe through the device once you have fallen asleep. 

The devices are simple to use and easy to place into the nostril, especially once you’ve tried it a few times. Just ensure you have created a tight seal with the adhesive so that there are no air leaks around the device. 

Our friendly team at CPAP Depot are here to help you on your sleep therapy journey. Contact our CPAP experts from CPAP Depot to find out more about EPAP therapy or to buy EPAP therapy products to get you started.