A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is developed to help alleviate sleep disorders by assisting in inhalation and exhalation and preventing the airway from collapsing when breathing in. Also known as a sleep apnea machine, it is a most commonly used device in the therapy of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and can be an effective means to ensure a good night’s sleep. A CPAP machine is also effective in helping with disturbed sleep due to snoring or sleep disordered breathing. There are different types of CPAP machines with varying features and functionality to tackle all types of sleep disorders.
Sleep apnea can make life stressful because it results in chronic daytime drowsiness and can lead to heart disease and stroke. An individual with sleep apnea can experience anywhere from 5 to 100 interruptions per hour in breathing. A CPAP machine allows sleep to continue undisturbed by blowing pressurized air through the throat. The air pressure is constant and stops the throat from collapsing.
How do CPAP machines work?
CPAP machines work on the basic technology of delivering pressurized air. A CPAP machine has three parts – motor, hose and mask. The motor pulls in the atmosphere air, pressurizes it and delivers it through a CPAP mask into the throat at the appropriate pressure needed to keep it free from obstruction.
The hose is the tubing through which the pressurized air is delivered from the motor to the user’s mask. The mask worn by the user is available in different shapes, sizes as well as styles – nasal pillows, nasal masks and full face masks.
How to choose a CPAP machine that works best for you?
Selecting a CPAP machine will depend on the advice given you by your health practitioner. All our CPAP machines require a prescription for purchase (prescription can be faxed to 1.203.616.2851 or emailed to [email protected]).
There are varying types of CPAP machines classified as per their functionality – CPAP, APAP and BiPAP. CPAP is most common and employs a single pressure airstream. Auto Adjusting CPAP (APAP) uses variable pressure levels depending on the minimum pressure required to keep the airway open. BiPAP/BiLevel machines deliver air in two separate pressure streams - one for inhalation and one for exhalation.
Although most new machines have auto adjustment features, some units may need tweaking of pressure settings based on individual requirement. The IntelliPAP Auto Adjust CPAP System from DeVilbiss offers dual benefits displaying features of both a conventional machine and auto adjust mode. If a CPAP machine does not provide you relief despite air stream pressure adjustments then this implies that therapy on a continuous fixed-pressure machine is not for you. In such a case, Bi-level or BiPAP may work better for you because it offers two different air pressure streams – one for inhaling and another for exhaling. Dream Station Auto BiPAP Machine adjusts automatically at night to provide two distinct pressures for inhalation and exhalation. Somnetics’ Transcend Auto Mini CPAP Machine with EZEX has expiratory relief technology providing pressure relief every time only on exhalation.
Getting used to a CPAP machine takes time. You could start with wearing it for short intervals in the daytime, while watching TV or reading. This will help you get used to it. Gradually extend the wear period extending it into the night during sleep.
DeVilbiss IntelliPAP Standard CPAP System with SmartCode Technology provides sustained release of air pressure to ensure patient compliance. This is because of its “delay ramp” feature which starts delivering air pressure at a lower level and gradually increases its level as you are about to fall asleep. This helps you get used to breathing through the machine.
At the beginning if you find wearing the mask uncomfortable then avoid tying it and instead just hold it to your face. Keep it on while you get used to the air pressure. If you do this for a few days you will gradually start getting used to the machine. Once okay with it then tie on the straps.
Latest CPAP machines have built-in humidifiers to provide moisture to the air delivered to you. This helps overcome the problems of dry mouths, throats or nasal cavities. Humidification level of the machine can be adjusted. If there is no humidifier then using a nasal saline spray just before sleeping can help, too. Hoses in new machines are heated to bring down the build-up of water condensation as a result of the humidifiers.
