An Overview of CPAP Machines and How They Help Patients with Sleep Apnea

CPAP machines are used to help individuals with obstructive sleep apnea breathe during their sleep. This type of machine works by increasing air pressure in an individual’s throat so that his or her airway does not collapse. Some of these machines have masks that can be placed over the nose and/or mouth. The CPAP masks designed to cover only the nose are referred to as “nasal continuous positive airway pressure” or “NCPAP”, and are the most common.

While the individual sleeps, the CPAP therapy continuously blows air pressure into his or her airway through tubing, which results in uninterrupted breathing.

Some of these devices can be adjusted to fit the patient’s needs. Auto-adjusting PAP machines are modified to change pressure throughout the night depending on the patient’s sleeping patterns and positions. In addition to the machine and masks, other respiratory supplies such as tubing, filters, and chinstraps are required for this type of therapy. A physician must oversee a sleep study in order to determine the best type of therapy for a patient. The most common study is the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and it involves a qualified professional watching over the patient while he or she sleeps.

The first half of the test involves the professional determining whether or not the patient actually has sleep apnea. The second part of the test involves using CPAP supplies to see how effective the treatment is for the patient, and if anything can be done to improve the effectiveness. CPAP is the most common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Studies also show that Continuous Positive Airway Pressure therapy lowers blood pressure and helps prevent heart problems for those with coronary artery disease. Moreover, CPAP decreases daytime sleepiness, therefore providing those with severe sleep apnea with more energy.

How Should I Use My CPAP Machine and CPAP Mask?

If you have been to the doctor and he has diagnosed you with sleep apnea, chances are, he has suggested CPAP Machines or CPAP masks in order to help you with your situation. These CPAP machines open up your airways using pressurized streams of air to clear the passageway. Often when you have sleep apnea its simply caused by obstruction of the airway. Seems like an easy fix, right? Well the CPAP machines and CPAP masks are worn over your nose and or mouth while the air is gently pushed through your airway.

The first thing you need to do is to clean and dry the CPAP machine or mask that goes over your face. It's also suggested that when you buy a new CPAP device that you wash it right away before you use it for the first time! Place your device on a surface level which is lower than your bed - either side is fine. Next you would place the headgear over your mask and or nose, it depends on the type of device you have. Make sure you don't make the ties TOO tight since this could lead to soreness.

Just make sure its snuggly fit. You would then connect the hose and swivel tube to the "elbow" connection of the device, in this case the mask. Some devices already come with the hoses attached so this is as applicable. Lastly, simply turn the machine on! The airflow pressure from the mask should be consistent and constant. If you find any "leaking" around the mask, make sure you tighten your straps a little tighter. That's it! This really isn't anything scary or frightening and it can help you sleep more soundly!

How Should I Take Care Of My CPAP Machines & CPAP Masks?

As with any other products, but especially medical supplies, it's absolutely imperative that you take care of the item so that it can function properly. Also, by taking care of your CPAP machines and CPAP masks you are ensuring that the product will last longer! Usually when you buy a product, it will contain a manual which will include detailed instructions or steps to take in order to maintain your product. However, most manufacturers will suggest that you perform daily and weekly maintenance on your unit.

After all, this device is used to help you breath, the last thing you need is for it to malfunction! It's also important that you make sure that all the hoses be connected as well. Worn hoses should be replaced immediately considering these can send shock through the machine. The filters on the CPAP must be changed and cleaned as well. A lot of machines these days are admitting filters such as HEPA which can be purchased through a respiratory supplies site.

A HEPA filter is noted as being one of the cleanest ways and easiest way to clean the air - but can also be used with sleep apnea, allergies and asthmatic symptoms as well. Some of these CPAP units may also contain extras such as humidifiers which also need to be cleaned and kept free of mold and allergens. Some modifications may be needed by someone such as yourself. These modifications include fixing the straps on your device, use of bright tape or a "book light" for the device when you need to press certain buttons in the dark so no mistakes will happen or you will push anything you don't mean to! Please do not any under circumstance submerge your device!

What Types of CPAP Machines Are Available To Me?

When it comes to sleep apnea this is no laughing matter! Oftentimes when someone has sleep apnea they will be told by their doctor that they need to invest in a continuous airway pressure product. But what are the main types of products? Do they all do the same thing? Which one is better for you to use? First off, it's always important to ask your doctor these questions as well, considering he knows more than anyone else about your specific sleep problems.

However, taking a gander at a blog such as this will indeed give you some of the answers to the questions you have as well! Sleep apnea will usually have two main types of products available to you. One option is the CPAP machines.

The CPAP machines will induce oxygen in your blood which will help arousing you from your sleep when you cannot breathe by delivering a small flow of compressed air via a hose to the CPAP masks. This allows the airway to stay open so that anything obstructing the path will be pressurized and moved away. The second type of continuous airway pressure product is called a Bi-level pressure device or VPAP which offers two types of pressure; IPAP or Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure and a lower level of EPAP which is Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure which allows for easier exhalation.

There is also another option which is quite new. I know I said two main options so think of this as a sub-category. This is the APAP option or Automatic Positive Airway Pressure and it does the same thing as a VPAP or CPAP except that it is completely automatic and does not involve a fixed pressure level. All of these CPAP machines and CPAP masks - among other Airway Pressure devices can be at www.VentureResp.com