A How To Guide For CPAP Machines

A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is a device, which delivers compressed air to the respiratory tract, through a full-face mask, nasal mask, nasal pillow, or lip-seal mouthpiece. They are made up of three main components; a flow generator, which provides pressurized air, the hose, which routes air from the flow generator, and the interface, which delivers the pressurized air to the wearer's airway. While not the only option, CPAP machines are one of the most common and preferred respiratory supplies used to treat sleep apnea.

Though CPAPs have many uses in the medical field, their main use is for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea - a condition in which breathing is interrupted during sleep. As the muscles of the upper airway relax and retract, the passage can sometimes narrow. In such cases, less oxygen is allowed to pass through, starving the body for air - momentarily disturbing sleep until the muscles once again contract and open the airway. Often times, those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea are unaware of the symptoms, even when it seriously disturbs their sleep.

It is noteworthy to point out that CPAP machines do not work by forcing air into the lungs, but rather by providing sufficient pressure to keep the airway open. Designed to operate at a prescribed pressure (the titrated pressure), which is determined by a technician after conducting an overnight study, CPAP machines must be used in conjunction with a treatment plan set up by a qualified medical professional.