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.