CPAP Machines

CPAP machines are a way to treat Sleep Apnea, a sleep disorder which impacts millions of Australians. CPAP stands for "Continuous Positive Airway Pressure" and is regarded by experts as being the best way to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder where a person's upper airway relaxes during sleep, and in this relaxed state partially or completely blocks the airway. These blockages can cause the individual to wake up as the body fights to breathe, and can cause snoring. If this process happens hundreds of times a night, not only does one not sleep well, but they also have increased chances of higher blood pressure, and are at greater risk for heart attack or stroke.

To begin treatment, a patient would see a Sleep Specialist or other medical professional. In most cases, they would order a sleep study as a diagnostic tool. The sleep study would check blood oxygen levels, breathing, and cardiac metrics among other things. Click here to schedule your FREE in-home sleep test today

The results of the sleep study help determine what type of treatment the doctor will pursue. In most cases, it means wearing the CPAP pressure machine. Popular brands of CPAP devices include ResMed, Philips Respironics and Fisher & Paykel.

CPAP machines have an internal motor which provides air pressure at a programmed pressure setting, helping keep the airway open throughout the night, making it easier to get an adequate amount of oxygen to the lungs. It can mean better sleep, and your tissues aren't deprived of the oxygen that they need to keep you healthy. CPAP devices are mostly quiet (under 30 decibels) and some are very small and lightweight - created with busy lives in mind.

A CPAP machine only works with the help of a CPAP mask. A CPAP mask allows the therapy air to maintain pressure as it enters the airway, and is how the equipment is able to work.

CPAP machines have 3 different types to pick from, intending to fulfill 3 different needs:

• CPAP: Only provides air at one set pressure ranging from 4 - 20
• APAP: Provides air at a variable pressure settings on a breath-by-breath basis ranging from 4 - 20
• BiPAP Provide different pressures for inhalation and exhalation ranging from 4 - 25, and can automatically adjust on Auto BiPAPs

Ideally you should use your machine whenever you're sleeping, including naps during daytime hours. The more you are able to use the machine while sleeping, the more benefit you can gain from the therapy.

Extended periods without using your machine will result in your sleep disorder not being effectively treated. This may result in a return of unwanted OSA symptoms and also make it difficult to re-adjust to the therapy when restarted.

At the moment the most popular CPAP machines are actually Automatic Positive Airway Pressure machines! Automatic Positive Airway Pressure is an acronym and is typically referred to as an APAP.

As mentioned earlier, Auto PAP machines gently compress air at a variable pressure on a breath-by-breath basis. This makes them so much more versatile than CPAP machines, and it's a large reason why these products are preferred by many patients. Some customers are also interested in travel devices, and APAP machines are preferrable for this purpose.

As the goal of CPAP Therapy is to improve sleep, manufacturers have gone to great lengths to make machines quiet. Many CPAPs check in at 30 decibels or less, which is considered whisper-quiet. When paired with a quiet CPAP mask, and a good fit, it can decrease the overall noise output to a range that will allow you to comfortably sleep.

Sleeping with a CPAP can feel a little unusual at first, but you will adjust quickly to the increased pressure, and soon you won't notice the change in pressure. Many CPAP machines include a humidifier section with a small tank of water which helps to reduce the dry mouth or nose sensation that may occur.

Once you start using your machine as you go to bed, you'll begin to notice changes that will improve your everyday life, and any minor discomfort is easily outweighed by the benefits to your overall quality of life.

It is extremely rare that any serious side effects occur when using CPAP therapy. For patients that stick with their treatment, the benefits of CPAP therapy far outweigh the side effects.

Some of the most commonly reported side effects may be:

• Nasal Congestion
• Dry Mouth
• Claustrophobia

It is common when commencing therapy to experience a small degree of nasal irritation resulting in a running nose or slight nasal congestion. This is mainly due to the effect of cold air on the lining of the nose. For most people this settles down once they adjust to therapy.

If symptoms are prolonged then measures to warm the air in the tubing may be of benefit. Increasing the humidifier of your machine may help with this. Nasal sprays are another option for relief.

This may occur at the beginning of treatment and will settle as you get used to the therapy. Using the RAMP function on your machine or adding a chin-strap may assist. If these symptoms persist, the air-flow pressure may need to be decreased slightly.

On average, CPAPs are usually the least expensive. APAPs are a little more expensive and BiPAPs are the most expensive.