Insufficient airflow into the lungs and the blood, leads to insomnia and sleepless nights. Many people are unaware that there is an underlying breathing problem existent, until they are awakened from their sleep gasping for air or feeling a sensation of choking. Most probably, by this time they have developed a condition known as sleep apnea, or OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea).
Patients who also struggle with serious snoring issues, or they are awakened by feelings of choking must immediately consult a physician. Fatigue, headaches, daytime sleepiness, difficulty in getting up from the bed or irritability are only a few of the symptoms that accompany OSA.
After an initial consultation, the physician might prescribe the use of a CPAP machine – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device or simply a medical breathing apparatuses which assist in breathing patients with sleep apnea complications. The patient connects to the device with the help of a flexible tube and a mask, and the CPAP machine will deliver sufficient pressure to the patient. Even though a CPAP machine will not cure sleep apnea, it will definitely help getting relief from all the discomforting symptoms and be able to sleep without interruptions.
Generally some of the accessories/extra features of a CPAP machine include: comfortable carrying case f
or therapy while on the go, the ability of the apparatus to adjust to different altitudes, heated humidifier option, automatic settings, clinical data collection (such as integrated micro SD card and advanced software which permits wireless connection of the physician with the patient).
It is important to know that during CPAP therapy, the machine does not initiate a cycle, but the patient must be able to initiate breathing on his own, the machine providing the right amount of CPAP therapy pressure to breathe in.
The CPAP machines use mild air pressure in order to help maintaining the airways open. Therefore, patients with COPD or other respiratory deficiencies will find the CPAP therapy extremely efficient.
CPAP Machines types
SleepRestfully.com
- Fixed Flow CPAP machines – quite simple to use. The fixed CPAP Pressure delivers the prescribed flow.
- Variable Flow CPAP Machines – more complex in usage. The variable flow CPAP does not require adjustments
There are many manufacturers offering different types of CPAP machines. It is the physician of each patient that will appoint the exact type and style of CPAP that is needed. However, at Sleeprestfully.com you can browse through the categories and different styles of CPAP machines offered by manufacturers. Each product contains important description, in-depth enumeration of technical details, pricing information and more.
Philips Respironics, ResMed or DeVillbiss Healthcare IntelliPAP are only a few such world leading brands that offer the best quality CPAP technology to patients.
CPAP machines are indeed efficient in assisting patients with mild to severe respiratory complications. CPAP machines are usually small and lightweight, and each device might come with different features such as heated humidifier, the ability to function on battery, and more.
For top quality brand name CPAP machines and relevant health & technical information on these devices, don’t hesitate to browse through the listings on SleepRestfully.com! Make sure to check our CPAP comparison chart for detailed information about all the devices available.
Main advantages of CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
- Intubation comes with many health risks. If it is possible, and the patient is advised to get CPAP therapy with the help of a CPAP machine, these risks are considerably reduced
- Patients with sleep apnea struggle a lot between sleeping and breathing. The CPAP machine will ensure that proper and enough amounts of CPAP pressure and thus the patient can get a good night’s sleep without being disturbed
- Symptoms such as congestion, daytime sleepiness, or chronic fatigue are almost instantly relieved thanks to the CPAP therapy with the CPAP machine
- In many patients it has been noticed that regular and constant use of the CPAP device helps improving heart rhythms
- Snoring, constant awakenings and anxiety caused by the need to gasp for breaths are also eliminated if patients follow proper CPAP therapy
What you need to know as a patient?
Attention: In order to purchase a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device, you must make proof of valid prescription.
It is important to know that during CPAP therapy, the machine does not initiate a cycle, but the patient must be able to initiate breathing on his own, the machine providing the right amount of CPAP therapy pressure to breathe in.
The CPAP machines use mild air pressure in order to help maintaining the airways open. Therefore, patients with COPD or other respiratory deficiencies will find the CPAP therapy extremely efficient.
The CPAP Machines delivers CPAP therapy according to a prescribed pressure, known as “titrated” pressure. The physician is the one who will determine the exact amount of pressure that is required based on the clinical data of the patient.
Some patients require a more forceful pressure delivered, while others require a lower pressure. There are patients who cannot use the regular CPAP machine, but require a BiPAP which has two different pressure level adjustments, one type of pressure for breathing in and another pressure set for exhaling.
In order to diagnose correctly Obstructive Sleep Apnea and for the physician to be able to prescribe the right course of treatment, there are generally needed two nights of what is called a “Polysomnographic” testing.
- During the first night of the study, the physician will check for symptoms and responses that are in accordance with the symptoms of sleep apnea (documenting REM sleep data) If the diagnosis is positive and the patient indeed has sleep apnea, the physician will suggest another night of testing.
- During the second night the physician initiates and titrates nasal CPAP. The titration is needed in order to determine which is the lowest CPAP level that will help preventing obstructive apnea, snoring or hypopnea (an abnormally low respiratory rate) in the patient. The main aim of the sleep study is to determine the most effective CPAP pressure even for the most difficult scenarios during sleep, in all sleeping positions (such as heavy snoring, apnea moments, etc.)
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other mild to severe respiratory problems will find the use of the CPAP extremely comforting. Patients receive the right amount and pressure for CPAP therapy, and they can breathe in and out easy. Their sleep will not be disturbed by apnea, sudden awakening because of sensations of choking or gasping for their breath.
Important facts to keep in mind regarding therapy with CPAP:
- Patients must always discuss with their doctor regarding the exact type of CPAP machine that is suitable for their health problem
- there are different considerations to remember before investing in a CPAP machine, such as budget limitations, lifestyle & health concerns, and the different options and features that a CPAP machine needs to be equipped with.
- Choosing the right type of mask- patients can choose from three different CPAP mask styles: the full face masks, the NCPAP covering only the nose or CPAP masks with nasal pillows that are fitted into the nose. Choosing the right size and shape of mask is of primordial importance to avoid mask leaks and discomfort during sleep
- Many patients are anxious when it comes to using their mask and they will have troubles in adjusting with it. Patients are advised to use their masks for short periods of times first, such as during daytime, to get used to the mechanism. This will result in better accommodation with the CPAP machines, and more efficient therapy
- Many patients have difficulties when they need to exert extra pressure in their breath against the pressure coming from the device. In such cases, physicians might suggest the use of a BiPAP machine which has dual level pressure settings- one type of pressure setting for breathing in, and another lower setting for breathing out. Alternatively, patients are advised to choose a CPAP mask with a “ramp” feature. The ramp setting allows patients to start off on lower settings, and increasing gradually as they feel comfortable. The “ramp” will be adjusted by your physician.
- Patients with dry nose, stuffy nose, congestion problems should use a CPAP machine which is equipped with a heated humidifier. Patients who are not responding well to the humidifier will generally be advised to use a special steroid nasal spray to combat the dry nose condition.
CPAP machines are generally covered by insurance, so regular updates are crucial. Check with your doctor and with your insurer to see if another CPAP machine is covered by your insurance, especially if the one you have starts to show signs of failing or if it is outdated. The CPAP mask must be a perfect fit. You can ask for help from your physician in choosing the right type of mask that matches perfectly you facial structure. If the mask is fitting perfectly, leaks and other discomforting problems can be avoided.