CPAP Machines

CPAP machines are the most prescribed form of treatment for moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea. All CPAP machines are very similar in function; however, there are many features that can make it easier to fit the CPAP unit into the patient's lifestyle.

CPAP machines need excellent CPAP masks

The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine was invented in 1981 by Dr. Colin Sullivan, an Australian researcher, and his colleagues. The CPAP machine was designed to blow air into the throat to keep the airway from collapsing when inhaling. The first machines were very large and noisy.

By the end of the 1980s, the CPAP machine had been redesigned, resulting in a machine that was more manageable in size and noise level. These newly designed machines also allowed for a specific level of air pressure to be delivered into the throat. The amount of pressure is expressed in centimeters of water pressure and is determined by the sleep specialist after the patient has participated in a sleep study.

CPAP, BIPAP and APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) machines are all designed to force pressurized air into the patient's airway through a hose that is attached to a CPAP mask. With an open airway, the patient no longer stops breathing (apnea) and stops the snoring they experienced when sleeping without the pressurized air being blown into their airway.

The best machine for the patient really depends on the type of air pressure required as well as the specific features required by the patient. A sleep doctor will prescribe the type of machine and air pressure for the sleep patient. If your health insurance does not cover the cost of the CPAP machine, you can purchase your machine through a medical supply house or online at websites such as cpap.com.

CPAP machines are the most frequently prescribed air pressure treatment for sleep apnea. The machine is typically the size of two paperback books stacked together. Although the air pressure is consistent, it is possible to purchase a CPAP that will start with a low air pressure, slowly increasing the pressure to the prescribed level within about 15 minutes.

A BiPAP machine, also called a BiLevel or VPAP (Variable Positive Airway Pressure) machine, provides airflow at two distinct pressures – a higher pressure for inhaling and a lower pressure for exhaling. Some patients require a very high level of air pressure in order to keep their airway open; however, with this level of pressure, the patient may have a very hard time exhaling. This dual-level of air pressure allows a higher pressure to be prescribed for inhaling with a lower pressure for exhaling.

A sleep apnea patient's pressure needs can change during the night or night to night based on factors such as:

• Sleep position
• Tiredness
• Depth of sleep
• Alcohol intake
• Weight gain or loss

The APAP machine is designed to delivery pressurized air into the airway just like the CPAP machine. However, unlike the CPAP machine that delivers the air at a set pressure, the APAP machine automatically adjusts the pressure as necessary to make sure that the airway stays open.

New patients will receive a prescription from their sleep doctor along with a referral to a respiration therapist who will help the patient select the right machine and mask for their specific needs and sleep habits. Most therapists will start a new patient out with a basic machine, which may have a pressure ramp up feature. There are other features available:

• Humidifier feature to keep the patient's throat moist
• Small size machine for patients who travel a lot
• Battery back-up machines for patients such as campers who find themselves sleeping away from electrical outlets

CPAP machines are expensive. Be sure to try out several machines before you settle on the actual machine you want to purchase. You may be able to rent a machine for a month or so to try it out before you make a purchase.

Whatever machine you select, be sure to stock up on supplies such as air filters, hoses and a travel case. Having the right supplies can make it much more convenient to keep your CPAP machine 100 percent functional for every sleeping experience.

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