What is a CPAP machine and how does it work?
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is the most commonly prescribed device for the treatment of sleep apnea disorders.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes interruptions or pauses in breathing, often because the throat or airway collapses or something temporarily blocks them.
A CPAP machine sends a steady stream of oxygen to your nose and mouth while you sleep. This keeps your airway open and helps you breathe normally.
Let’s take a look at how this machine works, the pros and cons of using one and the other options for sleep apnea.
Raza Corporation - Home Health Care Service Provider
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How does a CPAP machine work?
The compressor (motor) of a CPAP machine generates a continuous stream of pressurized air that travels through an air filter in a flexible tube. This tube delivers purified air in a mask that is sealed around your nose or mouth.
As you sleep, the airflow from the CPAP machine pushes against any blockages, opening your airway so that your lungs receive plenty of oxygen.
With nothing obstructing this flow of oxygen, your breathing doesn’t stop. As a result, you don’t repeatedly wake up to catch your breath.
Are there different types of CPAP machines?
All CPAP devices have the same basic components:
- an engine housed in a base unit
a cushioned mask
a tube that connects the motor to the mask
a helmet frame
“Elbow” parts that act as joints
adjustable straps that allow you to customize the fit of the device
Different types of CPAP mask
Mask styles may vary with different CPAP machines. The type you wear depends, in part, on your breathing habits, how comfortable the mask is for you to wear, and the type of sleep apnea disorder you have.
The different types of CPAP masks include the following:
Nasal pillow mask: This type of mask has a small cushion that covers the nostril area. He may also have spikes that fit his nostrils. This mask allows you to wear your glasses easily. It also works well if you have a lot of facial hair that can prevent a larger mask from fitting snugly.
Nasal mask: This type is a cushioned mask that covers the entire area of the nose. It may be a better option if you tend to move around in your sleep. It can provide high pressure air flow.
Full mask: This type is shaped like a triangle and covers the mouth and nose. Your doctor may prescribe this type of mask if you breathe through your mouth when you sleep or if you have a blocked nose.
What are the pros and cons of using a CPAP machine?
As with many types of treatments, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with using a CPAP machine. Here are some of the known pros and cons.
Benefits
The benefits of using a CPAP machine are well documented. These machines provide a continuous supply of oxygen to your body while you sleep. In doing so, they help prevent the brief interruptions in breathing that are the hallmark of sleep apnea.
Benefits tend to increase with long-term use of CPAP.
Drawbacks
While a CPAP machine can help prevent breathing interruptions when you sleep, there are also drawbacks to this device. Some people stop using CPAP machines due to side effects.
Are CPAP machines covered by insurance or Medicare?
If you are enrolled in Medicare Part B and have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, Medicare can pay 80 percent of the cost of your CPAP machine as long as the prescribing doctor is an approved Medicare provider.
You will have to pay your deductible and 20% of the device, whether you are renting or buying.
If you have a Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan, you will need to check your plan’s guidelines for buying or renting durable medical equipment (DME), such as CPAP machines.
Without insurance coverage, breathing machines can cost between Rs. 84,750/- and Rs. 508,500/- depending on whether you’re buying a CPAP, APAP, or BiPAP device.
Other Options for Sleep Apnea
Because of their disadvantages, CPAP devices do not work for everyone with sleep apnea.
If you find that a CPAP machine doesn’t work well for you, talk to your doctor about whether one of these treatment options might be an option:
Changing sleeping position: Some people only get sleep apnea when they sleep on their backs. Some products help keep you by your side, preventing you from rolling over. You can also try simply tying a tennis ball to the back of your sleepwear.
Oral appliances: Devices such as a mouthguard or orthodontic retainer can help keep the airway open by putting pressure on the tongue.
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation: This surgically implanted device delivers precise electrical stimulation to the nerves in your airways. This helps to improve muscle tone in the airways, which in turn helps keep the airways open.
Neural stimulation: If you have certain types of central sleep apnea, a surgically implanted device can deliver impulses through your phrenic nerve (which runs from your neck to your diaphragm) to stimulate your diaphragm. This helps to start breathing while you sleep.
Nutritional and exercise therapies: Obesity is a risk factor for some types of sleep apnea. Changing your diet and exercising more often can help you lose weight and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Surgery: Some children have apnea because their tonsils or adenoids are too big. Surgery to remove them can often resolve apnea. In adults, surgery is not always as effective because the blockage causing sleep apnea can be difficult to locate. Still, some surgeries – notably uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and modified radiofrequency tissue ablation (MRTA) – have worked for some people.
The End Result
CPAP devices treat sleep apnea by providing a flow of oxygenated air to the airway through a mask and tube. Pressurized air prevents the airway from collapsing, allowing you to breathe continuously while you sleep.
There are several types of CPAP machines. What your doctor prescribes for you will depend on the type of sleep apnea you have, how comfortable it is for you to wear it, and your breathing and sleep habits.
While a CPAP machine provides airflow at a constant pressure, BiPAP and APAP machines change the pressure according to your needs.
CPAP machines are uncomfortable for some people. If a CPAP device doesn’t work well for you, talk to your doctor about other treatment options that can help keep your airway open while you sleep.
Buying Details
CPAP machine on rent and sale in Pakistan. at a very reasonable price at Raza Corporation.
CPAP machine price is from Rs. 25,000/- to Rs. 75,000/- Used and new with free home delivery in All over Pakistan.
with a new Nasal or full face mask.
ResMed S9 AutoSet CPAP Machine
Key Features:
- AutoSet with Easy-Breathe Technology
- Climate Control Heated Humidifier (optional)
- Smart Start / Smart Stop
- ClimateLine Heated Tube (optional)
- Quite 24 dBA
- EPR, Easy Breath Technology
- FAA approved
Raza Corporation - Home Health Care Service Provider
Do you have any question? Feel free to contact us anytime.
CPAP Specification:
Mode of Operation: Simple and Auto
Pressure Range: 4 to 20 cm H20
Ramp Time: 0 to 20 min. (5-min. increments)
Starting Ramp Pressure: 4 to CPAP, Patient-Adjustable
CPAP Dimensions: 5.5” x 5.5” X 3.4” (153mm x 140mm x 86mm)
CPAP Weight: 1.8 Ibs
CPAP& H5i Dimensions: 11.0” x 5.5” X 3.4” (306mm x 140mm x 86mm)
CPAP & H5i Weight: 3.3 Ibs
Filters: Polyester fiber
Device Set-up: LCD/Keypad
ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset CPAP Machine
CPAP Specification:
Brand: ResMed
Model: AirSense 10 Autoset
Usage/Application: Hospital & Personal Use
Pressure Range (cm H2O): 4 – 20 cm H2O (4 – 20 hPa)
Operating Mode: APAP
Sound/Noise Level (db): Pressure Level – 25 dBA with uncertainty of 2 dBA, Power Level – 33 dBA with uncertainty of 2
Raza Corporation - Home Health Care Service Provider
Do you have any question? Feel free to contact us anytime.