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Choosing the Best CPAP Machine for Sleep Apnea

May 132008

Choosing the right CPAP Machine and mask is vital to proper treatment of your sleep apnea. If you’re not using your CPAP machine and mask, you’re not treating your sleep apnea and your sleep apnea will get worse without treatment.

Some health insurance programs will cover the cost of the sleep center, CPAP machine, mask and the CPAP technician that will help fit your mask and adjust your CPAP machine.

Do you travel?

If you leave home on business often, a portable model may be the best bet. Portable CPAP machines are just as powerful and have the same features as the machines that are not as portable. All CPAP machines are portable. Some may just be more portable than others. Travel models are easier to pack, stow and some will be able to deal with possible voltage changes in different countries.

Heat and Moisture

A heated humidifier is a great option. Some people are more sensitive to the cold dry air than others. If the option is available, why not? Warm, moist air is much easier on the nasal passages and throat then cold dry air, especially during winter. Some people may not know they are sensitive to cold air until it’s too late. If at all possible, get a CPAP Machine with a heated humidifier.

Ramp Option

A lot of CPAP Machines come with what’s called a ramp option. It’s a great option especially if your prescribed air pressure is fairly high. The ramp will start out with a gentle air flow to allow the patient to go to sleep and gradually increase air pressure before the full force of the prescribed air pressure is reached. Ramp is usually adjustable and can be set either by the user or the CPAP machine tech.

Noise

Some CPAP machines are louder than others. Most CPAP machines make a constant low pitched whirring noise. Mostly it sounds like “white noise” or rushing water. If you’re able to turn the machine on in a quiet room and determine for yourself, fantastic! Most of the time you’re have to make a decision using advice from friends or reviews of different machines.

Parts and Accessories

All CPAP Machines have a connecting tube that needs to be cleaned and periodically replaced. Most come with some sort of filter that is either replaceable and or washable to help filter the air you breath. If your machine has a heated humidifier option there will be a water container you fill every night. Hopefully, that container is removable so you can wash it, fill it and replace it if it cracks. Always, always, always use distilled water in your container. Using distilled water will keep the deposits from accumulating on the inside of your hose and container.

Bottom Line

CPAP Machines are expensive. Even if your insurance is paying, there are still expenses involved. Filters, hoses, water containers and masks are the most common replacement items. You can buy parts and accessories including your mask without a prescription at a zillion places online.

Take care of your CPAP machine and it will last for years and years. I’ve had the same machine for six years and it’s been hauled and banged up around the entire country and it’s still got several years left in it.

Before you purchase a CPAP machine, be sure to look at all of the options and features available to you. The CPAP machine you purchase should adapt to your lifestyle, not vice versa.

What is a CPAP Machine?

CPAP Machine 1 Response »

May 122008

One way to treat people who have sleep apnea is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure CPAP machine. All sleep apnea machines (CPAP machines) include a sleep apnea mask, tube and a fan. It uses air pressure (usually through your nose) to push your tongue forward and open your throat. This allows air to pass through your throat. It reduces snoring and prevents apnea episodes.

Mild Sleep Apnea can be treated by some behavioral changes. Losing weight and sleeping on your side are often recommended. There are oral mouth devices (that help keep the airway open) on the market that may help to reduce snoring in three different ways. Some devices (1) bring the jaw forward or (2) elevate the soft palate or (3) retain the tongue (from falling back in the airway and blocking breathing). Sleep Apnea is a progressive condition that gets worse as you age and should not be taken lightly.

For moderate and severe cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea a C-PAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is usually recommended after being diagnosed by a certified sleep center.

You should put your CPAP Machine on whenever you sleep and even for naps. A sleep apnea Machine does not cure sleep apnea. But, when you use the device correctly, your sleep apnea will no longer disturb your sleep patterns and you’ll be able to get the restorative sleep your body needs.

Some people see a difference after the first night, while others may take a few nights to notice a difference. But you WILL notice a difference. A CPAP machine may not save your life directly, but after a good night’s rest, you’ll be more alert during the day. Your heart and your spouse will thank you for taking care of this problem and you’ll be glad you did.

Do you need a CPAP Machine?

Talk to your doctor if you think you have sleep apnea. Your doctor may ask you to go to a sleep center for a sleep study. During your sleep study, you may try different levels of air pressure with a CPAP machine to see which level helps. In general, heavier people and people who have severe apnea need higher air pressures. If you need a CPAP machine, your doctor will help you choose one that is right for you.

How does a CPAP Machine work?

Nasal CPAP is delivered with a mask held against the nose with a head strap. A tube leading into the mask is connected to the actual CPAP Machine that blows air into the mask and maintains a fixed pressure. This pressure splints the collapsing airway, preventing obstruction.

Although a CPAP Machine isn’t sexy, the fact of the matter is, it works. Patients do sleep with the CPAP machine, and those who use it successfully stop snoring, sleep better, feel better and recognize marked improvement in their ability to function both at work and at home.

During the CPAP diagnosis, the nasal CPAP is fitted by spending one night trying different pressures to determine the best possible pressure. Once determined, a fixed pressure CPAP machine is delivered. Some people find the forced air is drying and uncomfortable. For these individuals, humidifiers inserted in line with the CPAP will humidify the CPAP air and reduce nasal and pharyngeal discomforts.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep Apnea 2 Responses »

May 102008

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is when the windpipe is blocked during sleep. People who have sleep apena can stop breathing 10 to 30 seconds at a time while they are sleeping. This can happen up to 400 times every night. This can be serious and in some cases life-threatening.

Everyone with Obstructive Sleep Apnea snores, but not everyone who snores has OSA. It’s not the snoring that causes the problems, it’s when the person stops breathing. Sleep Apnea is characterized by repetitive episodes of upper airway obstruction that occur during sleep, usually associated with a reduction in blood oxygen saturation. In other words, the airway becomes obstructed at several possible sites. The upper airway can be obstructed by excess tissue in the airway, large tonsils, a large tongue and usually includes the airway muscles relaxing and collapsing when asleep. Another site of obstruction can be the nasal passages. Sometimes the structure of the jaw and airway can be a factor in sleep apnea.

This causes the person momentarily wake up, they may not even realize they are waking up 50 or more than a hundred times a night. They never get a “good night’s rest” and will be tired during the day, constantly falling asleep, while watching TV, in class and sometimes even while driving.

In order to confirm Obstructive Sleep Apnea you have to be evaluated in a clinical sleep center. This will not only confirm the presence of OSA, but they will be able to determine the precise settings you’re cpap machine need to be set at to give you the best results.

Some symptoms that may be present in a person with Sleep Apnea may include:

excessive daytime sleepiness (because the person never really falls into a deep REM sleep)
frequent episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep. (The patient may be unaware of this symptom — usually the bed partner is extremely aware of this).
extremely loud snoring
morning headaches
dry mouth upon awakening
chest retraction during sleep in young children (chest pulls in)
high blood pressure
irritability
change in personality
depression
difficulty concentrating
excessive perspiring during sleep
heartburn
reduced libido
insomnia
frequent nocturnal urination (some men will mistake this for prostate problems when fact it is more related to sleep apnea).
restless sleep
nocturnal snorting, gasping, choking (may wake self up)
rapid weight gain (Weight gain is due to not being in deep REM sleep when the pituitary and thyroid glands control metabolism).
confusion upon awakening

Sleep Apnea is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The risks of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea include heart attacks, strokes, impotence, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition, obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime sleepiness that can result in accidents, lost productivity and interpersonal relationship problems. The severity of the symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe.

This is a long list, but Sleep Apnea can be treated with the right CPAP Machine coupled with a good fitting mask and by having the CPAP Machine properly adjusted by the CPAP technician.

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