If you have obstructive sleep apnea and want to end the suffering of your housemates or roommates from your loud snoring, you have most probably thought of getting a CPAP machine. CPAP therapy with the use of CPAP machines is the most common method for treating obstructive sleep apnea. Its parts include the machine which is usually about the size of a shoe box, the flexible tube that connects the machine to the mask, and the mask which is placed over the mouth and nose to facilitate breathing. The machine works by delivering mild air pressure to keep the airways from collapsing and being obstructed. The amount of pressure varies from patient to patient and is determined by a physician.
CPAP machines are available in a wide variety of forms, settings, configurations, and functionality. Generally, one can choose from a regular and automatic machine. The primary difference of the two is that a regular CPAP machine continually blows air to eliminate airway obstruction and does so at a constant pressure throughout the patient’s sleep whether he or she is experiencing apnea or not. On the other hand, an automatic CPAP machine adjusts the pressure of the air it is blowing depending on the patient’s need.
Consequently, an automatic machine is preferred for its benefits but rationally comes at a higher price. Also, an automatic CPAP machine is considered to be flexible in that it can be set to automatic or constant mode. With an automatic machine, the delivered pressure is reduced by roughly 40%. The patient does not have to worry about regulating a certain pressure as his or her condition changes. Likewise, some automatic CPAP machines are capable of determining the differences between central apneas or hypopneas and obstructive apneas or hypopneas.
However, your choice of a CPAP machine should not be based solely on the machine and its functions. Seasoned respiratory therapists know that it is essential to consider the manufacturer or brand of the product. Of course, manufacturers who have been in the industry for long produce high-quality products that can last longer than others and at a relatively lower risk to malfunction. Resmed is usually the most preferred manufacturer followed by (in no particular order) Respironics, Puritan Bennett, Sunrise Medical, Fisher and Paykel, and Aieomed.
Aside from paying careful attention to the machine, it is also important to find the mask that will fit just right for you. No matter how good your machine is, if you have a badly fitting mask, you will have problems and discomfort during your CPAP therapy. Thus, it is important to try different types of masks including nasal mask, full-face mask, and nasal pillow.