CPAP Machine For Sleep Apnea Treatment

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a device which is used to treat a patient suffering with sleep apnea breath more easily during sleep.

It is an efficient non surgical procedure used to treat sleep apnea and snoring.

It does not cure sleep apnea or snoring but helps to sleep much better if you use CPAP machine in a correct way.

CPAP machine consists of a mask, fan and a tube. It consists of a box with tubes through which air flows.

The machine or mask can be worn on the face and tubes are connected to the mask.

Straps fit it to the face over mouth and nose which are present around the mask.

It pushes your tongue forward with air pressure and opens your throat. This allows the airway passage to enlarge and pass air through your throat. The mask does not breathe but creates pressure when you inhale to keep your airway passage open.

You can use CPAP machine whenever you are sleeping. Consult the doctor if you are suffering with snoring or sleep apnea. The doctor asks you to take sleep study. In the sleep study, the doctor may use CPAP machine with different levels to see which level works for you. If your doctor prescribes CPAP machine, you can use every night.

Early CPAP devices were very noisy. The noise of air being pushed through the machine causes sound and makes it difficult to users fall asleep. But new machines are expensive, comfortable and portable. New machines directly fit to the nose and straps are not needed making it easier to sleep comfortably.

CPAP machines can be used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or other breathing disorders. In the beginning, you may face problems with CPAP machine. The problems will go away when you become familiar wearing the mask.

Problems with CPAP machine:

• You may feel uncomfortable with the mask as you may have different face shape.
• Your nose may be blocked up due to nose problems.
• Your nose may become dry and stuffy.
• If you don’t keep your jaw closed when you are wearing the mask, air may be leaked.
• The mask may irritate your skin.
• You may have sore throat and nose bleeding.
• You may get headaches.
• You may have sneezing, nasal congestion or running nose.

Solutions for CPAP machine problems:

• Try different masks and choose the one which fits well for your face.
• Consult your doctor about your nose problem and ask whether it can be treated with nasal spray.
• Use a humidifier to moisten the air from the CPAP machine.
• If you don’t keep the jaw closed, air may be leaked. Use a chin strap which holds the jaw to keep the air in.
• As the mask should be fit over your nose and cheeks, it may irritate your skin. Use different size mask or use skin moisturizers which are made especially for CPAP machine users.
• Talk to your doctor about corticosteroid or decongestant nasal spray medications if your nose is runny or congested.

Learn more about More about CPAP FAQ’s.