CPAP MACHINE
What is a CPAP and how does it work?
Continuous positive airway pressure therapy provides treatment for those patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. To provide treatment, the CPAP machine gently applies air pressure in your airway to prevent the throat from collapsing, allowing uninterrupted breathing during sleep. Therapy is administered through, either, a nasal mask, nasal pillows, or full-face mask.
What is the difference between Standard CPAP and Auto CPAP therapy?
The difference between the two machines is the mode in which the air pressure is delivered. Auto CPAPs will automatically adjust pressure to meet your specific requirements by measuring the change in the level of resistance in your breathing. Whereas a standard CPAP machine is titrated to a specific maximum required pressure that stays constant throughout the duration of use.
What is Ramp Setting?
Most CPAP machines nowadays are built with a ramp feature that allows the patient to start therapy comfortably at a lower pressure which gradually increases over a pre-set period of time. This comfort feature makes falling asleep with a CPAP much easier and gives the user time to adjust to the CPAP before increasing to the required pressure setting. The ramp setting is activated by pushing the ramp button which is usually placed on the faceplate of the machine. It is usually identified by the triangle symbol displayed on it.
What is heated tubing?
A heated tube is used to prevent condensation or “rain out” from occurring while using a CPAP machine with a humidifier. The heated tubing is built with a small heating coil that keeps the air at an adjustable pre-set temperature ensuring higher humidity delivery in cooler environments. Switching to a heated hose can also help alleviate symptoms of nasal congestion and dryness.
When should I replace my CPAP machine?
The lifespan of your CPAP machine largely depends on the level of care you provide the equipment. If the level of noise in your machine is increasing or if you feel that the machine is no longer providing the same benefits that it used to then it is time to change your CPAP. Most insurance plans will cover you for a new machine every 2-5 years.
Is it important to use distilled water?
Though using tap water with your CPAP machine can be a lot more convenient, it is important to use only distilled water in your CPAP humidifier to increase the longevity of your machine. Tap water contains minerals which can build up in your water chamber and cause the machine to breakdown faster. Tap water also contains multiple bacteria strains which will promote respiratory infections.
Can I travel with my CPAP?
If you prepare in advance, traveling with a CPAP can be very easy. Check with your airline if you can bring your CPAP with you as a carry on or if it should be packed in your checked luggage. To avoid hauling a heavy bag or having your CPAP take a lot of precious luggage space, opt for using a travel CPAP as they are very portable, easy to use and do not weigh as much as a regular machine.
Can I use a battery with my CPAP?
Backup battery packs are a great option for traveling/camping with CPAP machine or if you live in an area with frequent power outages. You can typically get up to 1-2 nights worth of CPAP usage from a battery pack if you have a proper mask seal and turn off your humidifier. Higher CPAP pressure (ie >10cmh20) will unfortunately decrease the battery life. When choosing a battery, it is important to make sure that it is compatible with your specific CPAP machine.
