How to Buy a CPAP Machine

A CPAP machine may be a life saving option if you suffer with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It prevents the airways from becoming blocked by increasing the air pressure in the throat, preventing the airway from collapsing. It's important to use it every night as it is a mechanical device and will only prevent OSA symptoms with dedicated use. It's also important to ensure a correct fit to eliminate leakage.
People who have severe OSA will notice the beneficial effects straight away such as more restful sleep, less daytime drowsiness and increased alertness due to more oxygen reaching the brain.

In this informative article, Sandra Grauschopf  explains how to chose A CPAP machine, how to use it properly and the alternatives available to those who find CPAP machines uncomfortable.

How to Buy a CPAP Machine
Selecting the Right Nasal CPAP to Help You Sleep at Night

By Sandra Grauschopf

For people who suffer from sleep apnea, a restful night’s sleep is just a dream. Sleep apnea causes the windpipe to squeeze shut during the night, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the brain and to the body and interrupting sleep over and over again. Sufferers rarely get a good night’s rest, and the stress and the increased pressure on the circulatory system can raise the likelihood of diabetes, heart attack, or stroke. A CPAP machine is one of the most effective remedies for the symptoms of sleep apnea.

CPAP and Sleep Apnea – How CPAP Machines Work
CPAP stands for “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.” A CPAP machine gently pressurizes air as it is breathed, causing the user to inhale more oxygen with the same amount of effort. Simultaneously, the additional pressure helps to keep the windpipe open, keeping it from cutting off the air supply and allowing deep, natural sleep.

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to CPAP and sleep apnea is that nasal CPAP machines are not a cure for sleep disorders; they only alleviate symptoms. Anytime an apnea sufferer sleeps without the CPAP, the difficulty with breathing will return.

What Does a CPAP Machine Look Like?
A CPAP is usually about the size of a shoebox, and is connected with a series of flexible tubes to a mask which fits over the apnea sufferer’s nose (called a nasal mask), or both the nose and mouth (which is called a full mask). Adjustable CPAP chin straps help to hold the mask in place and to prevent loss of air pressure through the mouth.

It is absolutely vital that the CPAP chin strap and mask fit properly. Common problems that can come from ill-fitting masks and straps include:
• Skin irritation – If your CPAP mask and chin strap aren’t properly fitted, they can chafe, causing rashes, sores, and other skin irritations.
• Leaks – A correctly fitting CPAP mask forms a seal around the apnea sufferer’s nose and/or mouth. If your mask is the wrong size or shape for your face, the pressurized air may escape, reducing the effectiveness of your nasal CPAP machine.
• Dry mouth – If your CPAP chin strap is not properly secured, you might sleep with your mouth open, reducing the benefit of the nasal CPAP machine and causing dryness in the mouth.
• Red, swollen eyes or conjunctivitis – A CPAP mask that is fitted too tightly can increase the pressure on the apnea sufferer’s eyes, causing pain, dryness, and conjunctivitis.

CPAP and Sleep Apnea – Is It Right For You?
Before you can purchase a CPAP machine, you need to have a prescription from your doctor. Your doctor will normally send you to a sleep clinic that will monitor your breathing overnight. This will help your doctor determine that sleep apnea, and not a different kind of medical problem, is causing the sleep disorder, and will verify that nasal CPAP is likely to help. The doctor will also prescribe a CPAP machine that is tuned specifically for your body and your needs.

Once you have a doctor’s prescription, you are faced with a wide variety of CPAP machines to choose from. Here are some tips to keep in mind when it is time to buy.

Categories of CPAP Machines
There are two basic categories of positive airway pressure machines: CPAP and BIPAP. A CPAP machine provides a steady flow of air, resulting in an equal amount of pressure throughout the night. The difference between CPAP and BIPAP machines is that the BIPAP machines use two different levels of pressure, one for inhalation and another for exhalation. That is where the name “BIPAP” comes from – “Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure.”

Deciding Between CPAP Versus BIPAP
When it comes to CPAP versus BIPAP machines, CPAP machines are usually less expensive, but BIPAP machines can help prevent the chest spasms and feelings of claustrophobia that can occur while wearing CPAP masks. It is difficult to exhale when pressurized air is being blown straight at you, meaning that many people can better tolerate BIPAP machines. Although some insurance companies won’t pay for BIPAP right away, they will often approve them for apnea sufferers who have difficulty with a regular CPAP machine.

Another difference between standard CPAP and BIPAP machines is that BIPAP also offers a “ST” or “Spontaneous Timed” feature. The ST feature will automatically initiate a breath if the apnea sufferer does not take one within a certain amount of time after exhaling.

A BIPAP by Any Other Name…
The name "BIPAP" is registered to Respironics, Inc. and used with their REMstar CPAP line. Since only Respironics can use the BIPAP brand, you may see machines that offer similar pressure variation called by different names. For example, the name VPAP is used for bilevel machines offered by the ResMed CPAP Company.

CPAP Accessory Options
Another important issue to consider when selecting your CPAP is whether it offers the CPAP accessory features that you need. How you plan to use your machine will affect the accessories that you require. Here are some examples:
• CPAP Travel Options: If you are planning to do a lot of traveling, don’t forget that you will want to bring your machine with you. An important CPAP accessory for you might be the ability to accommodate foreign voltages, or to adjust automatically to changes in altitude. You will also want to find a smaller CPAP machine with a travel case for easy transportation.
• CPAP Mask Options: It is difficult to get used to wearing a CPAP mask every night, but luckily there are a variety of CPAP accessory options that can make the machines easier to adjust to. For example, you can choose between a mask that covers your entire face, or one with tubes that seal inside your nostrils. There are CPAP masks that work best for people who lie on their stomachs and others for people who toss and turn. By experimenting with CPAP mask accessories, you can find the one that is most comfortable for you.
• CPAP Humidifier: A CPAP humidifier can prevent a dry mouth and the sinus problems caused by the stream of pressurized air. A CPAP humidifier works by using a fine mist of warm or room-temperature distilled water to keep your nasal passages moist.

Try Before You Buy a Nasal CPAP
Because the correct CPAP machine is such an individual choice, many insurance companies recommend that you rent a nasal CPAP before deciding to buy one. This is an excellent idea, because it lets you find the perfect model before committing to an expensive machine.

Where to Find a CPAP Dealer
Many companies specialize in supplying CPAP machines to people who are suffering from sleep disorders. Some of the best deals can be found online. Online stores are also an excellent place to order CPAP filters and replacement parts.

While some companies sell used CPAP machines, remember that these machines will not be calibrated to your own personalized needs, and therefore won’t work as well for you.

A CPAP machine is one of the best solutions to relieve the symptoms of sleep apnea, short of surgery. To find out if this potentially life-saving machine is right for you, consult with your doctor.
 

About the Author

Sandra Grauschopf is a freelance writer and internet marketing expert who has been writing professionally both on and off the web for over 10 years.  Ever since she was a child, she has enjoyed researching and sharing her knowledge about topics like sleep apnea, CPAP machines and sleep disorders.