A night of consistent healthy sleep is something that every individual should experience. It is through quality sleep that we can regain our strength after a hard day’s work. But sleeping is more than just gaining our strength and energy back, it also promotes a more sound and relaxed state of mind. It revitalizes our whole body system and makes us ready to face another day of work and responsibilities.
The truth is, not all of us can enjoy deep slumber all the time. There are people out there who suffer from nightly interrupted sleep patterns due to certain disorders. One of the most common sleep disorders today is called sleep apnea. People who are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or OSA suffer from a temporary stoppage of breathing while he or she is sleeping. Aside from loud snoring, sleep apnea can also lead to life-threatening medical conditions such as stroke and cardiac arrest.
Using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea disorder is a proven method. Many people who have used these machines can attest how effective it is when it comes to improving the quality of their health and sleep. Because of the popularity and effectivity of these machines, the number of brands, models, and manufacturers has significantly increased over the past few years. Buying the right one is the first step to successful sleep therapy, but how does a CPAP machine work?
How Does it Work?
CPAP therapy involves a device or a machine that is usually about the size of a shoe box. It has flexible tubes that connect the device to the mask. The mask is then placed over the user’s mouth and nose to facilitate healthy breathing. These devices prevent stoppage of breathing by promoting good airflow. It delivers mild air pressure to ensure that the airways do not get obstructed.
A collapsed or obstructed airway minimizes the oxygen levels in your bloodstream which can lead to more serious health issues. CPAP machine, which stands for ‘Continuous Positive Airway Pressure’ gently opens the airway to allow continuous breathing thus, maintaining healthy oxygen levels during sleep.
Keep in mind that the amount of air pressure depends from one individual to another. It is the role of the doctor or licensed medical practitioner to determine the amount of pressure the patient needs. Patients need to undergo certain sleep study conducted by a sleep doctor. It is definitely recommended that you see a doctor first before purchasing any CPAP machine.
The user needs to wear the mask all throughout his or her sleep. Top quality devices efficiently deliver regulated air pressure through a plastic hose and then to the mask. The masks should be handled with care and should be considered as a sterile part of the device. Take note that the device works by feeding pressurized air to your airways through the mask and so cleaning (often with one of the best CPAP sanitizers) it from time to time is crucial as it ensures safer and healthier sleep therapy.
Different devices have different settings, functionality, and configurations. There are those that constantly blows continuous air to eliminate airway obstruction regardless of whether or not the user is experiencing sleep apnea. You can also find devices that automatically adjusts air pressure, blowing air depending on the user’s needs. Automatic CPAP machines are much more preferred due to its benefits, but they come at a higher price though. Knowing how does a CPAP machine work is advantageous since this helps you make smart decisions.
Automatic CPAP machines are also capable of identifying the differences between hypopneas, central, and obstructive apneas. It is quite typical to experience discomfort during the first few days of using the device. But by choosing the right machine, you can be assured that treating sleep apnea with CPAP devices does not give you any side effects.
Choosing the Right CPAP Machine
The choice of a CPAP machine shouldn’t be based only on its features and design but also your needs. They come in different forms and sizes. Some are heavy while other are portable, which you can carry with you wherever you go. Also, always check the technology that was installed inside the CPAP device before you start using it. Different devices also come at different prices. Choose those devices that have exceptional features and have excellent value.
You might know someone who suffers from sleep apnea disorder and is using a CPAP device. Asking for recommendations and advice from these people is a wise thing to do. You can ask them for tips regarding what kind of device you should buy and if it perfect for your needs and lifestyle. Buy only those machines that have received numerous positive reviews from its users. If you think that a certain machine has received too many poor reviews, then it is time for you to look for other options.
Understanding how does a CPAP machine work should give you an idea about what features or functions you need to look out for. This should make things a lot easier and shopping for the best CPAP machine will become less stressful.
