If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be looking for ways to improve the condition. Depending on the severity, there are a variety of lifestyle changes you need to consider to alleviate the symptoms including improving your eating habits, performing exercises, changing your sleep position and avoiding certain substances. But if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment is the most effective solution.

Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by reduced or paused breathing and PAP therapy is intended to enhance airflow without interruption. The goal of this type of therapy is to help you sleep better at night, raise your oxygen levels, thus assist you with feeling less drowsy during the day. Although there are various types of sleep apnea machines available, the most common is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.

What is a CPAP Device?

A CPAP device is a machine designed to send a constant stream of air into your airway to keep it from collapsing. It’s a simple and well-studied machine considered the gold standard treatment for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea. While it is most effective for patients with moderate to severe OSA, it can also aid with mild instances.

If your doctor has recommended the use of a CPAP machine to aid you with breathing, know that you’re going to spend a lot of time with it, so it’s worth making sure you get the right model for your needs. Which brings the next question.

How Do I Choose a Good CPAP Machine?

You will find a variety of CPAP devices available on the market. What makes a certain model “the right one” will differ from person to person, but generally you should consider the type of the machine, as well as which features are important to you and whether the brand is reliable.

Types of CPAP Devices

While all types of CPAP devices rely on the same positive airway pressure, they differ in how they determine and distribute pressure.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

A conventional (or fixed pressure) CPAP machine is one that provides a steady flow of air at one consistent pressure throughout the night. These are the most widely prescribed form of PAP machine as they are often regarded as the most efficient and cost-effective treatment options for sleep apnea.

BiLevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)

These devices, often known as BiLevel CPAP, provide two pressure levels: a higher pressure during intake supports your airway muscles, whereas a lower pressure during expiration helps you to breathe properly. BiPAP devices are usually recommended for individuals who have other health issues, such as COPD or a history of heart disease, or who have a more sophisticated sleep problem, such as Central Sleep Apnea.

Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP)

Also known as AutoCPAP, Auto-Titrating CPAP, or Auto-Adjusting CPAP, this device employs complex algorithms to analyse your breathing and modify your air pressure accordingly. This means that the APAP only applies the pressure you require when you require it. These are frequently administered to patients who are having problems adapting to CPAP use.

Despite the fact that the machine can regulate itself, APAP devices are not a replacement for a sleep study, and the pressure settings should be recommended by a doctor or sleep expert.

Travel CPAP

This type of CPAP device provides the same airway pressure treatment and frequently has the same features as the bigger counterparts, but in a more compact, travel-friendly package! Travel CPAP devices offer great convenience for patients who travel often, but they aren’t suitable for everyday use.

What Features to Look for in a CPAP Machine?

There are several features, supplies, and accessories available to customize your CPAP machine. Many of these might enhance your sleep quality or make it simpler to acclimate to using your CPAP machine. But, to get started right away, you just need three things:

CPAP Mask

The CPAP mask directs pressurized air to your mouth or nose. CPAP masks come in a variety of styles. There are masks that just cover the nose (nasal CPAP masks), masks that only cover the mouth (oral masks), and nasal-oral masks. Masks that are connected to oral appliance mouth gadgets are also available.

Tubing Hose

The tube, commonly known as the CPAP hose, links the CPAP machine to the mask. CPAP hoses are available in a variety of lengths to match your sleeping style or bedroom configuration. To avoid moisture buildup, certain CPAP hoses are heated or insulated.

When you think about comfort features, you might think of them as a luxury. However, some of these options can have a significant impact on the quality of your sleep. It is not an exaggeration to state that these traits can mean the difference between continuing your treatment and discontinuing it. Make a list of the characteristics that are important to you and use it to choose a CPAP machine that best suits your needs.

Ramp

When you switch on the Ramp function, your airflow begins at a lower pressure, helping you fall asleep more pleasantly. It then gradually raises the pressure to your desired levels, ensuring that you have adequate airflow when you need it the most.

AutoRamp

While the Ramp feature is dependent on a timer, the Auto Ramp waits until the machine detects that you’ve fallen asleep before increasing your pressure—using the same powerful algorithms that control an auto CPAP machine.

Exhalation Relief

When you exhale, the air pressure is reduced, resulting in a more natural and comfortable breathing rhythm. Despite the fact that they all operate in the same way, each manufacturer has its own name for this feature.

Humidifier

One of the most popular and helpful CPAP features is humidification. A humidifier provides moisture to your airflow, which helps to keep your mouth, airways, and nasal passages wet.

Your CPAP machine may have a humidifier or require a separate add-on. Humidifiers are classified into three types:

• Heated humidifiers produce vapour by heating the water in the water chamber.
• Airflow travels over the water chamber to wick away moisture without adding warmth.
• Waterless humidifier, which are commonly found in travel CPAPs, catch moisture from your exhaled breath and use it to condition your airflow.