Understanding how a cpap machine works

How Does a CPAP Machine Work?

How Does a CPAP Machine Work?

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.

CPAP Machine as Therapy

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.

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.

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.