A CPAP machine is a respiratory device that eliminates the effects of sleep apnea during sleep. A CPAP is used for the treatment of sleep apnea. Apnea is Greek for "without breath". This is better known as loss of breathing while sleeping. Many patients have the airway restricted due to obesity or other physical abnormalities. The airway being restricted causes the patient to stop breathing during sleep. This causes many problems like high blood pressure, impotence, drug/alcohol dependence, heart failure, and even death. Going untreated, a sleep apnea patient can lose the quality of life in 6 months or less. A cpap machine is a simple solution that uses a basic air blower, that forces the airway of the patient to stay open, so breathing can occur. Normal breathing can only happen when the airway is un-obstructed. A cpap machine is often used to keep this airway open. By simply applying a forced air pressure thru a mask, the airway stays open and the patient continues to breathe normally. A cpap is used for obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and combined sleep apnea. A doctor will determine which cpap should be used for each patient. A Auto-cpap can be used to treat those who have sleep apnea and pressures that change from hour to hour or minute to minute. A BIPAP can be used to treat severe sleep apnea patients. A bipap has a pressure for inhale and a pressure for exhale. Most severe cpap patients use this type of machine, since it makes using a cpap machine much easier. A new bipap costs about $1200 or more where a new regular cpap costs about $250. An Auto cpap can be used for people who may have special conditions or where a sleep test is not warranted. Many doctors will prescribe an auto-cpap for those who can use a cpap and not go thru a sleep study..
Sleep apnea equipment is for the treatment of a breathing disorder.
Most cpap machines and cpap systems come in a combo package that include the following.
Air blower, or Continuous Positive Air Pressure, device for the treatment of sleep disorders, breathing disorders, and or sleep apnea.
6 foot hose or tubing to deliver the air to the patients cpap mask from the flow generator or cpap machine.
Power cord that connects the cpap unit to a power source
Filter or filter(s). Most CPAP units come with an air filtering system to protect the cpap unit and user from dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. The filters are usually washable and re-usable. Some CPAP machines for sleep apnea come with ultra fine filters that are disposable and are designed to remove the smallest particles. These filters should be changed out monthly. You should never save used paper CPAP filters or re-use them. New paper or ultra fine filters should be used bi-weekly or monthly, depending on the environment.
Most cpap systems, new or used, come with a cpap travel bag. These travel bags are used to transport a cpap machine during travel. It is best to remove the cpap from the travel bag when going thru airport terminals. They will be much more willing to let a cpap pass thru x-ray if it is alone in a bin, rather than hiding in a cpap case or travel bag...
CPAP masks are available in many different styles and are used to deliver the air to the patient. Many people use the nasal cpap mask which covers the nose only. Many new patients are given a prescription for a nasal pillow style cpap mask which delivers the air thru small pillows that rest on the outer edge of the nostrils.. A full face cpap mask is used to deliver a pressurized flow of air to either the nose or the mouth. These masks are often prescribed for cpap patients who cannot keep their mouths closed during the treatment of sleep apnea.
Other CPAP related accessories include humidifiers, heated humidifiers, special length tubing, 12 volt power cords, power inverters, fleece tubing covers, chin straps, replacement cpap headgear, mask parts and accessories, hose management systems, and replacement filters, humidifier chambers, etc.
