CPAP Machine

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KEY POINTS

• A CPAP machine uses air flow to keep your airway open. It helps you breathe better while you sleep.
• A CPAP machine is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, which means that you stop and start breathing many times while you sleep.
• Using a CPAP machine lowers your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

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What is a CPAP machine?

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine uses air flow to keep your airway open. It helps you breathe better while you sleep. It will help you snore less.

When is it used?

A CPAP machine is used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, which means that you stop and start breathing many times while you sleep. During normal sleep, throat muscles relax. If you have sleep apnea, your airway closes during sleep. The closing of your airway slows or stops the movement of air, and the amount of oxygen in your blood drops. The drop in oxygen causes your brain to send a signal for you to wake up and start breathing again. This cycle of not breathing and then waking up to breathe may happen as often as 30 or more times an hour. This condition will also cause you to snore loudly.

The pressurized air from the CPAP machine keeps your airway open when your throat muscles relax, and makes it easier for you to keep breathing while you sleep.

The benefits of using a CPAP machine are:

• You will have more restful sleep and be less sleepy during the day.
• Your airway will stay open making it easier for you to breathe.
• You will stop snoring or will snore less.
• You will lower your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

How does it work?

The CPAP machine has 3 main parts:

• A mask that fits over or inside your nose, or over your nose and mouth. Straps keep the mask in place while you sleep.
• A tube that connects the mask to the machine.
• A motor that blows air into the tube.

It should also have a heated humidifier.

Whether you need a CPAP, and how much pressure you need to stop your sleep apnea, is determined by a sleep study. The sleep study may be done in 1 or 2 nights, either in a sleep lab or in your home. The sleep study will measure how many times a night you stop breathing.

Possible problems with using a CPAP machine are:

• You may need to try several masks to find one that is comfortable for you.
• You may not like the feeling of the forced air, or the air may be cold.
• You may get a dry mouth, stuffy or runny nose, or a sore throat.

How do I get a CPAP machine?

There are several types of CPAP machines. Your sleep specialist can advise:

• Which machine will be best for you
• The CPAP or auto-CPAP setting you will need
• How many hours per night you should use it
• How to use it

If you need a CPAP machine, you should contact your health insurance to see what type of machine your insurance will cover. CPAP machines can be bought at a medical supply store, online, or through a sleep specialist’s office.