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All you need to know about the functioning of a CPAP device

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is the most commonly prescribed device for treating sleep apnea disorders.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes interruptions or pauses in your breathing, often because your throat or airways briefly collapse or something temporarily blocks them.

 

A CPAP machine sends a steady flow of oxygen into your nose and mouth as you sleep. This keeps your airways open and helps you breathe normally.

 

Let’s take a closer look at how this machine works, the pros and cons of using one, and other options for sleep apnea.

 

A CPAP machine’s compressor (motor) generates a continuous stream of pressurized air that travels through an air filter into a flexible tube. This tube delivers purified air into a mask that’s sealed around your nose or mouth.

 

As you sleep, the airstream from the CPAP machine pushes against any blockages, opening your airways so your lungs receive plenty of oxygen.

 

Without anything obstructing this flow of oxygen, your breathing doesn’t pause. As a result, you don’t repeatedly wake up to resume breathing.

 

Are there different types of CPAP machines?

CPAP devices all have the same basic components:

  • A motor housed in a base unit
  • A cushioned mask
  • A tube that connects the motor to the mask
  • A headgear frame
  • Elbow pieces that act as joints
  • Adjustable straps that allow you to customize the fit of the device

 

Different mask types

Mask styles can vary with different CPAP machines. Which type you wear depends in part on your breathing habits, how comfortable the mask is for you to wear, and the kind of sleep apnea disorder you have.

 

The different types of CPAP masks include the following:

 

Nasal pillow mask- This type of mask has a small cushion that caps over your nostril area. It may also have prongs that fit into your nostrils. This mask allows you to wear your glasses easily. It also works well if you have lots of facial hair that may prevent a larger mask from fitting snugly.

 

Nasal mask- This type is a cushioned mask that covers your whole nose area. It may be a better option if you tend to move around in your sleep. It can deliver a high-pressure airstream.

Full mask- This type is shaped like a triangle and covers your mouth and nose. Your doctor might prescribe this kind of mask if you breathe through your mouth when you sleep or if you have a blockage of some kind in your nose.

 

What’s the difference between CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP machines?

 

Other types of breathing machines include APAP and BiPAP devices. Here’s how they differ:

 

CPAP device

This device is programmed to produce pressurized air at one steady air pressure level. To change the air pressure, you have to reset the device’s settings.

 

APAP (automatic positive airflow pressure)

This kind checks your breathing throughout the night. It automatically adjusts the air pressure to compensate for changes in your sleep position or medications that may have changed your breathing.


BiPAP (Bi-level positive airflow pressure) This device has two pressure settings, one pressure for inhaling and a lower pressure for exhaling. It’s used for individuals who can’t tolerate CPAP device or have elevated carbon dioxide levels in their blood. BiPAP devices can also come with a backup respiratory rate for patients who have central sleep apnea. The backup respiratory rate ensures the person breathes, as the main problem with central sleep apnea is initiating breath.