CPAP machine tips regarding the maintenance of pressure
Are you suffering from sleep apnea? There are chances that your doctor will recommend a CPAP machine. Sleep apnea, if left untreated can cause damage to the cardiovascular system in later stages. If your partner complains that you snore too much and scare her with your non-breathing episodes. Its time you get yourself checked for sleep apnea. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor will propose the type of CPAP machine that is most appropriate for you.
The use of an apt type of CPAP machine can help you get rid of most of the problems relating to sleep apnea. You must consult your doctor before you buy the CPAP machine. It can help you get peaceful sleep at night without the disturbance caused by the annoying sound of snoring. The CPAP machine is the ultimate answer to your problem regarding the snoring. Once when you have brought your CPAP machine there are certain things that you need to take care about it so that your CPAP machine can serve you for the longest possible duration. You can view them as tips for the CPAP machine.
The most important fact for All CPAP machine Users regarding the use of CPAP machine has been discussed here.
Pressure Definition for your CPAP machine
The CPAP machine air pressure is measured in centimeters of water, cm/H2O or in other words centimeters of water pressure. A pressure of 10 cm/H2O means that if you were drinking water from a 10 centimeter length straw positioned at the top of the water to your mouth, the suction you create would be 10 centimeters of water pressure. Speech is measured at about 7 cm/H2O pressure past the vocal cords. The average pressure for treating sleep apnea is 10 cm/H2O. Typical pressures for treating obstructive sleep apnea are 6 to 15 cm/H2O. Some people require higher pressures. The air pressure acts as a pneumatic splint to keep the throat open. The CPAP machine pressure is maintained at a level less than a sneeze and rarely causes the ears to pop.
Titration is a scientific lab term which means, slowly add a little bit more of something until you reach a desired effect. During the sleep study, the sleep technician slowly increases the CPAP machine pressure one centimeter/water at a time until you stop having apnea events. That and some more calculation lead to a titrated pressure setting. The CPAP machine pressure needs to be gauged each time before you use your CPAP machine. This ensures better results.