How Does The CPAP Breathing Machine Work?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor may prescribe a CPAP breathing machine to help with your symptoms. In this article we will discuss the CPAP breathing machine a bit more in detail, including how the machine works and who can benefit from the many functions of these machines.
A CPAP breathing machine is an invaluable piece of equipment which is used by sleep apnea sufferers to manage symptoms. Sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder which affects millions of people worldwide, can lead to dangerous and even life-threatening health problems if left untreated. The CPAP machine is designed to help avoid some of these harmful risks.
The CPAP breathing machine is the preferred method of treatment for people suffering from chronic obstructive sleep apnea. Those suffering from obstructive apnea will stop breathing temporarily while they sleep due to an obstruction in the airway. This will cause them to jolt themselves awake. However, most people will not remember these episodes, but they will notice that they are extremely tired the next morning due to a lack of deep sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack or failure, and even stroke.
Sleep apnea can be caused by many factors, but according to doctors, obesity is the leading cause of the disorder. The CPAP breathing machine can treat sleep apnea regardless of the cause, and it ensures that sleep apnea sufferers have a steady stream of oxygen while they sleep.
The term “CPAP” is an acronym for “continuous positive airway pressure.” The CPAP breathing machine is a type of ventilator which provides a pressurized stream of air intended to keep the airway open at all times. This stream of air can be adjusted depending on the patient and modified to suit individual need. Some of the more expensive machines can even sense the amount of pressure needed by a person and adjust themselves accordingly.
Within each CPAP breathing machine is a motorized air pump, as well as an air filter and humidifier. The air filter helps to ensure that impurities are filtered out, while the humidifier moistens the air to keep the mouth and throat from becoming too dry.
Included with the CPAP breathing machine is a CPAP mask which is connected to the machine via a long tube. There are three types of masks to choose from: a nasal mask, a nasal pillow mask and a full face mask. A nasal mask covers the nose and delivers the pressurized air through the nose only. A nasal pillow mask comes complete with a pillow which adds comfort and prevents people from being woken due to the pressure inside the mask. The third type of mask, the full face mask, is the most effective of the three, as it covers both the nose and the mouth and prevents pressurized air from escaping through the sides of the mask. Those with very advanced sleep apnea will often be required to use the full face mask.
A prescription is required to obtain a CPAP breathing machine, and since they are a necessary piece of apparatus for sleep apnea patients, these machines are usually covered by insurance.
Learn more about CPAP for sleep apnea and discover the latest information about sleep apnea.
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