CPAP Machines – How they work and benefits

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are the leading devices used in the treatment of Sleep Apnea; a sleep disorder that is marked by the symptoms of extremely loud snoring, but more importantly, by frequent pauses in breathing, lasting several seconds or nearly a minute or more. Left undiagnosed and thus untreated, sufferers of this sleep disorder can suffer life-threatening complications, as well as being plagued by regular symptoms of chronic fatigue and impaired daily functioning.

The CPAP unit contains a generator, which determines the airflow. A hose connects to the generator, which in turn, also connects to a mask that assists in navigating the airflow, keeping the passageway open and the user breathing regularly. Optional features on some models of CPAPs include a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air, thus eliminating potentially irritating dryness that can accompany compressed air. Other features include cloth-based mask liners that increase comfort by reducing skin irritation and possible contact dermatitis. A flexible chinstrap may be another option that patients gravitate towards to aid them in not breathing through their mouth if they choose a nasal-mask option. Some pricier models include a data-logging system that can record a patient’s use of the machine, as well as data that is recorded while the machine is actually in use. The patient and their medical providers can then use that data to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Generally, CPAP machines use electricity to function, however, a limited amount of models are now entering the market that operate using the power of the wearer’s own breath and did not need electricity in order to function.