CPAP Machine: Designed for those people who have disruptive sleep or sleep apnea

Posted by markwahl barg on May 19th, 2018

The term 'CPAP Machine' is a shorthand term that stands for a device known as a 'continuous positive air pressure' machine. This machine is traditionally used for aiding people with sleep apnea disorders and the other involved breathing issues associated with the dysfunction. The machine keeps the airway open by sending a moderated air pressure stream down the patient's airways so that patient can breathe normally during sleep. The PAP machines consist of 3 parts: a mask, a motor, and tubing. Other models also have humidifiers. The sizes vary, but are typically about the size of a small radio and are relatively light-weight. While they are used for treating sleep disorders, they can also be used for respiratory failure in both adults and children.

The CPAP machine is designed for those people who have disruptive sleep or sleep apnea. There is a wide variety of machines that are available online. There are machines for home use and machines that make it handy to travel. Sleep Apnea is a common night-time breathing disorder that affects more than 15 million Americans. Sleep apnea affects men and women of all ages; even children can suffer from sleep apnea. Without treatment, living with a sleep disorder or sleep apnea may cause major complications, including increased risk of heart attack and stroke, daytime sleepiness, mood disorders, and poor daytime function.

Regarding Sleep apnea, a CPAP machine works by forcing the airways open for those patients that exhibit shallow breathing during sleeping. Without the use of a CPAP machine, patients with sleep apnea can be likely to have laxity in their airways, thus causing an obstruction during sleep. When this occurs, the collapsed airway minimizes the oxygen levels that are in the bloodstream, and can cause more serious conditions, from loud snoring to death. The CPAP machine will gently open the airway to allow continuous breathing and thus maintain regular oxygen levels during sleep.

Before a patient uses a CPAP machine, the patient will need to get a conducted sleep study by a sleep doctor. This will test the levels of breathing, airway flow, oxygen levels, and snoring. In order to get a CPAP machine prescribed, the patient needs to have this sleep test done.

Infants also use CPAPs if their lungs are not fully developed. Often times in premature births, the infants need a device to assist with breathing, so a CPAP is a viable option, and it is typically less invasive than ventilators or other options.