If you have been recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may know that a CPAP machine can help. Do you know exactly what a CPAP machine is or how it works? Before you purchase one or start using a CPAP machine , it?s important to learn the basic parts and functions.
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. With sleep apnea, you run the risk of your airway collapsing when you breathe in. CPAP machines open your airway by using the pressure to ensure your throat doesn?t close up or collapse while you sleep.
A lot of sleep apnea patients rely on the machine to get a good night?s sleep. On average, someone with obstructive sleep apnea may experience up to 60 apneas an hour, or one per minute. Using a CPAP machine will prevent the apneas from happening. Many sleep apnea sufferers say these reoccurring obstructions hinder them from sleeping soundly through the night. It may take some time to get comfortable with the machine, but once you?re asleep you won?t notice it is on.
A CPAP machine consists of several parts, including the mask you wear on your face and the machine pump that pushes air into your nasal passages. A tube connects the machine to the mask. There are several types of CPAP masks. There are the CPAP nasal pillows, masks that cover just your mouth or nose, or both. You have several options and can choose a mask or nasal pillow based on what?s most comfortable for you. You may want to speak with a doctor or sleep specialist. They can suggest the different types of machines and help find one that fits you so that you can sleep comfortably.
One last note about CPAP machines: they can lead to dry nose or throat and nasal congestion. Monitor your symptoms as you get used to using a CPAP machine so it doesn?t create further complications.
