Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP machine is recognized as the most common form of treatment for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which the patient's breathing is marked with frequent pauses throughout the sleep. While the patient is unlikely to be aware of this disorder, one can go in for a diagnosis based on its symptoms such as snoring, obesity, morning headaches, irritability, mood swings, memory difficulties, etc.
CPAP treatment aims to keep the airways open free from blockages by delivering regulated air pressure continuously. All you need to get started with the CPAP treatment is the CPAP machine and sleep apnea mask. The sleep apnea mask is a special mask that settles snugly over a person's nose and mouth. The CPAP machine then blows air through the flexible tubes gently into the pressurized mask which goes into the patient's throat to remove any blockages.
Since CPAP machines are very expensive, it is advisable to rent one before you actually buy it. Test the machine to make sure that it is effective and suits your comfort and medical condition. If you find the machine unsuitable during the trial, you could easily switch over to another machine. This way, based on trial and error, you can find a machine best suited for your needs and then purchase it.
There are many options in CPAP machines and masks in the market. Respironics, SleepStyle, Sandman are some of the most popular and undoubtedly high performing brands. Consult your doctor to determine which mask and machine is best suited to your sleeping condition.
CPAP equipment has been proven to be highly effective in reducing the frequency of apnea episodes. Apart from treating sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is also known to have improved the patient's concentration and alertness and reduce the possibilities of a stroke or heart attack, lower blood pressure and diabetic conditions.
Before purchasing a CPAP machine, check with your insurance company as to whether the equipment providers are within their network. A CPAP machine is quite a substantial investment and you would require its full cost to be covered. If your sleep apnea therapy spans for a longer duration, you may update it with recent technological advancements in consultation with your doctor. You can do this with trials at a fraction of the cost instead of purchasing every new machine that comes out.
It is normal for any first time user to feel a little discomfort during CPAP therapy. Nasal pillows, skin moisturizer, chin strap, etc. will help you gradually acclimatize with the machine.
