How Does a CPAP Machine Work To Treat Sleep Apnea?

Why You Need a CPAP

People with sleep apnea typically dub themselves as “good sleepers” because they believe they are getting a full night’s sleep. However, while they may be clocking in the hours, it is not quality sleep. Sleep apnea will awaken its suffers all night long – unbeknownst to them. And many people suffer from sleeping disorders, especially when it comes to sleep apnea. CPAP machines create a constant airflow for those struggling to breathe. The invention of the CPAP machine allows doctors to treat patients without performing a tracheostomy. After all, using a CPAP machine sounds a lot better than an operation that puts a breathing tube in your throat. Are you asking yourself the question of how a CPAP machine works to treat sleep apnea? If so, let this article guide you to understand how it works and choose the best accessories that assist your comfort and health.

How Your CPAP Works

A CPAP machine’s primary purpose is to supply your body with a constant flow of air to keep your airway tissue open, preventing a potential collapse that stops your breathing. To provide this smooth and steady airflow, you must wear a mask that connects with the proper tubing. Every individual requires a different amount of air; therefore, having a specialist decide the right amount of pressure is vital for your health and sleep. Although your CPAP machine works to limit your sleep apnea, it is by no means a cure for all your issues. Without the consistent use of your device, your sleep apnea will keep interrupting your comfortable sleep schedule.

What To Choose

There are three key elements you need to receive to treat your sleep apnea. The first hurdle you need to jump is getting a prescription for a CPAP. A doctor’s prescription alerts you of what the air pressure needs to be for the machine. Knowing the correct air pressure helps you decide on what other accessories you need. You might opt for a specific type of mask or machine if you only need a minimal amount of breathing assistance. On the other hand, if you require a substantial amount of air, you might have picked some gear that you weren’t initially considering. Furthermore, getting a prescription also helps for insurance purposes.

Secondly, you need to determine the type of machine that you want. When selecting your device, consider several things, such as the value, fit, and comfort. Lastly, choosing a suitable mask is the most crucial decision to handle your sleep apnea.

Exploring Your Mask Options

When deciding on the mask you want to use, you must think about which mask to choose and how it properly fits. Like putting on a pair of shoes for the first time, you will know immediately if the mask you select feels like a good fit. Three masks may benefit you: a nasal mask, full face masks, and masks with cushions and pillows. Let’s go over the pros and cons of each type of mask.

Nasal

Advantages

• Handles high-pressure settings more effectively
• More comprehensive selection to fit a wide variety of facial structures
• It stays on even if you move around a lot in your sleep

Disadvantages

• Uneasiness for those that suffer from other sinus issues like allergies or hay fever
• Not the best fit for people who have limited nasal passages
• Can bother the nose and forehead from the pressure of the mask frame

Full Face

Advantages

• Excellent for mouth breathers and back sleepers
• Aids those who have problems with congestion
• Isn’t as claustrophobic as the other masks

Disadvantages

• Increased risk of a leak
• May dry your eyes out more
• Not ideal for someone who wears glasses

Cushion

Advantages

• Limited amount of headgear
• Allows those with glasses to read or watch television easily
• Secure fit with those with heavy beards

Disadvantages

• For those that require a higher airflow, the pressurized air might cause some discomfort
• Potential nosebleed
• Loose seal if you are a mouth breather

Making the Mask Decision

Now that you know the types of masks and what they have to offer, it’s time to choose one that fits your needs the best. The most effective way is to know how the mask fits your one-of-kind head. A proper fitting mask will sit at the bridge of your nose, while the bottom of the mask will be at the bottom of your nose and your upper lip. Picking the smallest mask that fits is typically the best selection. Once you find the perfect match, try laying in different positions to see how it reacts when lying on your stomach, back, or side. Lastly, take your time to figure everything out, so you make the best possible decision. There’s no need to rush when you are making a judgment as significant as this one.

Summary

Complications from sleep apnea can at best mean a lack of sleep and, at worst, potential death. For those reasons, it’s important to follow doctor’s orders on your treatment. On average, users need to use their CPAP machine nightly for five to six hours. However, upwards of 80% of patients don’t follow those guidelines and use them for less than four hours a night. Granted, wearing the mask may bring feelings of frustration and discomfort, but you need to get the recommended six hours of sleep with your machine. If you can follow your treatment plan, you will feel infinitely better throughout your day.

Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of how a CPAP machine works to treat sleep apnea. At the very least, you’ll know what to look for if you are curious about implementing a CPAP machine in your nightly sleep schedule.

Conclusion

Having a good night’s rest is one of the most important things you can do for your body to recover from a long day. So, if you are waking up repeatedly and gasping from a lack of air, it’s in your best interest to buy a sleep apnea machine. The days of struggling to stay awake until lunchtime will be over, seeing as you’ll aid your sleep by properly opening your airway. Here at CPAPnation, we will work with you to conquer your sleep apnea concerns by helping you every step of the way.