How to Choose CPAPs

Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing is interrupted for seconds at a time --- sometimes more than 30 times an hour. Disordered breathing makes it difficult to benefit from the restorative power of a long snooze. A CPAP machine can help. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. The device --- the size of a small shoebox --- pressurizes the air you breathe, making it easier to inhale. The pressure also keeps your airway open. The air from a CPAP machine passes through a hose to a mask that attaches to your nose (or nose and mouth). Choosing the CPAP machine that is right for you requires some thought. Here are tips on how to make the right selection.

Things You'll Need

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Instructions

• 1

  See your health care provider. She can confirm that your poor sleep is caused by apnea. You may need to spend the night in a sleep clinic for testing and to try out a CPAP machine. Once sleep apnea is confirmed, your provider will write a prescription for the CPAP. She can also give you pointers on selecting one.

• 2

  Check with your insurance company to see what kind of machine and accessories will be covered. There are two types of machines: one that supplies the same air pressure for inhalation and exhalation, and a bilevel machine that lowers air pressure during exhalation. Some insurers will not cover a bilevel machine until you prove that the basic machine does not work for you.

• 3

  Find a home health care agency or medical-equipment dealer that supplies CPAP machines, and visit their premises. Their staff can show you the options available, based on your prescription and specific needs.

• 4

  Consider renting a CPAP. Although some machines are sold online --- sometimes at a lower price than you can get elsewhere --- it often is better to do a trial run before purchasing a machine. Renting the CPAP for a time gives you the chance to make sure it meets all your needs.

• 5

  Ask about accessories and added features. Do you travel a lot? Then you will want a machine that is easily portable. Is your environment overly dry? Consider a machine that also humidifies the air, preventing a scratchy throat and airway.