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What Are CPAP Machines?

A continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine provides a constant flow of air to the user. The machine uses air from the room rather than concentrated oxygen. Doctors commonly prescribe CPAP machines for patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea, a condition in which the patient stops breathing periodically while sleeping.

  1. CPAP Machine Design

    • The basic design of a CPAP machine is the base unit, a mask and a hose to connect the unit to the mask. Mask designs vary from full-face masks to "pillows" that fit below the nostrils. The physician or supplier can help patients choose an appropriate, comfortable mask. Factors such as normal sleeping position, prescribed pressure and personal preferences are all considerations in the choice of a mask.

    How CPAP Machines Work

    • Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep but not when the patient is awake. The condition typically occurs when soft tissue in the throat relaxes so much that it blocks the passage of air. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to generate the signal to breathe. The CPAP machine delivers air with sufficient pressure to open the throat and airway. By maintaining a constant pressure flow, the machine ensures that the patient does not stop breathing.

    Obtaining a CPAP Machine

    • Patients must have a prescription to purchase a CPAP machine. A physician may require the patient to undergo a sleep study to diagnose his apnea and determine the proper pressure settings for the CPAP machine. Costs vary widely depending on the features chosen, but most insurance providers will cover the cost if they cover "durable medical equipment." The insurance company, however, may limit coverage to specific models or set a maximum reimbursement for the device.

    Problems Using CPAP Machines

    • Patients may find certain styles of masks confining, uncomfortable or claustrophobic. The problem may be a mask that does not fit properly. The patient may benefit from switching to a better-fitting mask or choosing a different style, such as one that places the straps in a different location. Becoming acclimated to the mask by wearing it for short periods while awake may help as well. The noise from the CPAP machine may make sleep difficult for some people, but if the machine's filter and hose are not blocked, the noise level should be minimal. Patients who find the noise extremely disturbing might benefit from earplugs or a DVD of the soft sounds of nature to mask the noise. A CPAP machine with a humidifier may prove beneficial to patients who suffer from dry mouths or nasal passages upon awakening.

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