What is CPAP Machine?

Health and Wellness » Sleep Apnea Care in India » What is CPAP Machine

Information about what is CPAP machine helps patients suffering from sleep apnea problem to get the best possible help to deal with the disorder. To get clear understanding about the CPAP machine for sleep apnea, online information and books on medical equipments also help.

Developed by Dr. George Gregory and his contemporaries from the neonatal ICU at the University of California, San Francisco, CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. Further, in 1981, the machine faced deviation in its PAP system which was developed by Professor Colin Sullivan at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney, Australia. The machine is basically used to manage breathing problem like sleep apnea as it assures effective treatment.

What Is CPAP Machine?

A CPAP machine is used in the treatment of sleep apnea patients or people who suffer from related breathing problems. As there is an insufficient supply of air to the lungs, a CPAP machine proves to be an effective treatment. It is also used to take care of preterm infants who do not possess fully developed lungs. Infants born with respiratory trouble or bronchopulmonary dysplasia can benefit by using a CPAP machine.

Most of the CPAP machines come with features like heated humidifiers which avoid chances of dryness and skin irritation. Some of the machines are small in size, handy, lightweight and do not make much noise while using it.

A CPAP machine usually has three chief parts, namely:

A nasal mask that fits the nose and mouth of the patient. This mask is kept intact in its position by means of straps that keep the mask in place.
Arrangement for a tube which connects the nasal mask to the motor of the CPAP machine.
A motor to blow air into the tubing, so that it can be passed into the nose of the patient.

Disadvantages of CPAP Machine

One of the major disadvantages of a CPAP machine is its non-compliance with the patients. Various cases have exhibited that most of the users discard the machine overnight due to the discomfort and uneasiness that it gives to the patient. People using the nasal mask suffer from congestion problem, rhinitis and may also face a running nose.

Sometimes, people take lot of time to adjust with the CPAP equipment and its side-effects like infection in the eustacian tube or pressure development behind the cochlea region. Besides this, other things like bronchitis, desiccated eyes, dried out irritation in mucosal tissue, ear tenderness, giddiness, nasal congestion and sinus problem also affect reduce popularity of the device.

Precautions While Using a CPAP Machine

Firstly, read the user manual that comes along with the CPAP machine. Follow all the instructions given in it to assemble and dissemble tools of the machine.
You can select from the available models that come in different sizes and shapes and compare their price details. Before making a buying decision, a sample device can be used to find out whether it is a good fit or not.
To get the best possible result during the therapy, it is essential to have an appropriate CPAP model as different devices may or may not prove to be equally comfortable to the user.
People having beard, facial irregularity or mustache must shave the stuff so that the device fits on their face in a proper way. Else, the person may feel discomfort while using it. Similarly, cleaning of the machine is necessary from oil and dirt.
Take proper precautions while using the CPAP nasal mask. It acts as an orthodontic headgear that performs tasks like moving your teeth as well as upper and lower jaws that may cause TMD disorder to the patient.
A person suffering from obstructive sleep apnea should take precautionary measures as the chances of collapse airways are more during night. The person may suffer from blockage due to shallow breathing which may lead to a loud snoring noise when the person is asleep.
You can also make use of the videos on how to wear a CPAP mask that are given online. Though it is home equipment, assistance of the doctor can also be taken to get the basics of the machine.