How it Works, Types Available and Differences
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CPAP Machines[/caption]
There are many treatments available for Sleep Apnea, as well as being non-invasive, CPAP machines are the most effective and most common. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is the gold standard for the treatment of Obstructed Sleep Apnea (OSA). The CPAP machine delivers a continuous flow of pressurized air out of a mask, through a tube keeping the patients airway open. They provide a continuous airflow into the patients’ passaways, which ensures they do not collapse during their sleep. Although CPAP machines may be difficult at first they will ultimately improve the patient sleep and ensure the patient to be more awake throughout the day.
Alongside CPAP machine, Bi-Level machines (also known as BIPAP), referred to as bi-level (two level) positive airway pressure machines are recommended to patients with difficulty breathing against the singular pressure a CPAP machine delivers. Bi-Level machines have two pressure settings, one for inhaling and a lower pressure setting for exhaling. The different pressure settings reduces the amount of work required when breathing ultimately resulting in a morecomfortable sleep.
Another machine available for use is an APAP machine – also known as “Auto Adjusting Positive Airway Pressure. The APAP machine automatically calculates the patients required pressure adjusting it to a comfortable level without having to presets. APAP machines would be ideal for patients with fluctuating pressures during the night as opposed to a CPAP or BiPAP machine, which only delivers one or two set pressures. APAP machines have to ability to be adjusted for a variety of sleeping positions, weight fluctuations as well as consumption of alcohol and any other factors that may change the required pressure while sleeping.
With many different types of machines available, it is important to carefully evaluate each machine and select one based on your requirements. Philips Respironics, Resmed, Fisher & Paykel, and HDM are among the leading provider for the global sleep and respiratory markets.
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Bi-level Machines[/caption]
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APAP Machines[/caption]
Choose your sleep apnea machine carefully!
Cassandra Tiltack