What is a CPAP Machine?
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine popularly known as CPAP machine is a kind of medical respiratory device used to treat Sleep Apnea. It delivers a continuous stream of pressurised air through a hose which is connected to a specialised mask that is worn over on both mouth and nose, to keep the airways open during sleep, preventing pauses in breathing while sleeping and helpful in reduction in snoring.
The CPAP machine has major 5 components that come together.
- The CPAP machine itself comes with the main air generator or main machine, which clubs the motor that draws air, filters it and pressurises it.
- Then there is a hose pipe or tube which delivers pressurised air to the mask. The hose are generally very flexible and made with such materials to prevent leakage of air.
- Then, there is a mask which has to be worn over the mouth and nose. The mask is connected to the main machine through a hose. Masks come in various types such as nasal mask, full face mask or nasal pillows. You can ask your healthcare provider for different types of masks in different sizes.
- Humidifier which is attached to the main machinery itself. The main work of a humidifier is to add moisture to the pressurised air, to prevent dryness in the nose and throat area.
- The last thing it has is filters. The role of filters to clear out air and deliver clean air to patients. The filters are to be cleaned or changed in a short interval of time to maintain the working of the machine.
How does a CPAP device work?
A continuous stream of pressurised air is continuously delivered to a patient’s airways if they use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine during sleep. By maintaining the airways open and clean, it helps in preventing the breathing pauses that are indications of sleep apnea. This is a detailed breakdown of how a CPAP device works:
- Pressurisation and Air Intake – The CPAP machine embeds a motor to pressurise the air it takes in from the room where you are sleeping. The patient’s requirements are prioritised while setting the air pressure and this is usually done through a sleep study test.
- Air Delivery to the mask through the Hose – A flexible hose pipe or tube is used to transport pressured air from the machine towards the patient. The patient wears a specialised mask during sleep, from which the hose is attached.
- Fitting of masks and airflow – The purpose of the mask is to cover the mouth and nose, so that pressurised air is delivered into the airways without leaking.
- Preserving Airways patency – The CPAP machine provides a steady stream of pressurised air for the patient’s breath. This air works as a splint, keeping the soft tissues (such as the tongue or soft palate) from collapsing and obstructing the airway, thereby maintaining the opening of the upper airway channels of the throat and nose.The CPAP machine stops the breathing pauses that are common in sleep apnea by keeping the airway open.
- Continuous operation – The CPAP device works continuously through the night, so that the patient sleeps peacefully at night. The continuous pressurised air prevents airway’s collapse and lowers risk of Heart diseases and stroke that can be caused by sleep apnea.
- Betterment in sleep quality – The CPAP machine lessens or completely eliminates the frequent awakenings and disturbances brought on by untreated sleep apnea by preventing airway collapse. The patient can have more relaxed, deeper, more peaceful sleep without any interruption.
Why use CPAP machine at night?
For those who are suffering from Sleep Apnea, using a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine is necessary at night. It also have several other important benefits:
- Prevents collapse of Airway: When you sleep, your throat muscles get relaxed, which increases the way for your airway to collapse and causes breathing pauses. These breath pauses are controlled by the constant stream of pressurised air provided by the CPAP machine, which maintains the airway open.
- Better sleep quality: By using CPAP device at night, it lowers or may completely eliminate the frequency of getting awake which is common in sleep apnea. This improves the patient’s overall sleep quality.
- Eliminated daytime sleepiness: Many people with sleep apnea experience excessive daytime sleepiness due to interrupted sleep. Using a CPAP machine at night helps users feel more alert and less fatigued during the day, improving concentration and overall productivity.
- Lowers the risk of diseases: Untreated sleep apnea is associated with various health risks, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Consistent use of a CPAP machine helps to lower the risks caused by these diseases by treating sleep apnea and improving overall health and sleep quality.
- Improves mood and cognitive functions: Using a CPAP machine to improve sleep quality can enhance mood and cognitive performance. After beginning CPAP therapy, many patients reports boost in memory, improved decision-making abilities, and an improved attitude on life.
- Reduced Snoring:Snoring is frequently reduced or eliminated with help of CPAP therapy using CPAP machine, which is advantageous for both the patient and their sleeping companion. A patient and their sleep companion can get more silent and peaceful sleeping environment with CPAP machine.
- Often helpful in reducing depression and anxiety problems : Patients suffering from sleep apnea frequently also struggles with anxiety, depression or Cardiovascular problems. Taking CPAP therapy can enhance general health and sleep, which can give relieve from some of these above mentioned issues.
- Long term health benefits: Using a CPAP machine on a regular basis can help Individual in gaining better and healthier lifestyle. One can achieve better control over stress, weight, and other health issues.
- Ease of use and protabiity: With features like integrated humidifiers, pressure settings that can be adjusted, and portable designs, modern CPAP machines are made to be easy to use and incorporate into evening routines.