The market for sleep apnea treatment devices is worth $2.35 billion in the US alone. At least 1 billion people suffer from the condition worldwide and wake up multiple times throughout the night due to collapsed airways.
One of the most common sleep apnea treatment devices is a CPAP machine. It tubes air into the body while patients sleep.
Getting used to the process of using these devices can be difficult. They prevent and treat a variety of conditions, including sleep apnea, but many patients give up on them.
Once you learn how to use a CPAP machine, it won’t feel like an alien device from another planet. You’ll realize the benefits it provides and get used to the nightly process it requires.
Read our guide to learn what a CPAP machine does, how to use and care for it, and how to choose the best one for your individual needs.
What Does a CPAP Machine Do?
Before you learn how to use a CPAP machine, you should be familiar with precisely what the device is and how it works.
CPAP is an acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. The machines introduce airflow to maintain pressure and stent them open to aid in breathing.
One of the most common conditions that may lead a doctor to prescribe a CPAP machine is known as OSA or obstructive sleep apnea. It causes patients to temporarily stop breathing while they sleep.
Most CPAP machines have a set of critical components, including:
- Air filters
- Hoses or tubes
- A motor to blow air into the tubes
- A mask positioned with straps
These components work together to push air into your airways and prevent them from collapsing. This prevents you from waking due to apnea episodes.
How to Use a CPAP Machine
Studies suggest that a CPAP machine can make you sleep better by reducing blood pressure and improving energy during the day. It can also help those who sleep poorly due to obesity and reduce the risk of other conditions like strokes.
Despite the importance of CPAP machines, 29-83% of patients use them less than the recommended 4 hours per night.
Knowing how to use CPAP machines and how to keep them clean is the best way to ensure you get the most benefits from them. You should know how to avoid any potential side effects, what settings to use, and more.
Using the Machine
Your doctor and/or instructions on the CPAP machine itself should provide you with recommendations for how long and how often it should be used. Don’t stray from these numbers, or you won’t get the full benefits.
CPAP machines are safe to use for everyone, from children to the elderly, but they do present the potential for irritations or side effects. There are simple solutions to most of the common problems patients have when using CPAP machines.
Humidifiers relieve symptoms such as a dry mouth or a dry or stuffy nose. Heated humidifiers provide even more moisture and are one of the best ways to fight these potential side-effects.
Skin issues such as rashes or red marks are symptoms of a poor-fitting mask. Try a different size or type to reduce or relieve these issues.
While CPAP machines are usually only used while a patient is sleeping, wearing the mask while you’re awake can help you get used to the sensation of having it on your body. This may reduce the urge to take it off during the night.
Some CPAP machines have a ramp setting where the pressure of the airflow it provides starts low and rises over time. This can be more comfortable for patients and easier to get used to.
See a sleep specialist regularly to ensure that you’re using the best type of CPAP machine and that all the components provide the best fit. They may conduct a sleep study to determine the efficacy of your current treatment plan.
You should be using your CPAP machine everywhere you go to get all the benefits it provides for your sleep and general health. There are portable machines you can take with you when traveling.
Cleaning the Machine
CPAP machines require regular use, are placed on the face every day, and require frequent touching for maintenance. This makes it easy to spread dirt and germs, and essential to keep your equipment clean.
You should wash your CPAP mask daily with warm soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and alcohol. Rinse the mask in clear water, and consider adding plain white vinegar to reduce odor and germs.
You should also wash the tubing and headgear of your CPAP machine at least once a week. Be sure to do it by hand with soap and water and, just like with the mask, avoid harsh chemicals. When you’re done, towel-dry the tubes and headgear.
It’s also important to replace the components if they get old or dirty or stop working. Replace your filter at least every two months.
If you also use a heated humidifier as part of your treatment, there are additional care instructions to keep in mind. Replace the distilled water every night and follow all the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning it.
As long as you clean, care for, and replace each component of your CPAP machine regularly, they should last for years. This is an essential part of knowing how to use a CPAP machine.
How to Choose a CPAP Machine
There are various different types of CPAP machines available on the market today, and not all types are perfect for every patient. Choosing the right type of equipment is an essential part of any treatment plan.
If your prescription is wrong or your equipment isn’t the right size, your CPAP machine won’t be as effective as it could be. That’s why you must carefully choose the best equipment for you.
Getting a Prescription
It’s impossible to get a CPAP machine without a prescription, as they’re not an over-the-counter treatment option that any patient can obtain. You don’t need to have sleep apnea to get one, but you do need to have a related condition.
The first step is to go to a sleep lab for a sleep study. It measures your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and how often you stop breathing or wake up.
The doctor uses the results to determine if you have sleep apnea or any other condition that would benefit from CPAP machine treatment. If you do, they will give you a prescription that you can use to purchase the perfect equipment.
After that, a technician may also come to your home to help you set it up and teach you how to use your new device. They’ll cover the basics, such as where to put it and how to put on the mask.
After you’vet set up your CPAP machine, make sure you use it correctly every night for the amount of time your doctor recommends and take proper care of it.
Choosing Equipment
Choosing the right equipment is critical because even experts in CPAP usage won’t receive the best care without the right tools. You must ensure they’re the right size and include the best possible features.
Look at the sizes of the mask, tubes, and each individual component of any CPAP machine you’re considering purchasing. A mask that isn’t the right size will be uncomfortable and not provide enough air.
The best CPAP machines are light and travel-friendly, so that you can take them with you anywhere. Even if they’re not labeled as portable, they should be easy to move from one place to another.
Try to find a CPAP machine with a built-in humidifier as well. This lessens the likelihood of side effects and provides a more comfortable experience.
Loud noises can disturb anyone’s sleep, whether or not you have sleep apnea. Give yourself and your partner a more restful night by finding a CPAP machine with a dB range of 30.
Not all machines have the ramping feature that lets patients get accustomed to artificial airflow, but you should look for options that do. It’s also important to consider how long this feature takes to work. Look for ramp times of 5-60 minutes.
Every component and feature of your CPAP machine should be customized to your individual needs. Your doctor can help with this, but it requires doing your research to find the best possible option.
Where Can I Get a CPAP Machine?
Patients may get intimidated when learning how to use a CPAP machine and abandon the process before they realize how much it can improve their health and the quality of their sleep.
Use your CPAP machine for the exact amount of time your doctor recommends. Remedies such as humidifiers can prevent side effects. Don’t forget to clean the equipment regularly to prevent germs and bacteria from building up.
Knowing how to use the machine is crucial, but so is deciding where to purchase it. You need to find a provider who sells equipment that meets your needs.
We have a variety of high-quality medical equipment to treat a range of conditions. Discover all the features of the Luna II CPAP system and contact us today for more CPAP help.