Are you having trouble breathing and sleeping through the night? If so, that could be an indicator that you have a serious condition. According to studies, over 100 million people worldwide suffer from sleep apnea. If that’s the case for you, then you may need a CPAP machine. What is CPAP, you might ask? Well, in this article, we’ll delve more into what it is and how it can benefit you. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is CPAP?
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, and it’s a therapy that’s used to treat obstructive sleep apnea(OSA). Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to lose breath while sleeping temporarily. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat relax and cause your airways to become narrow and close as you breathe.
When you don’t get enough air, it minimizes the oxygen levels in your blood. When that happens, your brain wakes you from sleep so that you can reopen your air passages.
However, the awakening is so brief. You probably won’t notice it. But when this cycle happens continually throughout the night, it can prevent you from reaching a deep level of sleep. That results in other complications that occur due to sleep deprivation.
OSA causes loud snoring, morning headaches, dry mouth, air restriction, and short episodes of not breathing. People who are most prone to sleep apnea are overweight, male, smoke, mature in age, have a narrow airway, or a family history of OSA.
A CPAP system draws in air through a fan, pressurizes it, and delivers the air to the patient through a special mask to help with this condition.
How to Get a CPAP System
In order to get a system one CPAP machine, you need a prescription from your physician. The prescription specifies the type of CPAP system needed and the pressure setting required to treat your particular sleep apnea condition.
However, you can’t request a CPAP machine and get a prescription for it. You have to undergo a sleep study because it’s the only way to determine how the machine should operate specifically for your condition.
Here’s what a sleep study measures:
- Breathing
- Heart Rate
- Blood Oxygen Levels
- How many times you stop breathing while sleeping
- How many times you wake during the night
If your sleep study determines that you have sleep apnea, your physician will put together a treatment, and prescribe a CPAP machine.
Choosing a System One CPAP Machine
There are a few key things you should look for when buying a CPAP machine. Certain features make it run smoother and more efficient for the patient.
For instance, if it has a CPAP cleaning system or Wi-Fi capabilities, it provides a lot more flexibility. Here are some of the most common features to look for in a CPAP machine.
Travel Friendly
Don’t stop your life just because you have sleep apnea. You never know when you may need to go away on a trip, in a hotel, at a family member’s house, etc. Therefore, a CPAP system that travels with you is the best option.
If you don’t do much traveling, it’s still a good idea to have a portable CPAP. After all, your situation could change at any time. Machines that are heavy and bulky are too challenging to deal with.
Nowadays, most CPAP systems are lightweight and come with portable cases, so even if it’s not labeled a “travel machine,” you can still take it with you.
Humidification
Every CPAP device doesn’t come with a humidifier, but it’s an essential accessory for anyone who uses a CPAP system. When you are undergoing CPAP therapy, a humidifier helps to provide a more comfortable experience.
It prevents issues like dry mouth and also keeps your nasal passages from drying out. Furthermore, a humidifier lowers the chance of you receiving a nasal infection, a bloody nose, or other side effects.
Quiet Operation
One of the primary qualities of a good system one CPAP machine is its ability to operate quietly. A CPAP machine is supposed to help you sleep better, but you have to be able to fall asleep in the first place.
A loud machine is distracting and can be more of a burden than a blessing. Try to look for a unit that has a dB range of about 30.
Ramp-Up Time
Ramp-up is a feature that allows your CPAP system to get to the recommended pressure set by your physician gradually. If you automatically put the pressure on the maximum level, it’ll be difficult to fall asleep.
However, when the machine starts slowly and gradually builds its way to the desired pressure point, it allows your body to adjust to it. Plus, by the time it reaches capacity, you should be asleep.
A good CPAP device should have a ramp-up time of 5 to 60 minutes.
Breathe Better, Sleep Better
Hopefully, the information above thoroughly answers your question of “What is CPAP”? Sleep apnea is a severe condition that must be treated accordingly. If you follow the suggestions above, it’ll ensure that you get the best CPAP system for your needs.
Are you looking for a reliable CPAP machine? If so, we can help. Our Luna II CPAP system makes breathing a breeze. It’s WIFI compatible and comes with a RESlex exhalation relief.
If you have more questions about our products, feel free to contact us. We look forward to helping you breathe easier and sleep better.