Several different companies manufacture what they consider the best CPAP machine for sleep apnea, but people and symptoms are all different, so there are a variety of different designs and features even in machines made by the same company. The best CPAP machine for your sleep apnea will depend on your own symptoms and conditions. Your doctor will help you determine the best type to buy. CPAP machines are considered medical equipment and they are only available with a prescription from your doctor.
The specific type of CPAP machine you need will be noted on the prescription from your doctor.
How Your Doctor Determines the Best CPAP Machine for Sleep Apnea
Your doctor will determine which type of machine is best for your particular sleep apnea symptoms after you have completed a sleep study.
Once the sleep study is complete, if you have fairly mild symptoms your doctor will probably talk to you about the possibility of using self-help lifestyle changes to treat your symptoms naturally, because many patients find the CPAP machine too uncomfortable to continue using one for more than a few months. However, if the sleep study shows that your symptoms are too severe for self-help, she will probaby prescribe one of the following types of CPAP machine. (In very extreme situations, surgery may be required).
All CPAP machines are designed to improve the symptoms of sleep apnea. CPAP means Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.
Different Types of CPAP Machines
In addition to the common CPAP machine, there are also AutoCPAP machines, which automatically adjust the airflow pressure on a breath by breath basis so you receive only the minimum pressure needed to keep your airway open during sleep. And there’s the BiPAP (or BiLevel or VPAP) machine, which delivers two separate and distinct pressures.
The higher pressure is delivered when the patient inhales and the lower pressure comes through the mask when the patient exhales. As with the CPAP machine, the pressure is set by the doctor’s order or prescription, and was determined through a sleep study.
According to the University of Texas Medical Branch website (links to PDF), there is “no objective evidence [that] demonstrates improved compliance over CPAP” when the BiPap machine is prescribed instead. The overal compliance rate (the percentage of patients who are able to continue with their treatment using a CPAP machine of any type) is around 50%.
Insurance Coverage for Sleep Apnea Treatment
This type of equipment is typically covered by insurance, under the durable
medical equipment benefit. Some people find that they feel more comfortable renting a machine, at least for a few weeks, so they know for sure they’re getting the one that offers the best alleviation of their symptoms; and some insurance companies require their members to rent before they buy.
Be sure to talk to your insurance company to determine exactly which type of CPAP machine they’ll cover, and which accessories are included in your benefits. Your doctor may be able to adjust your prescription if your insurance company will not cover one of the more expensive AutoCPAP or BiPAP machines. Also, remember that if you decide you need a separate machine to use during travel, your insurance may not cover it. It’s always best to call them and ask.
You May Need a Humidifyer, Too
Of particular importance is the question of whether or not you will need a unit that includes a humidifier, and if so, which type of humidifier will you need. This is something that you may not be able to determine until you’ve used the
unit for a week or so. The humidifier becomes necessary if the patient’s nose and throat dry out from the pressurized air flow.
If a humidifier is needed but is not used, some people experience nasal dryness, sneezing fits, or the symptoms of allergies, cold, or sinus infection. Machines are available with both heated and cool humidifiers. Your doctor or equipment supplier will be able to help you decide which one will work best for your specific needs.
CPAP Face Masks and Pillows
You will also need to determine if you need a full-face mask. Some people habitually sleep with their mouth open. For these patients, the regular nasal mask or pillows will not effectively alleviate their symptoms, because they don’t get the full effect of the pressurized air. If you know you sleep with your mouth open, you may need either chin straps to keep the mouth closed, or a full-face mask. Some people know they sleep with their mouth open because they have a dry mouth when they wake up, or their sleeping partner may know.
The technician who worked with the patient during the sleep study might also make note of this, and pass this information on to the doctor. If you know you’ll need a full-face mask, work with your doctor to choose one that will cause the least amount of discomfort during sleep.
Travel-Size CPAP Machines
If you do a lot of traveling, you may want to purchase or rent one of the easily
portable travel CPAP devices, which come with a carrying case. If you travel overseas, be sure you have the ability to convert your unit to foreign currents.
So, the answer to the question “what is the best CPAP machine for sleep apnea symptoms?” is not easily answered – be sure to talk to your doctor about the choices you’ll need to make, so you will receive the quickest relief from your sleep disorder symptoms.
