If self-help programs and lifestyle changes fail to help reduce the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, your doctor may prescribe a sleep apnea machine, or “CPAP”. These machines continuously blow air into the oral cavity, keeping the airway open so the patient can breath easily and get a good night’s rest. The machine airflow pressure is titred (set) to the individual patients needs, according to the results of the patient’s sleep study.
Purchasing Your First Sleep Apnea Machine
Sleep Apnea Machine in Use
These machines can be purchased for use while sleeping at home, and travel models are also available. Humidifiers are sometimes included in the design of the device, but not always. Heated humidifiers help prevent the nasal and oral passages from drying out.
Because sleep apnea machines require power, you may want to consider purchasing a backup power unit to use in case the power goes out. For standard 120 volt AC power, self-contained battery powered inverters are available that can help with this problem. Be sure to keep the battery charged so it’s ready when needed.
Other Equipment You’ll Need
To use your sleep apnea machine, you will need a headgear and mask. Various designs are available, and many patients find that they need to try several different designs in order to find one that allows them to be comfortable. Some individuals do just fine with a standard nose mask or nasal pillow while other patients need a full face mask that covers their mouth.
Hoses are also needed to connect the machine to the mask, and the hoses may need to be rigged above the sleeper to prevent tangling and drainage of condensation into the users face. Usually condensation problems can be managed by experimenting with which heat setting works best in your bedroom environment. Remember hot + cold = wet. If the heat setting is too high and the bedroom is cool or vice-versa, condensation will build up.
Some people find that they can sleep more comfortably if they purchase a CPAP pillow.
Common Problems with the Sleep Apnea Machine
The drawbacks associated with sleep apnea machines include difficulty adjusting to sleeping with a mask, and getting tangled in the hose with restless sleep. For many people with severe sleep apnea these are non-issues. The body is craving sleep so fiercely that the patient will fall asleep and stay asleep. Unfortunately, these discomforts cause more than 50% of patients to discontinue the use of their CPAP machines after a few months.
Another drawback is if a patient is a mouth breather, because breathing through the mouth can cause the the nose mask to be ineffective. These patients may need a chin strap to keep the mouth shut or a full face mask that covers the nose and mouth. Also, if you breath through your mouth because of allergies that restrict the air flow through your nose, your doctor may be able to help you find an allergy medication that will help. You may even discover that your sleep apnea symptoms naturally go away without a sleep apnea machine if your nasal passages are able to stay open using an effective allergy medication. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor.
Headgear and hoses should be washed in hot soapy water daily to prevent the build-up of germs that could cause respiratory illnesses.
If you find that your treatment is uncomfortable, or you simply have a hard time adjusting to sleeping with the sleep apnea machine and mask, be sure to ask your doctor for advice before giving up on the treatment.
