What You Need to Know About CPAP Machines: A Comprehensive Guide
There are many risks associated with sleep apnea including heart attack stroke and mood disorders due to lack of sleep. Those who suffer from sleep apnea know well the struggle of going through their everyday lives without being able to function properly. Luckily, we live in a time when medical engineering has advanced like never before and we have so many devices available to help us with various problems, including sleep apnea. CPAP machines are designed to help patients with sleep apnea breathe easier and sleep sounder. Here’s everything you need to know before you buy CPAP machines.
What Are CPAP Machines and How Do They Work?
CPAP machines are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea by providing constant pressure during the night. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. It means that a CPAP machine pumps constant pressure into the body during sleep. The pressure is released through a tube that is connected to a mask and the patient breathes in the positive air pressure with the help of the mask.
Different types of masks can be attached to the CPAP device:
- Nasal pillow masks that are placed below the nose and have silicone tubes that go inside the nostrils
- Nasal masks – they can have an oval or triangular shape and they sit only at the nose area, without covering the mouth
- Full-face masks that provide full coverage of the nose and mouth
People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea experience temporary loss of breath during sleep. Why is this happening? Muscles relaxing in the back of the through reduce the space for the air to pass through, the upper airway collapses and creates a blockage in the breathing passages which makes it hard to inhale air.
CPAP machines promote airflow and circulation, which relieves the symptoms of sleep apnea and reduces the risk of negative effects that come with this disorder, providing comfortable sleep without any disruptions.
Types of CPAP Machines
Although the term CPAP is generally used to describe positive pressure machines, there are several different types of CPAP machines with some key differences between them.
CPAP Machines (Continues Positive Airway Pressure) – they are the most affordable among the other types and they provide excellent treatment for sleep apnea. They are pre-set to deliver a fixed level of pressure throughout the night. You cannot adjust the level of pressure manually.
APAP Machines (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) – can adjust the pressure based on your sleep phase and breathing patterns. They can sense when there is a change in the pressure level and can automatically adjust to increase the pressure.
BiPAP Machines (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) – provide two levels of air pressure. They are designed to detect the levels of air pressure when you breathe in and exhale so they can administer higher pressure when you inhale.
Travel CPAP Machines are ideal for travelling due to their mini size. They are standard CPAP devices that work on the same principle and are easily portable.
Can I Buy CPAP Machines in Australia Without a Prescription?
If you’re looking to buy CPAP machines in Australia, keep in mind that you don’t have to have a prescription. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before you start using the machine. You can take a sleep study to determine the intensity of your sleep apnea and what is the type of PAP machine you need.
How Much Does it Cost to Buy a CPAP Machine in Australia?
As already mentioned, there are different types of PAP machines and the cost varies accordingly.
Standard CPAP machines can cost between $1.000 and $2.000/2.195. Automatic machines have a fairly higher price tag and the cost can range from $1.400 to $2.900.
BiPAP machines are relatively expensive and they vary in price from $3.000 to $4.000 and above, whereas travel CPAP machines cost from 870 up to $2.600 for high-end devices.
Also, take into consideration that the price for the same type of machine can vary between different retailers and manufacturers and between provinces. Therefore, how much will a CPAP machine cost you, depends on several factors and it’s best to check with the company where you want to buy one.
Another thing to consider when it comes to the cost of PAP machines is that they require regular maintenance, which means you will frequently need to change and replace parts such as filters, masks, headgear and so on. The cost can only add up with time, but it’s important to invest in a life-saving machine that can make a significant transformation in your health. After all, it’s the ideal solution for sleep apnea.
Pros and Cons of CPAP Machines
Just like with any other device, CPAP machines also have positive and negative sides of using them. Having some negative aspects of using them doesn’t mean they are not safe or can pose a threat to your health. It means that the use of CPAP machines comes with some discomforts that can be managed.
Pros of Using a CPAP Machine:
- Reduces the risks of health complications
- Relieves breathing discomfort
- Reduces snoring
- Improves heart health
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces the risks of heart failure and stroke
- Improves sleeping cycles
- Improves mental health
- Improves cognitive function
Cons of Using a CPAP Machine:
- Experience discomfort at the beginning of the use
- Dry mouth – this is usually due to the air being pushed through the machine into the mouth. However, some machines use a humidifier to prevent dry mouth.
- Nasal congestion
- Many patients complain about having to wear the mask all night which can make them feel claustrophobic
- Skin irritation and breakouts on the face where the mask is placed
- Due to the tube and the mask, patients cannot sleep on their stomach
- Some complain about the loud noise that CPAP machines produce ( the latest development in technology allows you to buy machines with much lower levels of noise so you and your partner don’t have to be stressed about the sound of the machine)
The benefits of using CPAP outweigh the negative aspects. All symptoms of discomfort can be managed and it usually takes 2-3 weeks for people to adjust to CPAP. Of course, for some might take longer but if you experience any discomfort you cannot tolerate, speak with your health care provider.
Are CPAP Machines Effective?
There are several risks associated with untreated sleeping apnea such as high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, heart attack and stroke. CPAP devices have been proven to successfully treat the symptoms of obstructive sleep, to stop snoring and to improve breathing patterns.
Besides serious effects on physical health, the lack of sleep caused by apnea can lead to deconcentration, fatigue, brain fog as well as emotional changes and depression. Therefore, CPAP machines are one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea designed not to only relieve sleep apnea symptoms but prevent serious health consequences. It helps the person to lead a normal life without any difficulties.
Those who suffer from this disruptive disorder are mostly prescribed CPAP machines as a form of therapy to use at home. CPAP machines continue to be the golden standard in the medical field when it comes to successfully combating sleep apnea.
How to Clean a CPAP Machine?
You should be diligent with the maintenance and cleaning of your CPAP machine to avoid bacterial infections and build-up from the air pollutants. First, unplug the device from electricity. Separate the tube from the mask and the device, and wash it with soap and warm and clean water. Once you’re done with washing, leave the house to air-dry. If the machine comes with a humidifier, you need to wash the water chamber every morning with soap and distilled water.
It’s important to use only distilled water for the humidifier because it’s free from minerals and bacteria. Using normal tap water or bottled water if it’s not distilled, can cause a mineral build-up in the humidifier. And finally, the mask. Wash the soft cushion of the mask with a mild soap and rinse it thoroughly with warm and clean water. Let it air dry and do not expose it to direct sunlight.
Can I Travel Internationally With a CPAP Machine?
Most airline companies consider CPAP machines as medical devices and they don’t count your device in the luggage allowance. You’re able to take your machine with you through the airport, and there shouldn’t be a problem with storing it in the checked luggage. However, you should give a notice to the airline company that you will be bringing a CPAP device on the plain. Different airline companies have different policies regarding CPAP and it’s best to consult with them before the flight.
Consider Buying a Mini Travel CPAP Machine
If you are a frequent traveller or need to fly to a longer destination, the best hassle-free alternative to standard-size CPAP machines is to buy mini travel CPAP. They are portable and lightweight, run on batteries and have all the necessary features to support your breathing throughout the night when on the go.
So if you’re struggling with sleep apnea and haven’t been checked by a doctor yet, it’s recommendable to do so and consult with your health provider if you need a CPAP. CPAP machines will help you breathe normally, reduce the risks associated with sleep apnea and get your health back on track.