If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you’re likely very curious about the different treatment options available. One common and popular option is an apnea machine, also known as a CPAP machine. This therapy has been available for 30 years and is considered the ‘gold standard’ for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Here we take a look at what an apnea machine is and how it works.
WHAT IS AN APNEA MACHINE?
A CPAP machine is a small box that houses a motorised fan. The fan draws air from the room, pressurises it, and then delivers it back to you at a prescribed setting. The filter on the machine eliminates the intake of smoke, dust and impurities in the air, and a humidification chamber warms the water up to humidify the pressurised air before it’s delivered to you.
A hose also connects the mask you wear to the apnea machine. This tubing is heated to reduce the amount of condensation that collects inside while the humidifier is switched on. The mask and hose will wear out over time, so you’ll have to replace them on a regular basis.
HOW BIG IS A CPAP MACHINE?
These machines are generally compact and will easily sit on a nightstand. They’re also easy to clean and will last a long time if they’re cared for properly.
BUT HOW DOES CPAP WORK?
The CPAP machine was created to stop ‘pauses’ in your breathing from occurring. People with sleep apnea struggle to keep their airways open when they sleep, which leads to pauses in breathing that can deprive the bloodstream of oxygen if they occur often enough or consistently. Therefore, the pressurised air delivered by the apnea machine acts as a pneumatic splint, keeping the airway open and firm while providing the necessary support for the user to breathe freely.
HOW QUICKLY DOES IT WORK?
For some people, CPAP therapy works almost immediately, although most do take slightly longer to adjust. However, the more you use the machine, the sooner you’ll adapt to sleeping through the night wearing the mask.
GETTING STARTED WITH APNEA MACHINES
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea by a doctor, you’re ready to start using an apnea machine. To find out more, contact us at ApneaSeal today.