A CPAP Machine, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine, is a machine used to maintain airways and breathing during sleep. The CPAP Machine provides pressure via a mask to keep inflating the lungs until they are full and deflating them by removing the pressure.
Machines
There are two main types of cpap machines for snoring: traditional ventilators that run on oxygen tanks, and small machines that plug into electrical outlets. Traditional ventilators are typically more powerful with increased control over pressure levels, but can have problems with mobility and noise. Smaller machines lack some of the features available in traditional ventilators but can be taken anywhere without fear of running out of power, making it ideal for a travel companion.
How it works
The ventilator is attached to a hose. The hose then attaches to a nasal mask, most commonly made of plastic. The nasal mask can be adjusted to fit the patient without air leaks. In order to inflate and deflate the lungs, the machine must produce different levels of pressure within the tube that connects the ventilator and mask. These levels are regulated by a control panel on the machine. There are also circuits in place that send an alert should something go wrong, such as low battery power or a blockage in hoses behind or in front of your face.
The traditional ventilators must have oxygen tanks available and liters of oxygen available for prolonged travel. Smaller machines that plug into electrical outlets do not require oxygen tanks as they run on regular power.
Advantages include side effects like headaches and nausea being drastically reduced or eliminated because the patient is more comfortable and relaxed, especially when turning from side to side in bed.
A CPAP Machine can also speed up recovery from surgery, be used after a stroke or head injury, used by someone with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), is recommended for sleep apnea patients, can help with snoring and taping sounds of irregular breathing during sleep due to blocked airways.
