Sleep apnea machine

The sleep apnea machine is a small, modern air compressor, developed with the latest technology. It is responsible for producing constant positive air pressure to keep the airway open, with the aim of reducing prolonged pauses in breathing during sleep.

It is commonly known as a CPAP machine or CPAP device, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure.

This continuous flow machine was invented in 1980 by Australian physician, professor and inventor Colin Sullivan. He was able to provide a solution to a problem that affects both men and women, namely sleep apnea.

How does a Cpap machine work?

The CPAP machine works in a very simple and effective way.

The CPAP machine delivers a constant flow of positive pressure air through a flexible tube to the mask, which is placed in the patient’s nose or mouth-nose and allows the therapy to be carried out effortlessly.

Masks are another important element in CPAP therapy, with a wide variety of models, sizes and materials to achieve the greatest adaptability to the patient.

In the mask itself there is a small hole through which the air exhaled by the patient exits.

It is very important that the mask is securely fastened to the face to avoid air leaks. The CPAP mask itself has straps, which will help the correct mask model to fit the patient’s face so tightly that it is barely noticeable.

The patient’s comfort will make the treatment adherence rate a success.

Steps to correctly use a CPAP machine

The steps to use the sleep apnea machine are simple, hence it is a very easy therapy to perform but it should be recommended by a sleep professional, who will be the one to advise what type of machine you need.

How to use it?

• Confirm that the machine is plugged in.
• Confirm that the tubing is securely fitted to the machine and mask.
• Fit the mask model you have chosen, ensuring that it is securely fastened.
• Turn the machine on in the type of action prescribed by your health care professional. A ramp mode may be used, in which the machine will vary the intensity of the continuous air pressure from low to high until the correct pressure is reached.
• Relax, check for leaks and optimal comfort in order to fall asleep.
• When you wake up, either in the middle of the night because you have to get up or when it is time to get up, turn off the device and remove the mask.
• Repeat the whole process if you decide to go back to sleep.
• In the case of sleeping during the day, it should also be used.
• If you also have a humidifier, check that it has the correct level of distilled water.
• Maintenance should be carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Relax, check for leaks and optimal comfort in order to fall asleep.

Discomfort when using a sleep apnea machine and its solution

• When starting therapy with a sleep apnea machine, it often takes a few days for patients to get used to it. This is a normal process that is overcome within a few days.
• When it is difficult to tolerate air: there are models of machines that allow a ramp function. With this function, the air speed provided by the device automatically increases during the first 10 minutes.
• When we feel dry mouth: there are heated humidifiers on the market that can be connected to the device for sleep apnea, which will provide the necessary humidity to avoid discomfort.
• When we feel noise: modern equipment is mostly silent, but in case it is annoying, the first option is to place the continuous positive pressure device as far away from the bed as possible. Another option is to ask the salesperson about the possibility of extending the tube that carries the air to the mask.

Sleep apnea machine social security

The granting of a sleep apnea machine by the Social Security entails a specific and individual study of each case, in which they will evaluate your RFC (residual functional capacity) which determines what you are able to do with your impairment.

The doctor will write a report with the capacities and restrictions in which he/she must comment on how sleep apnea affects the patient’s quality of life.

With this report and the RFC the social security administration will determine if a sleep apnea machine will be granted for your level of apnea. In severe cases this is usually achieved.

Currently, social security waiting lists are long both for the examination and diagnosis as well as for the delivery of the equipment.

In private health care, the processes are much more agile. It is necessary for a doctor to write the prescription.

Price of sleep apnea machines

The CPAP equipment to treat sleep apnea, is equipment that is certified by the E.U. with which, having this certification they are suitable for use because they have passed all the necessary controls by the corresponding control agencies.

The price of a sleep apnea machine is in accordance with the technology used for its development and the benefits it offers. They are precision equipment, so their price range is medium to medium/high. As they are equipment with an economic cost in terapiacpap.com we have financing systems.