Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine

What is a CPAP machine?

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a machine that sends pressurized air into your nose and throat at night. It helps you breathe better while you sleep.

When is it used?

A CPAP machine is used to help treat obstructive sleep apnea. During normal sleep, throat muscles relax. In some people the airway can get blocked when this happens. This blockage slows or stops the movement of air and the amount of oxygen in your blood drops. The drop in oxygen causes the brain to send a signal for you to wake up so that you start breathing again. This cycle of not breathing and then waking up to breathe again may happen as often as 50 or more times an hour. This condition may also cause you to snore loudly. The CPAP machine can give you pressurized air through a mask that covers your nose and mouth or just your nose. Or it may use other ways to get the air into your airways, for example, with tubes that fit snugly in the nose. Your sleep specialist will help you find the way that works best for you.

The pressurized air from the CPAP machine makes it easier for you to keep breathing while you sleep. You will wake up less often, and you will not snore as much.

How do I know if I need a CPAP machine?

Before you start using a CPAP machine you must see a healthcare provider who is trained in respiratory medicine and specializes in sleep problems. This specialist will do a sleep study with you to see if you a CPAP machine might be helpful. The sleep study may be done in 1 or 2 days.

Where do I get a CPAP machine?

If the specialist determines that you need a CPAP machine, you will need to contact your health insurance to see what type of machine your insurance will cover. CPAP machines can be bought at a medical supply store, online, or often through the sleep specialist's office.

What are the benefits of a CPAP machine?

The benefits of using a CPAP machine are:

• You will have more restful sleep.
• You will stop snoring or snore less.
• You will be less tired during the day and lower your risk for accidents caused by sleepiness.
• You may lower your risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and diabetes.
• You may lose weight.

What are the risks associated a CPAP machine?

The risks or side effects of using a CPAP machine are:

• You may find that the mask is uncomfortable and bulky.
• The forceful delivery of air can be uncomfortable.
• You may develop nasal congestion or a runny nose.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your provider if:

• You have nosebleeds.
• You think the machine is not delivering air correctly.
• You think the machine is not working properly.

Lee A. Mancini, MD, CSCS, CSN
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.