Some of the most frequently asked question from our customers are summarized and answered in today's post. If you have any additional questions regarding OSA treatment, CPAP machines or anything apnea-related, do not hestitate to ask us! We are here to help.
 

What is sleep apnea and how many types are there?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disroder characterized by often and severe breathing pauses during sleep. These intermittent pauses in the breathing during sleep come affect not only the quality of sleep but also the enttire body’s supply of oxygen, which, in turn, can cause potentially serious health complications. Being a very prevalent condition, sleep apnea is devided into thre major types: obstructive (the most common type), central, and mixed. The obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is caused when the troat muscles become partially blocked, which causes the obstruction and the lapse of breath.
 

What is a CPAP machine and what does it do?

A CPAP machine is a medical device that helps people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The abbreviation "CPAP"stands for continuous positive airway pressure that, in a gist, blows air into the patient's airway through the mouth or the nose on a breath on breath basis to prevent airway collapse and apneas. CPAP machines are the most effective sleep apnea therapy devices and considered the golden standard in OSA treatment.

 

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How does a CPAP machine work?

A CPAP (contimuous positive airway pressure) machine, although engineered quite complicated, works following a really simple principle - it detects apneas during sleep and releases presurizes air to the patient in order to prevent obstructions in the upper airway. The entire CPAP set comprises of a machine with a CPAP motor motor, CPAP mask and hoses.

 

 

 

What is auto CPAP machine?

A CPAP machine classified as "Auto" means it is an automatically adjusted CPAP that releases an amount of airway pressure on a breath-to-breath basis. Auto CPAPs often feature the same mode as standard CPAPs which deliver constant pressure.

 

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What is auto BiPAP machine?

An auto BiPAP machine is a medical device used to treat sleep apnea, which uses 2 separate pressure settings--one for inhale (IPAP) and one for exhale (EPAP). A BiPAP machine is significantly more complex compared to a standard CPAP and can be set to automatically adjust both the IPAP and EPAP as prescribed by your doctor.

 

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What CPAP machines are covered by Medicare?

Yes, Medicare covers a 3-month trial for CPAP therapy, including the cost for CPAP masks and all necessary supplies for sleep apnea therapy. Once diagnosed with OSA you will need to meet the following conditions to apply for a Medicare coverage: AHI >15 per hour with a mininum of 30 events; or AHI > 5 to 14 events per four with a minimum of 10 events and a recorded documentation of excessive daytime sleepiness, affected cognition or insomnia, or hypertension, ischemic heart disease or history of stroke.

 

Medicare CPAP coverage

 

What is RDI in relation to sleep apnea?

RDI stands for Respiratory Disturbance Index, or the number of apneas, hypopneas and other respiratory events per hour that may occur during sleep.

 

What is a CPAP machine for premature babies?

CPAP therapy for infants consists of a CPAP device and a pediatric mask providing constant air pressure to the baby's lungs. The therapy is prescribed to help babies with breathing difficulties and those in need of assisted breathing and in cases where the baby suffers from apnea.

 

Is a CPAP machine bad for you?

No, there is not serious health risk derived from using a CPAP mahcine to teat obstructive sleep apnea, save for some minor side effects such as possible red marks caused by the mask. Some patients may also reports discomfort wearing the mask (if it is too buly) and some discomfort caused by the air pressure.

 

What does a CPAP machine cost?

The cost of a CPAP machine depends heabvily on things like brand, model, functions and whether it is a standard one or an Auto CPAP. The price also varies according to country where it is sold. Chinese CPAP machines may go go as little as 240 USD, while first-grade ResMed CPAPs in the US may be sold for 900 USD and more.

 

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What does a BiPAP machine cost?

Being a significantly more advanced and complex unit, a BiPAP machine is also significantly more expensive compared to a standard CPAP. Prices of BiPAP devices--just like every other Continuous Airway Pressure Device--vary according to manufacturer, regional retailer and specifications. Top of the line BiPAP machines usually start from 1,100 EUR, while some ASV devices with BiPAP modes featured may reach more than 4,500 EUR.

 

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Is a CPAP machine considered carry-on luggage in Australia?

No, CPAP machines are considered medical devices so they are not usually allowed in a carry-on bag in Australia. Some airlines may allow you to bring your CPAP with you with the battery removed and packaged separately.

 

 

 

 

What is the EPR setting on a CPAP machine?

An EPR setting on a CPAP machine signifies the "expiratory pressure relief" value, which is a feature on some newer Continuous Positive Air Pressure machines allowing for three different comfort setting in accordance with the need of the patient in regard to breathlessness feeling they may experience during sleep apnea therapy. For example, the Resmed's AirSense 10 AutoSet feature such a EPR.

 

What is the life expectancy of a CPAP machine?

Generally the life expectancy of a CPAP machine depends on the particular model and manufacture. High quality CPAP machine designed by default to last longer than the rest can last approximately 3 to five years. This is why it is important to compare warranties before purchasing such an expensive equipment.

 

Can a CPAP machine worsen pneumonia?

Sleep apnea sufferers may be in geater risk of developing pneumonia if they do not maintain their CPAP and its accessories, such as hose and mask. If not maintained and kept clean they can contribute to developing penumonia, sinus and respiratory as well as bronchitis. This is why it is important to keep your CPAP accessories clean and replace the mask parts as regularly as instructed by the manufacturer.

 

What is the highest setting on a CPAP machine?

The highest setting on a CPAP machine is usually 25 to 30 CWP, or cm of H20. The setting depends entirely on required therapy as prescribed by a physician. The lowest CPAP pressure is around 4 to 5 centimeters of pressure.

 

What is a travel CPAP machine​?

Also referred to as mobile CPAP machines, travel CPAPs are protable devices designed to provide sleep apnea treatment on the go. Patients using a travel CPAP can take their devices on planes and carry on their OSA treatment no matter where they are, as this type of PAP devices run on batteries and are designed extremely lightweight.

 

What to clean a CPAP machine with?

You can clean the CPAP tubing, headgear and nasal mask in a sink filled with warm water. Before initiating the cleaning in the sink, pour several of ammonia-free, mild dish detergent. Gently scrub all parts around for 5 to 10 minutes and leave them to dry all day. In the evening, they will clean be ready for use again.

 

What are the main benefits of using a CPAP machine for sleep apnea treatment?

Using CPAP to treat obstructive sleep apnea leads to the elimination of snoring and breathing obstructions, an overall improvement of quality of sleep and quality of life in general. Treating your sleep apnea successfully can prevent serious health conditions like cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure and more. CPAP therapy has also proven strikingly effective is descreasing daytime sleepiness and vehicle accidents caused by it.