Which PAP Machine is the Best for You？
Different types of CPAP machine
First things first—you’re most likely seeing the different terminology and acronyms for sleep apnea therapy machines. The terms that have been tossed around the most are likely continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP,) and automatic positive airway pressure (APAP.)
CPAP :After a sleep test, your doctor may prescribe you a CPAP machine, along with the pressure settings you need to help you sleep free from the pain of apnea. The pressure for this setting is a constant flow and the setting will be the same pressure setting throughout the night. You will sleep breathing at this pressure setting throughout the night. CPAP machines are currently the most commonly used device for treating obstructive sleep apnea.
APAP：AUTO CPAP machine. APAP machines can work automatically within a pre-set pressure range. Compared with CPAP, the APAP machine will automatically adjust according to the resistance of the upper airway within the set pressure range. This makes the APAP machine more comfortable. For a user who is new to CPAP machine, we recommend using AUTO CPAP machine.
BiPAP: BiPAP is an acronym for Two Positive Airway Pressure. By definition, BiPAP respirators provide two levels of airway pressure: one is inspiratory pressure and the other is expiratory pressure. BiPAP respirators can make it easier for patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea to cycle inhaled oxygen and expel carbon dioxide from the body. For COPD patients, we also have T mode and S/T mode for customers to choose, and patients can be well treated at home without going to the hospital.
Which type of the CPAP machine to choose?
If you have sleep apnea, you may have excess throat tissue that loses tone and relaxation while you sleep. The excess laryngeal tissue falls back, blocking your breathing. Each of these moments can leave you waking up gasping for breath. These are called apnea events, and repeated occurrences of this type of sleep event will reduce the oxygen level in your blood, and the carbon dioxide level will be high, which will put your health at great risk. CPAP machines can also treat upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). UARS is the predecessor of OSA. Because the airway is just collapsed, not completely blocked, there will be hypoventilation, because your airway becomes congested due to the accumulation of loose tissue, and the airflow exchange is not smooth. This condition can usually be treated by a CPAP machine.
Some sleep apnea patients also like to use an APAP machine because of its flexibility and comfort: a CPAP machine doesn't work like an APAP machine, but an APAP machine can be set to a single pressure setting and work like a CPAP machine. Adjust the air pressure to your specific needs for a more comfortable night.
A doctor may prescribe a BiPAP rather than CPAP if you have breathing issues that may affect your ability to exhale against a higher air pressure. The conditions are:
CSA (Central Sleep Apnea)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Overlap Syndrome
Obesity Hypoventilation
Important tips to choose a CPAP
- Start with your doctor
Accurate pressure and correct use, the consequences will be very serious, so you can go to the hospital or sleep center to do a sleep test, and then the doctor will give you a prescription based on your test results, which will There is a pressure that suits you. Some doctors will also set the pressure and adjust the parameters for you. This operation is very important.
- Perfect fit us important
Your CPAP mask connects the machine to your airways. Masks come in different sizes. In order for your machine to do its job, the mask needs to fit properly.
- Explore accessories
CPAP machines not only come with masks, tubing, and filters, they also have add-ons you can get to make your machine more comfortable and easier to use.
Not all accessories will fit all machines and masks, so be sure you know what will work with yours.
- Warranty
If the machine appears in the process of using CPAP, and you don't know how to solve it, it will be a very painful thing. If the product is still under warranty, then you can enjoy better services, such as free replacement parts, At the same time, there is no need to bear the postage of return shipping. If you are buying your machine online, it will be important to choose a good ventilator brand so that you can reach them in a variety of ways no matter what the problem is.
- After sale service
Buying CPAP online is a risky thing, after all, choosing a reliable and responsible online supplier will be able to solve your problems a lot. After all, if you go to a dedicated after-sales center, then you may have to pay extra costs. In fact, repairing the machine is not as difficult as you think. Now the supplier has a lot of instruction documents and operation videos on how to operate. Most can solve your problem.