What Is CPAP? How It Works, Who It’s For, Benefits, And More

If you’ve been researching sleep and sleep quality, chances are you’ve come across mention of something called a CPAP. Or, perhaps you were recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, and are looking to learn more about your newly prescribed medical device. In this article, we’ll provide a brief overview of CPAP technology, CPAP benefits, and more.

What Is CPAP?

CPAP stands for “continuous positive airway pressure”. CPAP might referVerified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View source to the actual CPAP technology, or to a CPAP machine itself.

Essentially, CPAP machines help patients with sleep apnea sleep better at night by helping keep their breathing steady and consistent. People with sleep apneaVerified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View source will stop breathing many times during the night, which disrupts sleep patterns.

“Apneas are classified as obstructive or central, but regardless, they arise because of an absence of airflow, causing a disordered breathing event,” explains Dr. Nayantara Santhi. “There are generally two types of apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA and Central Sleep Apnea or CSA.  OSA is characterized by an episodic sleep state–dependent collapse of the upper airway.  In contrast, CSA occurs as a result of a temporary reduction in the pontomedullary pacemaker, in the brain.”

A CPAP machine helps prevent this collapse by increasing the level of air pressure in the throat, preventing the airway from collapsing. This helps to keep the patient in a deeper, more restful sleep.

What Is A CPAP Machine?

A CPAP machine generally consists of 4 to 5 components:

• The machine itself, which draws in air and pressurizes it
• The water chamber which serves as a humidifier for the device (optional)
• The tube that delivers the air
• The mask which the patient will wear to bed every night
• A power cord with a large power block

There are many different models of CPAP machines, each of which is configured slightly differently. On some models, the humidifier is built-in. In others, the humidifier is a separate component or left out entirely. All machines include some sort of filter to keep the air you breathe clean.

Some machines will have additional components, and there are a wide variety of mask types you can choose from. All models will offer more or less the same CPAP benefits.

What Are The CPAP Benefits?

Patients with sleep apnea who are given CPAP therapy experience many benefits, including:

• Better sleep quality
• Reduced snoring
• Reduced daytime sleepiness/fatigue
• Improved focus
• Better moods
• Lower blood pressure
• Decreased risk of serious medical conditions

Who Uses CPAP Machines?

If you are searching for phrases like “what is CPAP”, chances are you’re looking to see if a CPAP would be right for you. Our goal is to help our readers get better sleep. To help achieve that goal, we offer helpful sleep tips, the latest sleep science news, product reviews, and more.

With that said, CPAP machines are a little different. These are not devices that just anyone can buy to help improve their sleep. A CPAP is a prescription medical device, available only to those who have been diagnosed with sleep apnea or a similar sleep disorder.

To get a CPAP machine, you will need to visit a medical professional (usually a sleep or respiratory specialist), participate in a sleep study, and receive a prescription. You can then buy a CPAP unit from the doctor directly in some cases, or through various local and online medical device suppliers.

How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that affects over 20 million Americans, and hundreds of millions worldwide. Symptoms of sleep apnea tend to manifest as daytime and nighttime symptoms:

Daytime Symptoms:

• Daytime fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Attention issues
• Irritability

Nighttime Symptoms:

• Trouble sleeping
• Snoring
• Breathing cessation
• Abrupt awakenings

If you have one or more of the above sleep apnea symptoms, it’s possible that you could be suffering from sleep apnea. The disorder most commonly affects men over 40, though women who experienced menopauseVerified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH)World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View source see their risk of developing it spike. It is particularly common in people who are overweight – but it can affect just about anyone, even children.

If you have some symptoms, it’s worth it to speak to your doctor. It’s not possible to self-diagnose sleep apnea, and even your regular family doctor will likely refer you to a specialist. But if you have one of the risk factors or symptoms, it’s very important that you seek guidance from a qualified medical professional.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a CPAP machine be cleaned?

Parts of the CPAP machine require more frequent cleanings than others. The CPAP mask and its sealing cushion should be wiped down or gently washed every day, as part of your morning routine. You should also clean your CPAP machine’s water tub in the morning with soapy warm water, rinsing the soap out. Then let the water tub dry, ideally in a pool of direct sunlight.

Other parts need cleaning on a weekly or monthly basis. A CPAP machine that isn’t properly cleaned can harbor germs and increase the chances of infection or irritation.

Do I need to change the water in my CPAP machine daily?

Yes, you should change the water for a CPAP machine’s humidifier on a daily basis as part of your CPAP cleaning routine. Reusing water can allow microorganisms that will make you sick to flourish in your CPAP machine. Also, use only distilled water in your CPAP machine’s tub, as anything less than pure water can cause mineral deposits to build up.

What is the difference between CPAP and BiPAP?

Both CPAP and BiPAP treatments use compressed air to keep a sleeper’s upper airway open. However, CPAP uses one pressure setting, while BiPAP machines have two settings for inhalation and exhalation.

BiPAP machines are usually more expensive and you’re unlikely to find travel-friendly models. It’s much easier to find CPAP machines for camping and other occasions. BiPAP is generally reserved for more severe sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea syndrome, with a CPAP machine typically able to relieve symptoms of mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Can you use a mouth guard instead of a CPAP machine?

Mouth guards can be an alternative to CPAP, helping people with obstructive sleep apnea rest well at night. Mouth guards are custom made to reposition the upper and lower jaw. Such mouth guards will need routine re-adjusting to ensure they maintain their proper fit.

What exactly does a CPAP machine do?

A common misconception is that CPAP machines breathe for you, and this is not the case. CPAP machines work to push pressurized air into your mouth and nose. The gentle pressure is just high enough to keep soft tissues in your throat from collapsing, enabling easier breathing.

Where Can I Learn More?

Now you have the answer to the simple question of what is CPAP technology, but there’s a whole lot more to learn if you’re going to use one of these devices yourself. The first step is to speak with your doctor and determine whether or not you actually have sleep apnea. Aside from CPAP machines, you can also look into pillows for snoring and other bedding accessories.

You can even invest in an adjustable bed that will raise the upper body and enable easier breathing. If you share the bed, you can even look into split king models so your partner can choose a different elevation for sleeping comfort.

If you’ve already been diagnosed, we offer many articles on the subject of sleep apnea, CPAP machine reviews, news, and more. You can also check out external resources, such as manufacturer’s websites, to learn how to properly clean your CPAP machine and any recommended CPAP cleaners.