CPAP Machines

The term CPAP is really an acronym which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP is actually only one of three types of PAP’s or Positive Airway Pressure machines available. AutoPAP or Autoset and BiPAP or BIlevel machines are often confused with CPAP.

CPAP Machines deliver the same air pressure throughout the night. For example, if your physician says you need a pressure of 7cwp** then you will receive 7cwp all night long with the exception of the ramp time*.

APAP machines Auto Adjusting Positive Airway Pressure can be referred to as Autoset, autotitrating, or AutoCPAP delivers different pressures throughout the night based on your pressure needs. For example, while you are lying on your back you may need a pressure of 12cwp**. But, while lying on your side you may only require a pressure of 6cwp*. So your prescription will be written as a range 5-20cwp** for example. APAP’s can also be set in the CPAP mode.

BiPAP Bilevel machines Positive Airway Pressure can be referred to as Bilevel or Bi-Level. BiPAP’s deliver higher pressures upon inhalation (breathing in) and lower pressures upon exhalation (breathing out). The pressures mimic breathing. Go ahead. Try it. It takes more pressure to inhale than it does to exhale right? Because of the two pressures BiPAP can be easier to use. The added features of a BiPAP make it more expensive and it is not for everyone. Your doctor is your best resource to determine if a BiPAP is right for you.

*Ramp is a feature on the PAP’s that allow for a certain amount of time to fall asleep at lower pressures. For example, if your pressure is 15cwp, we can set the ramp for 7cwp for let’s say 20 minutes. This allows you to fall asleep at the lower pressure. Over 20 minutes the pressure will slowly rise to your prescribed pressure of 15cwp.  **CWP centimeters of water pressure or cmH20

The buzz word in CPAP therapy is compliance. Compliance can be defined in many ways, however, generally speaking if you can wear your PAP device for a minimum of 4 hours most nights of the week you are considered compliant. In order to be compliant it is important that you are comfortable.  In addition to a great fitting mask, humidification is often the key to compliance.

Why humidity?

CPAP therapy uses air pressure to keep your airway from collapsing. The air pressure blows continuously for the entire night. Without humidity, the mucous membranes (skin tissue) in your nose and or your mouth and throat will get very dry. In some people this can cause a runny nose and sore throat. By simply adding heated humidity these symptoms are less likely to occur in the first place.

There are different options when choosing a humidifier. Some people prefer no humidity. For these folks a humidifier is not required. Most people though would argue that humidification provides a more soothing experience. The terms heaters and humidifiers are often used interchangeably. The heated humidifiers have a heating element that heats the distilled water. As the air goes through the water, it picks up the moisture. This moisture is what allows the pressurized air to be more tolerable.

Which kind of humidifier you choose will be based on your individual environment. There are 2 different types of heated humidifiers available. The basic heated humidifier uses universal tubing. You can adjust the humidity based on your symptoms. The dryer you feel the higher you raise the temperature on your heated humidifier.  

The advanced type of heated humidifier has a special tube with a heating element. This advanced type of humidifier works especially well in climates that have colder temperatures. When your room temperature is colder than the inside of your tube, condensation (rain out) is created. By utilizing the heated tube with the coil the difference in temperature is reduced so that condensation is minimized.