CPAP Machine Basics - How CPAP Treats Sleep Apnea

With free shipping on all orders, Live Operator Support 24/7, and our commitment to being open from 9 to 5 from Monday to Friday, there’s a lot to like about CPAP Liquidators. We are both buyers and sellers of new and used CPAP equipment, offering high-quality, name brand CPAP and BIPAP devices for affordable prices.

Quite simply, we offer the internet’s largest selection of discount, new, and low-hour BIPAP and CPAP machines. Folks with sleep trouble from all around the nation choose CPAP Liquidators for many reasons, including:

• CPAP machines starting at $95
• BIPAP machines starting at $325
• No sales tax, fast and free shipping on all domestic orders
• Free support from a licensed respiratory therapist!

If you’ve made your way to this blog because you are interested in learning the basics of CPAP machines and how they relate to the treatment of sleep apnea, the above information might sound all well and good, but you are in need of more context. We get that, so don’t worry! We are passionate about educating folks about sleep apnea and how CPAP and BIPAP can help in very tangible ways.

So, read on if you are interested in learning about how CPAP machines treat sleep apnea. We’ll start with some basic concepts and then go from there!

What Is A CPAP Device?

CPAP is an acronym which stands for continuous positive airway pressure. CPAP machines allow people who struggle with sleep apnea to breathe much more easily while they sleep at night. CPAP machines accomplish this by raising the air pressure in the user’s throat so that the airway is open during inhalation. This effect should naturally lessen the amount (and intensity) of snoring, which we are sure all those who share a bed with someone who has sleep apnea will be thrilled about!

CPAP devices always have small tanks of water and filters, both of which function in tandem to work as a humidifier of sorts. Additionally, CPAP machines have tubes which connect the device to a mask which goes over your face when sleeping. Usually there is a chin strap to keep the device in place. Keep in mind that there are many CPAP accessories that are quite popular. Some are designed for comfort, such as modified headgear, which can be less clunky and uncomfortable to wear while sleeping, while others are essential for upkeep. This category would include CPAP cleaning products, batteries, headgear, filters, tubing, power accessories, and humidifier water chambers.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can be a serious sleep disorder which is characterized by breathing suddenly stopping and starting during sleep. Among the symptoms of sleep apnea are snoring loudly and regularly feeling tired after getting a full night’s sleep.

The Mayo Clinic defines three primary types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax
• Central sleep apnea, which occurs when your brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing
• Complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, which occurs when someone has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea

Symptoms of sleep apnea include the following:

• Irritability
• Waking up with dry mouth
• Loud and/or excessive snoring
• Moments when you cease to breathe while sleeping (this is reported by another person, obviously)
• Having a headache in the morning
• Insomnia, or significant trouble staying asleep
• Hypersomnia, or gratuitous troubles with being sleepy during the daytime
• Having trouble paying attention or being focused while awake

If you have sleep apnea, or think that you might, you need to see a doctor. It’s not simply a matter of being tired or frustrating your partner with incessant snoring — it could be an indicator that you have a serious problem that demands timely treatment. If you have been feeling fatigued, sleepy, and irritable, and you think sleep apnea might be the culprit, don’t hesitate to talk to your physician.

How Common Is Sleep Apnea?

We’ve addressed this topic in more detail in previous posts, but it remains important to highlight just how pervasive sleep apnea is:

• Sleep apnea is more often found in those who are fifty or older, but it’s a sleep disorder that affects people of all ages, including children.
• Women who are menopausal and postmenopausal have an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA.
• Roughly 18 million Americans struggle with OSA, but only 20 percent of those individuals have actually been diagnosed and treated.
• Close to one in five adults have mild symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, with one in fifteen having moderate to severe symptoms of OSA.

Are There Lifestyle Changes That Can Reduce Sleep Apnea’s Symptoms?

Absolutely, there are! While everyone is different in terms of how treatment will impact them, there are some general tips and suggestions we can offer. Because sleep apnea is prevalent and serious, it’s important to understand that it’s often associated with worse overall health alongside a higher risk of complications that can be life-threatening. Among these life-threatening complications would be heart attack, stroke, depression, vehicular accidents, and having trouble concentrating during key moments.

There is a variety of treatment options available, but the effectiveness of each kind of sleep apnea treatment depends on the degree of apnea, its cause, and other factors. However, there are lifestyle changes that can be made which are viewed as crucial first steps in beginning the treatment process. Among them include:

• Weight loss
• Stopping smoking
• Stopping alcohol intake
• Sleeping on one’s side

Are There Any Issues With CPAP Machines?

Known as the frontline treatment for sleep apnea, CPAP therapy can be a very effective way to improve sleep quality — not to mention your quality of life more generally!

However, we should note that some people struggle with getting used to their CPAP machines. In fact, this is known as the “adjustment period” in which the user has trouble with gleaning the full range of benefits from using such a device. Unfortunately, many people do not realize they have options when it comes to improving their comfort level while sleeping with the device.

In 2019, there are more options available than ever before. Not only can masks be adjusted and equipment be altered, but there are options that include nasal masks, nasal pillow systems, and oral mask systems which often dramatically improve the user’s comfort levels.

Our word of encouragement to first-time CPAP users is don’t give up too soon! While we certainly have a horse in this proverbial race, seeing as how we are online CPAP machine suppliers, we understand how beneficial new and refurbished CPAP devices can be.

Shop CPAP Liquidators Today!

Whether you are looking for travel CPAP devices, lightly used CPAP, BIPAP units, accessories, or you’d like to sell your CPAP for an updated model, CPAP Liquidators is your one-stop-shop! Like we mentioned at the top of today’s blog, we offer free shipping on all domestic orders with Live Operator Support 24/7! If you have any questions regarding our CPAP machines, how they will work for your unique needs, or anything else for that matter, we’d love to hear from you and help!

We help take away the guesswork at CPAP Liquidators. So, if you suspect you might have sleep apnea, speak with your doctor and get your CPAP machine for an affordable price!