Rapid Antigen Tests

Month: July 2022

Everything You Must Know About CPAP Machine To Maximize Usage

CPAP machine is one of the most commonly-seen devices that people barely know their essence. Amusingly, most people don’t even know its name. Meanwhile, the life-assisting machine is efficient enough to promote sound and healthy living.  Could this machine be the eventual solution for your health issues? Let’s have a detailed check on this device. This comprehensive guide will expose you to the types, uses and benefits of CPAP machines.

What is a CPAP Machine?

First, CPAP means Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Hence, cpap machine is a device that helps send a constant flow of (pressurized) air into the nose and mouth while people sleep. The essence of this practice is to keep users’ airways open, helping them breathe normally all through the night. Click here for essential questions to ask a CPAP machine supplier.

CPAP machine is mostly prescribed for people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) which causes hindrances in their breathing. OSA occurs when the airways or throat collapses or becomes temporarily blocked. 

Everything You Must Know About CPAP Machine To Maximize Usage

When you start to notice you have difficulty in breathing while sleeping, CPAP machine could be your best solution. The machine allows you to have a sound sleep at a stretch without waking up at intervals. Not only that users are guaranteed to wake up feeling energized and refreshed.

Are you considering buying a CPAP machine? That’s a good idea! But, before you dash to the market, it is important for you to have a comprehensive knowledge of the machine to make an informed decision and understand how to use it for the best result. 

How CPAP Machine Works

CPAP machine features a compressor which generates a steady flow of pressurized air, carrying it through an air filter to a supple tube. The tube supplies cleansed air a well-fitted mask sealed around the nose or mouth

If the machine is in your nose or mouth, it pushes airstream against any obstacles in your airways, creating a free-flow passage to allow plenty of oxygen travel into your lungs. When there’s a smooth inflow of oxygen into your lungs, it helps you have a continuous breathing while sleeping. 

No doubt, CPAP machine works efficiently helping you have a comfortable night rest without itch. However, how best it would work for you depends on the type of the mask used. Does that mean the machine comes with different types of masks? Absolutely! And, the type of mask you use has impact on how comfortable you breathe. More so, each type of mask works for different types of Sleep Apnea Disorder (SAP).

Everything You Must Know About CPAP Machine To Maximize Usage

So, what are the different types of masks available?

CPAP machines come with a three major varieties of masks. Your healthcare provider would prescribe the best for you based on the level of your SAP. Here’s the breakdown of the different types of CPAP machine masks and their unique functions:

  • Nasal Pillow Mask: This mask comes with a little cushion that covers only your nostril area to deliver properly channeled pressurized air into the appropriate place. Sometimes, it can also feature prongs that fit well into your nostrils which makes it more productive. This type masks is best for users who has the habit of relaxing in their bed wearing eyeglasses. Since it doesn’t occupy much space in the face, you can easily wear your eyeglasses when the machine is fixed to your nose.  This type of mask is also good for users with facial hairs which doesn’t allow larger masks to fit perfectly.
  • Nasal Mask: This is another cushioned mask that caps the nose area perfectly. It supplies good quality and high-pressure airstream into your airways. This mask doesn’t occupy much space and give users a comfy feel all through the night. This type of CPAP machine mask is good for people that doesn’t stay in a position when sleeping.  
  • Full Mask: this mask comes in a triangular shape and it’s large enough to cover the nose and mouth sufficiently. Meanwhile, this kind of CPAP machine mask is not always recommended except for users that breathe through their mouth while sleeping. It is also the best option for people who have blockage in their noses.
Everything You Must Know About CPAP Machine To Maximize Usage

CPAP machine is not the only device available for solving sleep apnea disorder issues. There are a few of other options in the market. These machines are not just alternatives, they differ in functions. Here’s a simple breakdown of how other breathing machines work: 

  • APAP machine: This Automatic Positive Airflow Pressure device helps to check and monitor how you breathe all through the night. You don’t have to bother about frequent adjustments. As the name implies, this machine automatically adjusts the airflow as you change your sleeping position. In case you are on medications, this machine can also the air pressure to compensate for the change in breathing which be caused by the prescribed drugs.
  • BiPAP machine: The Bi-level Positive Airflow Pressure has two pressure settings: one for inhaling and the other for exhaling. This device is best for people who can’t cope CPAP machines or those with much carbon dioxide in their blood. BiPAP machines also feature a backup respiratory rate which works best for people with central sleep apnea. The backup respiratory rate helps the user to breathe excellently. 

Meanwhile, CPAP machine doesn’t operate automatically. It has been programmed to deliver pressurized air at a steady level. if you need to make any changes in the air pressure supply, the only option available is to reset the machine settings and reconfigure the flow according to your preference.

What are the health benefits of CPAP Machine?

CPAP machines has numerous health benefits for users. The most recognized is their ability to supply a continuous flow of oxygen to the body while sleeping to prevent the provoking interruptions in breathing while sleeping. This machine also helps improve ability to sleep soundly and lowers the risk of having stroke, heart attack or other cardiovascular event.

Finally

CPAP machines help solve the problems of sleep apnea by supplying a flow of oxygenated air into your lungs through a tube and a mask to help you breathe more conveniently and adequately. It’s also a sure solution to getting sound sleep that rejuvenate the body. Note that CPAP machine can work according to your needs. You only have to reset to your taste. 

Essential Questions to Ask a CPAP Machine Supplier to Buy the Right Mask for Your Child

So, your child has been diagnosed of sleep apnea? You don’t have to fret. There are several tested and trusted solutions to save your child from inadequate sleep and restore his overall health to the perfect state. When children can’t sleep easily, it quickly affect their behavioral attitudes, causing them to perform below average mentally, socially and even academically. 

Whether for children or adults, a cpap machine is one of the most recommended for solving sleep problems. Most essentially, the mask that passes the pressurized air directly into the nostrils must be well fitted for best results. Learn more essential things you need to know about sleep apnea. 

However, most parents find it confusing to buy a mask that will provide a custom fit for their children. While that may seem difficult, it is pretty much possible. I have helped you to compile series of questions you should ask the mask supplier to help you purchase the right mask for your child’s CPAP machine.

In this article, I have provided the right answer your supplier must give you in response to each question. If the cpap machine supplier gives a parallel answer, that’s a sign you are patronizing a wrong store. As you might have also noticed, this article is to help you know if you are buying from the right supplier or not.

Essential Questions to Ask a CPAP Machine Supplier to Buy the Right Mask for Your Child

Let’s consider the right questions to ask and the right answer to get from your supplier.

1. How frequently should I replace the components of my child’s CPAP mask?

Your supplier must give you a detailed advice on how best to maintain your child’s mask. A CPAP machine will be limited in performance without proper and frequent maintenance. Did you notice the word frequent? That’s the key word. There is an interval at which you need to replace some of the components of your child’s mask even if it still looks well-functioning. 

For instance, you need to help your child replace the mask frame and tubing every three months. Although, some reports claim that the tubing can last for six months before replacement but you don’t have to wait that long. You should also replace the cushion of the mask twice a month. For the headgear and chin straps, they can work everyday for six month before you consider replacement. 

On time replacement of mask component is one of the most essential rules to keep the CPAP machine at a top performing level. Besides, frequent replacement of CPAP mask component will make the equipment fit properly to the face and improve overall effectiveness. 

2. Does the size fit my child’s facial composition?

Each mask comes with unique style and size and they are made from different age categories and purposes. Make sure you buy a mask that can be adjusted to fit the shape of your child’s face. Indeed, it can be challenging to buy a mask that will fit your child’s face perfectly. However, with the adjustment feature, you can make it a custom size for your child. 

Most CPAP masks come with age range label. So, your CPAP machine supplier must be able to suggest a mask size that can fit your child’s face based on his or her age.

3. Is the mask covered by insurance? 

Most CPAP machine and mask manufacturers confirms that masks are covered with insurance policies. So, you must first confirm if the mask you are buying is covered by insurance. If not, you can check the other store down the road. 

Meanwhile, insurance companies give different requirements for client to become benefactor of their insurance provision and failure to comply can lead to forfeit of the coverage. Some of the insurance policies requires you to buy the CPAP machine on a rental basis and pay on instalment plans. 

Essential Questions to Ask a CPAP Machine Supplier to Buy the Right Mask for Your Child

Before subscribing to insurance coverage, you must be ready to abide by the rules and regulations as private insurers will likely track your child’s compliance as regards how often he or she uses the mask. There is a system that send data to the insurance company whenever your child wears the mask. That way, they can measure how consistent your child has been with the equipment. Failure to comply the rule of regular use, the insurance company may ask you to return the CPAP machine and the mask then ask you to buy it from your pocket and that can be very expensive. 

Most insurance companies offer a 3 month trial for CPAP treatment and additional coverage may come with supplemental documentation. If you want your child to keep enjoying the insurance benefits, you must be sure he or she use the mask consistently. 

4. Can my child use the mask while travelling on a plane?

Your child is expected to sleep with CPAP mask fixed to his or her nose every night. Hence, the CPAP machine and its accessories must be mobile enough to be taken along while traveling. If you have a plan to move to another country very soon, ask your CPAP mask supplier if your child can use it when travelling on a plane.

Some machines and masks are too heavy and long to pack into a traveling bag. Purchasing those kind of CPAP equipment can make it stressful when packing for traveling. CPAP equipment are not considered as carry-on items at luggage check points in the airport. More so, airlines permits patients to use CPAP machine on board. Hence, carrying it along is not an issue. You only have to be sure you buy a lightweight machine with a handy mask that can be easily packed in your child’s travel bag to ease your movement. 

5. How much is the mask?

This question is the most expected when negotiating with a CPAP mask supplier. However, I intentionally include it in this list to give you a clue on how to price the mask. Of course, the price of CPAP masks varies for both children and adult. But, for children, CPAP masks costs between $30 to $150 depending on the quality of the materials used. If the CPAP mask you are buying is covered by insurance, you can get it for a pretty much lower price,

In Conclusion

You can get the right CPAP mask if you have a background knowledge of what to look out for when you get to the market. Be confident enough to ask the mask supplier the above questions and patiently listen for responses accordingly. This guide already contains the right answers for each questions. So, you can tell if the supplier has some good to offer from the way he or she responses. 

© 2024 Smoke Free Lungs

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑