Shopping for a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine can be a daunting undertaking, especially for someone with a new sleep apnea diagnosis. If you’re at the point where you’ve researched the benefits of CPAP therapy and decided it’s worth it to take the leap and get a prescription, you’re likely already finding comfort knowing you’re on your way to better sleep.
Why Use an Alternative to a CPAP Machine? While CPAP machines are the most common treatment for OSA, people with the condition may seek out CPAP alternatives for a number of reasons. These concerns should be discussed with a doctor, who can offer advice on what alternatives may be more suitable.
Although adjusting to CPAP therapy can come with its challenges, many side effects of CPAP can be prevented or resolved by working with a health professional.
Choice of machine and level of air pressure will be determined by a sleep specialist after you have undergone an overnight study, usually at a sleep centre. The levels are then adjusted or ‘titrated’ after you have had an opportunity to get used to the machine at home.
Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that causes repeated lapses in breathing during sleep. Symptoms can include snoring, headaches, and excessive sleepiness. Sleep apnea can be diagnosed using an at-home test.
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of children. If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, your health care provider may prescribe a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for treatment. A CPAP machine delivers pressurized air as you sleep to ensure your airway stays open.
People with OSA have many options to choose from when considering treatment, therapy, or surgery. Consulting your primary physician and sleep specialists should be your first step.
There may arise rare instances of respiratory distress where a hospitalized patient would greatly benefit from CPAP but does not tolerate the mask or is not complaint due to delirium, agitation or factors such as very young age in children or the elderly. In such scenarios, mild sedation with low dose fentanyl or dexmedetomidine can be used to improve compliance, until the therapy is no longer indicated.
Choosing the right CPAP machine is an important and complex decision whether you’re buying for the first time or shopping for a replacement. You want to find a machine that works best for your needs, and things like cost, size, noise, portability, and features vary widely between manufacturers. We break down all you need to know about finding a CPAP website machine and getting it set up.
Some of the most important things you can do to ensure successful CPAP treatment is being consistent, building a good support system, and ensuring you like and trust your physician or sleep specialist.
Keep in mind that using your CPAP machine in conjunction with a mask that works well for you, is key. If you are finding your current mask uncomfortable, you may need to change your mask. Otherwise, I would encourage you to continue working with your doctor about the way you are feeling and any symptoms that arise.
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But now there's a new approach for treating sleep apnea – Inspire therapy. This implantable device monitors your breath while you sleep at night to ensure your airways remain open.