Bipap/Cpap Accessories, Cpap Mask, Cpap Supplies, Cpap Pillow

Approximately 5% of the population suffers from sleep apnea of some type. In addition to lack of rest and loud snoring, sleep apnea can cause an increased risk of stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, or other medical problems. Because of the loud snoring, those who live with a person who has sleep apnea may also suffer from a lack of sleep. The primary short-term benefit of a CPAP/BiPAP machine is a good night’s rest. The severe daytime fatigue experienced by those who have sleep apnea will usually go away. Therefore, the user will feel rested and ready to start the day. The long-term benefit is the improvement of the individual’s cardiovascular functioning and an increase in the ability to focus and concentrate. Research studies show the average life expectancy for a CPAP/BiPAP machine user increases as opposed to the life expectancy of those with sleep apnea who do not use one. Other studies found the risk of diabetes, stroke, and other medical problems reduce when a machine is utilized.

What is a CPAP Machine?

A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is a medical device used to treat sleep apnea. It consists of the machine, a mask which is worn over the face by the individual, and a tube running from the machine to the mask. The machine pushes air through an individual’s airway passage at a high pressure to help prevent the sleep apnea from happening. Sleep apnea is a condition where a person stops breathing for any length of time, which can be between a few seconds to a few minutes, while sleeping.

This machine works for central as well as obstructive sleep apnea and the pressure is adjustable for individual needs, depending on the degree of apnea being experienced. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain does not send the breathing signals to the breathing muscles, therefore, no effort to breathe is made. Obstructive sleep apnea, which is more common, is caused by the airway collapsing during sleep.

Sometimes, the pressurized air can cause dryness and irritation to the nose, mouth and throat. It may result in increased mucous, nosebleeds, congestion, coughing or sneezing. In this case, a CPAP machine moisturizes the air that travels through the tubing and mask to help decrease this discomfort. Some incorporate heat to create the moisture and is usually adjustable so the individual can fine tune the humidity level for personal comfort. This reduces irritation and improves the overall CPAP experience.

CPAP machines are small and quiet, which enable them to be easily portable for travel or other purposes. Many can record each breath and deliver the air pressure only when it is required by the individual. Other CPAP machines are automatic, meaning they are designed to provide air pressure at a customized, regularly adjusted level. The traditional CPAP machines provide air pressure at a constant level. An auto CPAP machine adjusts the air pressure level to each breath the individual takes so the minimum necessary pressure is used to keep the airway open. This type may be more comfortable since the air pressure stays low unless breathing becomes difficult. That is because some sufferers only have difficulty breathing during the rapid eye movement stage of sleep and do not require high pressure during the rest of the sleep cycle.

A CPAP machine works with different types of masks. One type covers the nose and mouth and the other type only covers the nose, but they both have straps to comfortably hold them in place. There are many mask styles available to fit individual needs and comfort levels.

CPAP/BiPAP pillows are also available to provide a supportive sleeping surface to encourage better airway alignment for easier breathing. They also provide proper neck support and comfort to help reduce or eliminate snoring.

CPAP hose covers make the hose more comfortable and reduce condensation and rain-out associated with the machines, while promoting a warmer feel to the hose.

Moisturizing creams and gels can be applied to the facial area where the mask meets the skin to hydrate the skin, lock in moisture and break the dry skin cycle.

What is a BiPAP machine?

A BiPAP (bi-level positive airway pressure) machine uses variable levels of air pressure instead of continuous pressure to help treat breathing difficulties in those with sleep apnea. It allows the air that is delivered through the mask to be set at one pressure for inhaling and another pressure for exhaling. Sometimes, it makes it easier for the individual to adapt to the apparatus and allows those who have a neuromuscular disease to use this device. Also, these dual settings enable the user to get more air in and out of the lungs.

BiPAP devices have been found to be helpful for those who have lung disorders or congestive heart failure, and is especially utilized for these conditions which result in above normal levels of carbon dioxide. In addition, the breathing assistance provided by a BiPAP machine can benefit those for whom intubation is not possible. Others who can benefit include those who suffer from atelectasis. This is when all or part of a lung collapses, resulting in the loss of the ability of the air sacs at the furthest distance of the lungs to expand.

Rehabmart is proud to offer a vast selection of superior quality BiPAP and CPAP accessories from respected and credentialed vendors, including ResMed, Sunset Healthcare Solutions, Independence Medical, McKesson Medical-Surgical, Drive Medical, Respironics, Contour, Mada Medical, and Roscoe Medical.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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