Sleep Apnea Treatments-CPAP Machines and Masks

If you suffer from sleep apnea your doctor may have told you about a continuous positive airway pressure machine, or CPAP. A CPAP basically forces a continuous stream of air in the throat and lungs, which prevents obstructions which cause sleep apnea. CPAP machines require the use of a face mask to keep the air flowing consistently. Many people who either have a CPAP or are getting one may have some questions and concerns about using one. Keep reading to learn more about what a CPAP can do for you.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you should discuss treatment options with your doctor before deciding if a CPAP is for you. If you are ready to purchases a CPAP you need to find one that is right for you. Most sleep specialists can recommend a home care company that specializes in CPAP machines. They will help you find the right mask and the right machine for your specific needs. One CPAP does not fit all.

You should also know that CPAP filters should be changed every two to three months and the mask every six months. Take good care of your CPAP and the actual machine should last years. Keep your CPAP clean and get any maintenance taken care of if you feel the machine isnt working optimally.

When you order your CPAP machine you will also receive a hose, instruction manual, and carrying case. CPAP masks must be purchased separately, and you should actually be fitted for one rather than just taking a guess. The fit of the mask is vital for the CPAP to do its job properly. Typically most masks will fit with most CPAP machines, even from different manufacturers. However, you should always double check before buying since returning an opening mask is usually impossible.

A CPAP can be set to different pressures, and there is no definite setting that will work for all people. Discuss with your doctor or sleep specialist how to get your settings changed. You should always have a professional do it since it is imperative you get the correct setting.

There are two different types of masks you can get with your CPAP. The most common is the nasal mask. This fits over the nose and is secured with straps that fit around the head. The second type of mask is the full face mask. This is required for people who tend to breathe through their mouths.

Rudy Watkins compares many common sleep apnea cures on the Apnea Guide website. For more helpful information and to sign up for our free newsletter, visit http://www.apneaguide.com

Treating Sleep Deprivation with CPAP
Sleep deprivation is an all too common affliction millions of people around the world suffer from some kind of sleep disorde...

Sleep Apnea Masks
Sleep apnea masks provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and are the most effective noninvasive medical treatment...

How Dental Appliances Can Help Sleep Apnea Sufferers
If you suffer from sleep apnea your doctor may recommend one of several dental appliances. Dental appliances arent 100% effe...

How to Treat Sleep Deprivation Using CPAP
Treating sleep deprivation using CPAP is considered as an effective treatment strategy. Sleep derivation is the condition in ...

Sleep Apnea Machines
Two types of positive airway pressure used to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea are the Continuous Positive Airway Pressu...

Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing stops temporarily. It is then resumed after a snorting sound. Apnea is usually a...

Non-surgical Ways to Prevent Snoring
If you are troubled with your snoring problem, and dont want a surgical procedure to remedy it, you can make use of non-surgi...

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) About Sleep Apnea
When someone learns they may or do have sleep apnea many questions arise. Getting clear and concise answers to your question...

Central Sleep Apnea Treatments and Medication Explained
If you have central sleep apnea you are one of the rare people with this type of sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea occurs due...

Choosing the Right Mask for a Sleep Apnea Sufferer
People suffering from the condition called sleep apnea usually find the use of a sleep apnea mask a necessary part of the d...

Snoring & Sleep Apnea Help?
Sleep apnea is when someone involuntarily does not breath during sleep. It can be either central or obstructive. Central apn...

Sleep Apnea FAQs
Sleep apnea is a disorder that has caused many premature deaths. It is important to diagnose sleep apnea as early as possible...

Sleep Apnea Testing
Apnea is derived from a Greek word and means cessation of breath. Sleep Apnea is the obstruction of the air passage preventin...

Self-Help Remedies For Sleep Apnea Sufferers
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea you may feel somewhat powerless. Your doctor should have given you some treatmen...

Sleep Apnea Surgery - A Look At Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty
There are many potential causes of sleep apnea. One such cause is an excess of soft tissue in the soft palate or uvula, both...

How To Deal With A Sleep Apnea Problem
Sleep apnea is more common than many people would like to think. If affects nearly as many adults as diabetes does. Therefo...

Sleep Apnea - the Other Silent Killer
Most of us are familiar with the notion that high blood pressure is a silent killer, but rarely do we hear that sleep disorde...

The Link Between Impotence and Sleep Apnea
Many people suffer from sleep apnea, which is a condition in which a person stops breathing for ten seconds or more several t...

A Brief Look at Nasal Surgery and Upper Airway Surgery For Sleep Apnea
Surgery may be an option for some people who have sleep apnea. Depending on a persons nasal and upper airway anatomy they ma...

Stop Breathing While You Sleep? You May Have Sleep Apnea
If your spouse notices that you stop breathing for more than 10 seconds more than 10 times an hour during sleep, you may have...