A BiPAP machine is similar to a CPAP device or APAP machine, but it has two distinct pressure settings - one for inhalation and one for exhalation. This setting allows for lower air pressures during exhalation. In some cases, a BiPAP for Sleep Apnea is preferred for medical reasons and prescribed specifically by a sleep physician. However, a BiPAP can always be used in place of a CPAP or APAP as an “upgrade” due to the fact that most users find the two pressure settings to be a more comfortable breathing experience. Users who are prescribed a BiPAP for medical reasons are typically suffering from COPD, Pneumonia, Asthma, or mixed/complex sleep apnea.

A CPAP machine is a device that delivers Continuous Positive Air Pressure through a hose to a nasal/face mask to help treat obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine creates positive air pressure in a user’s airway that prevents the airway from closing or collapsing which causes an apnea event. CPAP has become a generic term to refer to both CPAPs, APAPs, BiPAPs and other breathing devices. APAPs (Automatic Positive Air Pressure) adjust the force of the air pressure within a specified range to adjust to user needs. Most users find APAPs easier and more comfortable to use than CPAPs.

A CPAP machine uses a motor to generate a stream of pressurized air that passes through a filter into a tube and mask that creates positive pressure in a user’s airway. This positive air pressure pushes against any blockages in the airway to allow proper breathing while a user is asleep.

Most CPAP devices cost between $600 - $2,000 depending on the device style and vendor. For example, the Resmed AirSense 11 (the leading CPAP device) usually costs between $1,300 - $1,600, and is readily available on most sites

While cleaning devices are available and may help sanitize your CPAP equipment, the FDA currently recommends cleaning your CPAP equipment with mild soap and water.

While cleaning devices are available and may help sanitize your CPAP equipment, the FDA currently recommends cleaning your CPAP equipment with mild soap and water.

Buying a CPAP machine requires a diagnosis for sleep apnea from a licensed sleep physician. This positive diagnosis is generally a result of a sleep test that is interpreted by your physician. Today, this can be done through a straightforward telemedicine process from your home. However, a consultation with a doctor and a sleep test are still required. Some people utilize insurance to purchase a CPAP device while others prefer the simplicity of cash-pay.

A CPAP machine is generally used for 3 - 5 years. Most manufacturers offer a 2-year warranty on their sleep breathing machines. However, in practice, CPAP machines are well built and will tend to last much longer than the 2 year warranty.

CPAP machines are designed to be used with only distilled water. If you are in a situation with no access to distilled water, you can use purified water, but preferably only once or twice. Ongoing use of purified water in a CPAP will cause buildup and impact the effectiveness of the device.

Yes, in the United States, a CPAP device is a federally regulated medical device that will require a prescription. The way to obtain an Rx is to complete a sleep study, which can be done at home or at a sleep lab.

Yes, most insurance companies will cover the cost of a CPAP, but plans vary in how they cover that cost and what portion of the cost the patient is responsible for. In many cases, insurance companies will rent a device on behalf of the patient as long as the patient reports compliant machine use.

A true CPAP machine creates air pressure at a constant rate and, therefore, does not have to detect when your breathing changes. However, an APAP machine is much more sophisticated as it is an auto-sensing CPAP. An APAP is constantly sensing your breathing patterns and will start adjusting after it senses that you have fallen asleep. Once you are asleep, the APAP device will ramp up the pressure to ensure a clear airway for breathing.

Snoring occurs as the upper airway becomes obstructed or constricted. Since you are still attempting to pass air through a narrowed airway while sleeping, the air you are breathing meets resistance and creates snores.

A CPAP device (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) will deliver pressurized air (not oxygen unless prescribed in addition to the CPAP machine) down the airway to stent the airway open and maintain patency. When the airway is patent, the air passing through will not meet resistance and the snoring will be prevented. If you are still snoring, please contact your provider for further insight to see if you have a large mask leak or if you need an increase in pressure.

Old CPAP machines can be donated or recycled. Re-selling a used machine can be difficult because the device requires a prescription to purchase, so it would be illegal to sell your old CPAP device to anyone without a valid prescription. To donate a machine to those less fortunate who suffer from sleep apnea, many non profits may accept donations (e.g. American Sleep Apnea Association). You can also work with your local DME or the original seller of the unit to recycle the device.

The user will have limited access to their settings, but will be able to adjust comfort features like Ramp Time, Humidity levels and Tube Temperature (with a heated tubing). The prescribed settings are hidden from the user, since it is recommended that you reach out to your doctor or Respiratory Therapist for any changes that need to be made to ensure that changes are safe and effective.

Many insurance companies require you to use your sleep apnea machine for a minimum number of hours each night, and for a minimum number of weeks or months to comply with their coverage policy.

Ideally, you should use your CPAP machine for the entire night, but a minimum of four hours (and definitely more) for both treatment and compliance purposes. This should be done each night for a minimum of three months, but ideally a patient should make use of their CPAP device whenever they are sleeping.

Sleep apnea machines, including CPAP, BIPAP, APAP devices are the best way to treat sleep apnea. Not only does it potentially increase a patient’s lifespan by between 12-15 years, but when sleep therapy is done correctly, should lead to greater rest each night.

As a consequence of a good night’s sleep, patients are at lower risk for lifestyle related diseases such as strokes, heart disease and mental health issues. Using a CPAP machine can also give you more energy during the day, which can lead to weight loss, and subsequent reduction in the impact of sleep apnea on your lifestyle as a whole.

Consistent use of a CPAP machine is the key to successful sleep therapy. Some sleep partners of apnea sufferers report an almost immediate improvement in their partners sleep patterns, but for many patients, they will only notice a real difference within two to three weeks of consistent therapy with their CPAP device.

A CPAP machine should be used for the rest of a patient’s life to truly enjoy the benefits of sleep therapy treatment.

Thanks to modern technology, there is a sleep apnea machine to suit most individual sleep requirements, including your favorite sleep position.

With that in mind, sleeping on your side is the least-intrusive way to sleep if you’re suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, because you’re less likely to be affected by gravity. Sleeping on your back is most likely to aggravate your apnea condition, as it’s more likely to create obstructions in your airways.

Finding the rightCPAP mask, and ensuring that it fits correctly, is key to sleeping comfortably each night.

Yes, you can! It’s easiest to get a portable CPAP machine for greater convenience when traveling, as travel CPAP machines are designed to be less cumbersome and easier to use, with fewer accessories. Some sleep apnea machines even come with an airplane mode.

The TSA encourages sleep apnea patients to travel with their CPAP machine as carry-on luggage. Be sure to take any documentation with you, and to unpack it when checking it through security. Also arrive with extra time before your flight, to ensure that you aren’t delayed when checking in with your CPAP device.