|
|
|
|
What is CPAP ?
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is a therapy used in the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This therapy, first developed by Dr. Sullivan in 1981, is the most effective treatment for sleep apnea today. CPAP Supplies Plus/Direct specializes in assisting customers who are in need of CPAP equipment. We have highly trained customer support that can assist you whether you are a veteran CPAP user or just starting out with your therapy. We carry all major manufacturers such as Respironics, ResMed, Puritan Bennett ( also known as Mallinckrodt ), DeVilbiss, Invacare, Fisher & Paykel, Teleflex Medical and many more. If you are looking for a new CPAP mask, machine, CPAP tubing, humidifier, or anything else, you have come to the right place. Plus, if you do not see what you are looking for on our web site we will be glad to order it for you. Just give us a call and we'll gladly fill your order over the phone!
Read our FAQ Section for more information
More CPAP Information:
--> The Advantages of BiPAP Machines
--> Nasal Masks vs. Full Face Masks
--> Heated Humidifiers vs. Passover Humidifiers
--> CPAP Machines vs. Auto Machines
--> Read Newsletters from our Archive
|
|
What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the repeated interruption of breathing during sleep. When the muscles which support the tongue and soft palate relax during sleep; the airway becomes narrower causing snoring and some breathing difficulty. When these muscles relax excessively, the tongue and tissues completely block the airway preventing breathing completely. An apnea, which is the cessation of breathing for at least 10 seconds, can occur as many as 20 to 60 times within an hour. When this happens, the quality of one's sleep is greatly compromised, and it can also lead to numerous health conditions and a decline in the quality of life. Through the use of a CPAP machine, sleep apnea can be treated without medication or surgery.
Want a new way to communicate with other CPAP users? A new site called CPAPchatter.com has been created as a method to discuss issues relating to you mask, machine, problems and methods to solving your cpap issues. You are not alone - many people may be experiencing the same issues you are - so take a look.
|
|
|
|
CPAP Supplies Plus Direct
CPAP vs. Auto-CPAP Machine
CPAP machines deliver air into your airway through a specially designed nasal mask or full face Mask. The mask/machine does not breathe for you; the flow of air creates enough pressure when you inhale to keep your airway open. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is considered the most effective non-surgical treatment for the alleviation of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine is set to a constant pressure setting with little deviation from the continuous pressure.
Auto CPAP machines are very similar to standard machines but allow for a range of pressure setting - high pressure and low pressure settings. This range of pressure will fluctuate throughout the night as the user experiences differing needs i.e. apnea's and hypopnia's. This type of machine is available from Respironics, ResMed, and Puritan Bennett. An auto CPAP machine must be specifically prescribed by your doctor. The benefit of the Auto machine is the experience of lower CPAP pressure except when needed to handle specific events throughout the night.
 CPAP Supplies Plus Direct
Nasal Mask vs.Full Face Mask
The Nasal CPAP mask is designed to fit over the nose. This type of mask is available in many different sizes and models, as well as differing cushion types. The Nasal mask cushion is available in silicone, gel, or plastic. In addition, other nasal masks include Nasal Pillow interfaces. The Nasal Pillow interface is more lightweight than standard Nasal masks. While the CPAP Therapy is applied directly through the nasal passages via Nasal Pillows, this process is accomplished via small inserts (called Nasal Pillows) at the base of the nose. The advantages of the nasal CPAP masks include wide varieties in style, size and material and cost and light-weight masks. There are many manufacturers of masks which include ResMed, Respironics, Fisher & Paykel. The Full Face CPAP mask is designed to fit over the nose and the mouth. This type of mask is designed to combat the problem of opening the mouth during sleep. If a patient opens their mouth during sleep, the therapeutic effect of CPAP escapes through this opening. Fisher & Paykel has created a unique "under the chin" design in the HC431 and HC432 which helps patients keep their mouth closed throughout the night. The Full Face mask is limited in style and the cost is significantly higher than most nasal masks
CPAP Filters
Most CPAP Machines require very little scheduled maintenance. One item that does however need to be changed on a regular basis is the filter or filters. Most machines use at least one, poly foam, washable, re-usable filter. The filter is usually located on the back of the machine. Respironics and Puritan-Bennett provide a re-usable filter with their machines, while ResMed and Fisher & Paykel provide disposable filters with their machines.
CPAP Filters should be changed every 30-45 days depending on your environment. Once a month you should inspect your filters to ensure they are not discolored and full of debris. If your filter appears to be in good shape, simply place the filter back into the machine and continue use. If however the filter appears to be worn or discolored, wash (if re-usable) or replace.
By replacing Filters on a regular basis you will insure proper operation of your Machine and prevent harmful contaminants from entering your body.
We have a helpful cross-reference page to help you find filters for your specific machine.
Creating Comfort with a Humidifier
Patients often experience discomfort when using CPAP, Auto CPAP, and BiPAP therapy. Due to this discomfort, patients may discontinue using their machine. The discomfort usually involves drying of nasal passages, sore throat, swelling of the tongue etc. All of the major manufacturers of CPAP Supplies offer some type of heated humidifier. Whether you own a Resmed, Respironics, Fisher & Paykel, Puritan-Bennett or other, please consider trying a heated humidifier with your present machine.
Additionally, in some of the colder climates such as Chicago and New York, the winter climate can cause severe drying of the airways. People who are affected with Sleep Disorder Breathing (SDB) suffer due to the dry air of the season as well as the drying caused by their CPAP device. To combat this situation, it is suggest that a central humidifier is installed in the residence as well as heated humidification in the CPAP circuit. If a central humidification system can not be installed, consider using a portable humidification system in the residence.
Which style of heated humidifier is more effective for your system?
CPAP Machines
As indicated above the first CPAP Machine was invented by Dr. Sullivan in 1981. Since this time manufacturers such as Respironics, ResMed, DeVilbiss, Fisher & Paykel have made significant changes to the size, shape, weight, and technology to the CPAP Machines on the market today. Machines today are capable of altering the pressure based on the breathing cycle of the patient, they can alert the patient for various problems throughout the night, and can alert the patient when the filters and/or the mask needs to be replaced.
As Sleep Labs continue to diagnose patients with sleeping disorders associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, sleep manufacturers are being pressured to create machines which are user friendly aa well as travel friendly. Machines today such as the S8 Escape and the M-Series are small in size and weigh just a few pounds. This is ideal for the traveler!
Machine Comparison Chart
The CPAP Mask
The CPAP Mask is the one truly effective method of delivering CPAP therapy to the patient in a non-intrusive method. While CPAP Masks are available in many styles, shapes, sizes and models, the manufacturers are beginning to listen to the patient. CPAP users are demanding that CPAP Masks fit comfortably, and function in a quiet manor which insures that the bed partner is not disturbed by the therapy.
While there have not been any major technological innovations in the CPAP Mask market in last year, ResMed, Respironics, and Fisher & Paykel have continued to lead by making their masks lighter and quieter.
ResMed has recently introduced two CPAP Masks: The Mirage Micro- a nasal mask which features the Micro Dial adjustment and sturdy reinforcement of the forehead support; and the Mirage Quattro; a thinner Full Face CPAP Mask.
Respironics has introduced the Comfort Fusion Nasal CPAP Mask which is an economical alternative to some of the higher priced masks on the market. The second product introduced was the Opti-Life Nasal CPAP Interface. This product is based on a Nasal Pillow system and features and extremely light weight design.
Fisher & Paykel are very excited about their latest Nasal Pillow Interface called the Opus. This product is extremely light weight and built for comfort. The headgear is comfortable yet firm and durable.
We are providing the links below as a source of information concerning your Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). We hope this information is helpful.
National Institute of Health
Medline Plus
Mayo Clinic
American Sleep Apnea Association
We are also able to provide information on some of the manufacturers as well as general information within our site.
How to Choose a Mask
Importance of CPAP FIlters
Overview of Sleep Apnea
Sleep Education
Sleep Alliance Affects Cost
We would like to continue to provide as much information as possible for all of our customers. If you would like to suggest a topic of interest, email us: info@cpapplus.com
Now more affordable than ever! CPAP Supplies brand name filters for all major manufacturers' machines and tubing available in various sizes.
We welcome all dealer inquiries!
Copyright 2009 CPAP Supplies Plus/Direct
All Rights Reserved
|
|
|
|
