June 2023 - Lumin Multipurpose Sanitiser

Month: June 2023

CPAP Pressure Settings: All You Need To Know

Posted on by John S

You have probably heard of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy if you have sleep apnea or any other respiratory condition. A continuous stream of air is delivered by CPAP devices to assist maintain your airway open while you sleep so you can breathe normally. However, to ensure the best possible care and comfort, it is essential to comprehend the many CPAP therapy features, including pressure settings. The typical pressure for a CPAP machine, the negative effects of excessive pressure, and if you can change your CPAP pressure yourself are all topics we’ll cover in this article. Furthermore, we’ll also discuss the need of the best CPAP cleaner to keep the equipment germ-free.

Average Pressure for a CPAP Machine:

Each person’s average CPAP machine pressure requirement is different and is established through a sleep study performed by a medical expert. Centimetres of water (cmH2O) measure pressure, and the pressure normally falls between 4 and 20 cmH2O. This range makes sure that each person’s unique breathing requirements are successfully addressed. To find the best pressure setting for your particular situation, you must speak with your healthcare professional.

CPAP Pressure Settings:

Most modern CPAP machines offer features like auto-adjusting pressure (APAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) to deliver the most appropriate pressure throughout the night. APAP machines automatically adjust the pressure based on your breathing patterns, while BiPAP machines offer different pressure levels for inhalation and exhalation. Consulting with your sleep specialist will help you determine which type of machine and pressure setting is best for you.

Side Effects of CPAP Pressure Too High:

Using a CPAP machine with pressure settings that are too high can lead to various side effects. It is essential to maintain the prescribed pressure to avoid potential discomfort and health risks. Some common side effects of high CPAP pressure include:

  • Dry or irritated nasal passages: High pressure can cause dryness, congestion, and nasal irritation. Using a heated humidifier along with your CPAP machine can help alleviate these symptoms.
  • Mask discomfort: High pressure can create excessive air leaks or discomfort around the mask, leading to poor compliance and disrupted sleep. Ensure that your mask is properly fitted and consider using a mask with adjustable straps for a secure fit.
  • Aerophagia: Aerophagia refers to swallowing air while using a CPAP machine. High pressure can increase the likelihood of this condition, resulting in bloating, burping, or even stomach discomfort. Reducing the pressure or using a bilevel machine may help alleviate these symptoms.

Can I Adjust My CPAP Pressure Myself?

It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before making any adjustments to your CPAP pressure settings. Only a trained medical professional can assess your specific needs and make informed decisions regarding changes in pressure. They may conduct follow-up sleep studies or make recommendations based on your progress and symptoms. Attempting to adjust the pressure settings on your own without medical guidance can result in ineffective treatment or potential harm.

Best CPAP Cleaner and UV Phone Sanitizer:

Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is essential for your CPAP equipment. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, mold, and other pathogens. You can even use Lumin multipurpose sanitizer to clean accessories, like masks, tubing/hoses, etc., of your CPAP equipment. This sanitizer uses advanced technology to sanitize your equipment effectively, ensuring a healthy therapy experience. It is also a good UV phone sanitizer to eliminate germs and bacteria from smartphones, preventing cross-contamination between your phone and CPAP equipment. Hence, you can maintain better hygiene while effectively using your CPAP machine.

Conclusion:

Understanding CPAP pressure settings is crucial for ensuring effective and comfortable therapy for sleep apnea and other breathing disorders. The average pressure for a CPAP machine varies from person to person and should be determined through a sleep study conducted by a healthcare professional. Adhering to the prescribed pressure helps avoid side effects such as nasal dryness, mask discomfort, and aerophagia. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before making any adjustments to your CPAP pressure settings. Remember, a clean CPAP machine and accessories contribute to a successful therapy experience, so consider using a reliable CPAP cleaning machine to clean its accessories to maintain optimal hygiene.

What is a CPAP Machine? How Does it Work?

Posted on by John S

Do you often feel exhausted even after a proper night’s sleep? Do you experience disturbed breathing patterns during sleep? It could be a serious sleep disorder, like sleep apnea, that needs correction before you start experiencing any further complications.

The most common way of treating sleep apnea is using a CPAP machine. This machine helps in keeping the airways of the user open while they sleep. Hence, it manages the proper requirement of oxygen during sleep time.

What is a CPAP Machine?

CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This machine is vital for completing CPAP therapy, which helps in treating obstructive sleep apnea. It is a small rectangular box-shaped machine with a motorized fan and humidifier. The machine comes attached to a flexible tube that leads to a breathing mask.

The fan within the device creates a slight positive pressure within the mask to deliver pressurized air to your mouth and/or nose, as per the type of mask you use. It means there won’t be any lapses while breathing at night due to the positive air pressure that keeps the airways open.

There is even an optional humidification chamber within the CPAP machine. However, many people go for the CPAP with a humidification chamber to ensure lack of enough humidity doesn’t lead to irritation in the throat and nasal passage.

How does a CPAP machine work?

A CPAP machine comes with three major parts:

  • The motor: It sits at the user’s bedside and helps in delivering quiet pressurized air, which is taken off the room temperature. This pressurized air is delivered to the user’s airways through a CPAP hose that connects to a CPAP mask.

 

  • CPAP hose: Typically 6 feet long, the CPAP hose helps in connecting the machine to the mask hose connects the machine to your mask. A heated tube can be added to a therapy session to maintain warm air for better comfort.

 

  • CPAP mask: As per your sleep and breathing patterns, you can choose the right mask available in the market. A full-face mask is typically for people who breathe through their nose and mouth while sleeping at night. And, the basal pillows or nasal cushion mask is for people who breathe via their nose at night.

Here’s how the complete CPAP machine work:

The compressor of a CPAP machine makes a normal stream of compressed air. This air moves via an air channel within an adaptable tubing, which brings sanitized air into a mask around your mouth or nose.

When you are resting, the air streaming through the CPAP machine pushes against the blockages to open airway routes. So, your lungs get a proper oxygen supply without any disturbance. It means you won’t wake up during your night’s sleep due to continuous breathing.

Different types of CPAP masks

There are several types of CPAP masks available on the market. But what suits you often depends on your breathing habits and the type of obstruction you are dealing with.

Here are some common types of CPAP masks:

  • Nasal mask: It covers the entire nose area and is ideal for those who move a lot while sleeping.

 

  • Nasal pillow mask: It won’t cover the complete nose area but just your nostrils. Some of these masks may even fit snugly into the nostrils. It is suitable for people with lots of facial hair.

 

  • Full mask: As the name suggests, it covers your complete mouth and nose. It is suitable for people who breathe through their mouths while sleeping, as their airways get obstructed due to airway blockage.

Benefits of CPAP machine

Here are several benefits of CPAP machines:

  • It is great for treating sleep apnea by providing consistent oxygen flow to the user.
  • This machine decreases daytime sleepiness and helps the user to sleep properly at night.
  • CPAP even helps in improving overall sleep quality, as it doesn’t let you wake up frequently.
  • With proper sleep, there is also a lesser risk of high blood pressure.
  • It even helps in reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems and strokes
  • It also helps in optimizing your sugar levels.

Types of CPAP machines

  • Bi-level PAP machine – It makes use of two distinct pressures. One pressure is for inhalation and the other is for exhalation.
  • Adaptive servo-ventilation – It is ideal for people with central sleep apnea. It helps in keeping airways open with compulsory breathing when needed.
  • Auto CPAP– It helps in keeping airways open with self-regulation of the pressure.

Care for the CPAP machine

Regular cleaning of CPAP machines is crucial to prevent mould and bacterial exposure. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper CPAP machine cleaning. For cleaning the accessories, like mask, tube, water chamber, headgear, etc., you can use an advanced ultraviolet sanitiser. This way your entire CPAP machine will stay clean and germ-free for longer use.