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Did you know that over 10% of the Australian population suffers from sleep apnoea? However, the actual number is likely higher, as many cases remain undiagnosed. Sleep apnoea causes hundreds of breathing pauses throughout the night, leading to serious health risks such as hypertension, strokes, and heart attacks. To prevent these complications, investing in a CPAP machine is a wise decision.
What’s a CPAP Machine?
A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is designed to help you breathe easily while sleeping. It works by generating a stream of pressurised air that passes through a filter and into a flexible tube. This air is delivered to your nose and mouth via a comfortable CPAP full-face mask, ensuring uninterrupted breathing and a restful night’s sleep.
Modern CPAP machines are built with high-quality materials to provide a consistent oxygen flow. Many advanced models feature algorithms that detect breathing irregularities and automatically adjust airflow to correct your breathing pattern. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments during the night.
Types of Masks
Most high-quality CPAP masks consist of three main components: the frame, headgear, and cushion. The frame connects the cushion and headgear, keeping everything securely in place. The headgear, often fastened with Velcro or magnetic clips, allows for easy adjustments. The cushion prevents air leaks and enhances comfort, with materials like cloth, gel, silicone, or foam.
Full-Face
These masks are secured with four-point headgear and have a triangular shape. They’re fully covering both the nose and mouth with the help of a cushion. CPAP full-face masks are ideal for people who find nasal masks uncomfortable or tend to breathe through their mouth while sleeping. Since they cover both the nose and mouth, they are generally heavier and bulkier.
While some people may find them less comfortable or vision-restricting, manufacturers have made improvements to enhance comfort and usability. These masks are particularly practical for people with allergies, chronic sinus issues, or those who struggle to breathe only through their nose. They’re also beneficial for people whose mouths tend to open during sleep, and help them to maintain an effective airflow throughout the whole night.
Nasal
Nasal masks can cover either the whole nose or just the lower part. They always rest on the bridge of the nose. They have a frame with four headgear straps attached, to give you a secure fit. Some users can experience irritation on the bridge where the mask sits. However, because of their simple and lightweight design, nasal masks are extremely popular among sleep apnea patients.
One drawback is that if the mouth opens during sleep, there’s nothing to prevent air from escaping. This can lead to a dry mouth and throat, which can be very uncomfortable. A common solution for this problem is a chin strap. It’s meant to hold the jaw in place to keep the mouth closed. However, some people find chin straps uncomfortable and prefer to use a full-face mask instead.
Nasal Pillow
These masks cover only the base of the nostrils with a soft cushion, making them the least invasive option. They don’t obstruct your vision, so you can easily wear them while watching TV or reading. If you have facial hair, this type of mask might be the best choice, as it provides a secure fit without interference.
With a minimalist design, nasal pillow CPAP masks are lightweight and comfortable. However, they may not be suitable if you require higher oxygen pressure or have nasal obstructions. If the mask doesn’t fit properly, it can cause discomfort, so trying a different size may help. Additionally, applying a moisturiser can reduce irritation and improve comfort.
Types of CPAP Machines
Standard
The standard CPAP machines maintain a steady and constant airflow throughout the entire sleep cycle and are typically determined by your medical sleep study. Once the pressure reaches the prescribed setting, it stays at that level for the duration of your sleep. While this is the standard CPAP method, it can sometimes cause excessive dryness in the throat and nose, which may make breathing uncomfortable for some patients.
Adjustable
These machines go beyond the basic design by providing automatic pressure adjustment. They’re equipped with a sensor that detects when an apnea event is about to happen and increases the air pressure just enough to prevent it from happening. Once the issue is resolved, the pressure drops back down until the next irregularity is detected. Compared to a standard CPAP machine, an APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) machine feels more comfortable and mimics natural human breathing more closely.
BiPAP/VPAP
These machines are the most advanced type of CPAP and offer multiple pressure settings for both inhaling and exhaling. They’re ideal for people who have difficulty adjusting to standard or automatic machines and need more flexible breathing support. These machines are also suitable for individuals with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), providing effective and tailored respiratory assistance.
Things to Consider when Buying
Portability
If you’re a person that relies on your machine and your sleep apnea masks for a good night’s sleep, keep in mind that you’ll need to take it with you wherever you go. With that in mind, it’s important to consider how often you travel, how much space you have in your luggage, and the size and weight of your CPAP machine.
Noise
Noise is a key consideration when choosing a CPAP machine. No one wants a noisy device that disrupts their sleep. These machines are designed to minimise noise as much as possible, but if you or your partner are light sleepers, even a small amount of sound can be a problem. On average, a CPAP machine produces around 30 dBA of noise, which is similar to the sound of someone whispering nearby. Some models are even quieter, producing as little as 25 dBA.
Humidifier
To prevent a dry throat and mouth, CPAP machines often come with humidifiers and warming settings. These features can help you maintain the airflow comfortable throughout the night. On some models, you can adjust the humidity and temperature levels to suit your preferences. This is especially beneficial for people with throat issues.
