Sleep apnea is a problem that many Australians face. In fact, studies show that at least 1 in 10 Australians struggles from undiagnosed sleep apnea.

And while it's a common condition, sleep apnea is dangerous, which is why many sleep experts recommend using a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea. CPAP therapy has shown to be one of the most effective ways to treat obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.

Here at Air Liquide Healthcare, we're ready to help you find the right CPAP machines for your condition. We're here to help you find your way out of sleep apnea from sleep studies to determine the type of condition you have, all the way to try out the best treatment options for your needs.

If you're looking for the best CPAP machine that can reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea and help you get better sleep, we've got you covered. Any sleep specialist will tell you that our CPAP machines are top-tier, and you can check out our shop and order one from us today. 

What Is a CPAP Machine?

Do you snore a lot or feel like you suddenly stop breathing while you're asleep? Then there's a chance you suffer from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when your body doesn't breathe for at least 10 seconds while asleep. This can cause you to wake up suddenly, give you difficulty falling asleep, and come with a bunch of different symptoms.

While scientists aren't entirely sure what causes sleep apnea, they have come up with different ways to treat it. And nowadays, CPAP therapy through a CPAP machine is the go-to method for many people.

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A CPAP machine is designed to provide people with continuous positive airway pressure while they are asleep. This allows them to get better sleep quality and keep their airways open the whole night.

There are tons of varieties of CPAP machines. These include APAP (automatic machines), fixed pressure CPAP, BIPAP machines, and even portable machines. These all work towards providing you with continuous positive airway pressure while you sleep and treating sleep apnea.

The slight differences between the types of CPAP machines make them more convenient and ideal for certain people. And here at Air Liquide Healthcare, we've got you covered regardless of the CPAP device you need.

Parts of a CPAP Machine

Generally, there are three main components of a CPAP machine. While there are other, more specific parts of a CPAP machine, it's crucial for you to understand the motor, CPAP hose, and CPAP mask to understand how these machines work and what they do. At Air Liquide we also offer a wide range of CPAP accessories.

When buying CPAP machines online, you need to ensure all of these components are sufficient to ensure that they can treat your sleep apnea properly.

Motor

The motor sucks in air from the room and into the machine. Depending on the CPAP machine, there might also be a water tank used to moisturise the dry air. Additionally, the motor contains a filter to remove any harmful particles from the air before it enters your lungs.

A CPAP machine uses a special motor that runs very quietly. This is to ensure that you don't wake up from your sleep. If the machine runs loudly, then you'll have a hard time sleeping, which completely defeats the purpose of investing in a CPAP machine or getting CPAP therapy.

CPAP Hose

The next component of the machine is the CPAP hose. This is a very simple component without any special features. All it does is carry the filters and pressurised air from the motor to the mask, which allows you to breathe much better.

CPAP Masks

The last part of the CPAP machine is the CPAP mask. There are many different types of CPAP masks available. For example, you can get a nasal mask, nasal pillow mask, or a full face mask that covers both the mouth and the nose. These masks are designed to work for different people with certain conditions.

So, if you're looking to figure out which mask would be best for your CPAP treatment, we recommend speaking to one of our experienced CPAP Consultants to determine the most suitable mask for you.

Additionally, you can find more information on CPAP masks here to help you determine which is the better option for you.

How Does a CPAP Machine Treat Sleep Apnea?

A CPAP machine is actually pretty simple. The reason people experience sleep apnea is usually that their airways are blocked during sleep. This can be caused by your sleeping position, obesity, hyperthyroidism, smoking, and many other things. CPAP therapy simply gives you continuous positive airway pressure in your lungs, which keeps the airways open while you're asleep.

It's important to understand the way a CPAP machine work before you get one for yourself. Additionally, you may want to consult a sleep specialist who can conduct sleep tests on you and analyse your breathing habits to understand what's getting in the way of quality sleep.

You can even use a home sleep test if you don't want to head out of your home to figure out why you have sleep apnea.

But if a specialist believes that a CPAP device is the best approach to treating your obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea, then it might be time for you to get a machine. The pressurised air from the motor of the machine travels through the tube and into the face or nasal mask and gives you positive air pressure that opens the airways.

That way, you won't have breathing interruptions during your sleep which can cause dry mouth, poor sleep, daytime sleepiness, and other symptoms associated with sleep apnea.

CPAP therapy works best for people looking to enhance their sleep quality. Modern CPAP machines have pressure settings so you can dictate the strength of the steady flow of air entering your face mask.

However, if CPAP therapy isn't for you, there are other treatment options available such as oral appliances, relaxation exercises, or positional devices to keep you in the right sleeping position at all times. While the CPAP machine is a common treatment for sleep apnea, rest assured that there are other options available for you here at Air Liquide Healthcare.

Are There Side Effects to Using a CPAP Machines for Sleep Apnea?

There are a couple of potential side effects to using a CPAP machine. However, not everyone experiences these as there are several factors in play when it comes to whether or not CPAP use is right for you.

One of the most common side effects is feeling claustrophobic or uncomfortable when wearing a full mask. If you aren't used to the feeling, full face masks may be slightly uncomfortable. That's why there are other masks available to people who don't feel comfortable with a full mask.

Another common side effect is aerophagia, which occurs when you swallow air when sleeping. This is caused by the CPAP machine's settings being too high. If you experience aerophagia with your CPAP machine, you might want to try a lower pressure setting instead.

Some people may experience skin irritation when using a CPAP machine, especially around the nostril area. This is because wearing face masks all night long can be uncomfortable for your skin, which is why it's very important to find the right mask that can keep your airway open while also allowing you to feel comfortable.

How to Use a CPAP Machine

To make sure you get the most out of the CPAP machine and to ensure it's working correctly, you need to use it in the right manner. It's important to stay up-to-date with the proper practices when using a CPAP machine and consult a healthcare provider if you have any questions.

Misuse of the machine can mean that you won't reap the full benefits of owning a CPAP machine, and you won't be able to treat your sleep apnea as well.

Here are the steps to using the CPAP machines you can find here at Air Liquide Healthcare;

Check the Filter

The very first step to using a CPAP machine is ensuring that the filter is clean. Most CPAP machines come with replaceable filters, so it's important to stock up on extra filters so you can change the filter once you feel like it needs changing.

If you check the filter and notice that the filter has been overused, it can keep the CPAP machine from working properly. To replace the filter, you can refer to the manual of the machine that should contain the exact type of filter you need and how to replace it. Our Air Liquide online store also offers CPAP spares.

Assemble the Machine

Once you're done checking the filter, it's time to assemble the machine. All this means is attaching the hose to the CPAP machine, and then the other end of the hose to the mask. Make sure you have a mask that fits snugly on your face and that all the connections are tight.

Otherwise, the air pressure won't get high enough, and the CPAP machine won't work as well as needed.

Additionally, if you have dry air where you live, then you might need to set up the CPAP machine's humidifier as well. That way, you won't have a dry mouth when you wake up the next day. Some CPAP machines have a built-in humidifier chamber, while others require you to set it up yourself.

Again, always refer to the manual to determine how to set up the humidifier and the hose.

Plug in the Machine

Once everything is set up, all you have to do is plug the machine in and get ready to sleep.

Put on the CPAP Masks

After plugging in the machine, it's time to wear the mask. Remember, there are many different types of CPAP masks available. So, make sure to find a mask that makes you feel comfortable and that you think you can sleep with. From there, follow the provided instructions to ensure that you're wearing the mas right.

Turn it On

Once the mask is on your face, you can turn on the machine. Ideally, your doctor or healthcare team should have configured the pressure settings for you, so you won't need to touch that at all. So, once you turn it on, all you have to do is get in the ideal sleeping position and go to sleep. Make sure that your sleeping position doesn't interfere with the hose or block the air coming in, and you should be good to go.

Can I Buy CPAP Machines Online?

If you have central or obstructive sleep apnea, you need to consult a doctor or sleep specialist to figure out the nature of your sleep disorders. Once a doctor analyses your sleeping patterns and how you go to sleep at night, they will be able to determine the right treatment option for you.

After your sleep test, the doctor may recommend a CPAP machine for your obstructive sleep apnea. If they do, then you can head on over to Air Liquide Healthcare, where we can provide you with a high-quality CPAP machine perfect for your needs.

We even offer consultation and diagnosis so you won't have to go anywhere else to finally get rid of your sleep apnea.

FAQs

How do CPAP Machines work?

CPAP machines work by providing continuous positive airway pressure into your lungs. These machines have a motor that creates pressurised air that is blown through a tube and into your lungs through a face mask. Most CPAP machines have adjustable air pressure settings to allow you to tailor the machine to your needs.

How much is a CPAP machine?

This depends on the type of machine you buy. However, costs can range from $1,000-$2,000 depending on your needs. At Air Liquide Healthcare, you can find tons of CPAP machine options at different price points, so you can find a machine that perfectly fits your budget.

Is using a CPAP machine uncomfortable?

If you aren't used to it, you might feel uncomfortable the first time you wear a face mask to sleep. On top of that, repeated use of the wrong face mask can lead to skin irritation. To avoid this, we recommend taking the time to really find the right mask that allows you to sleep and feel comfortable while you're at it.