Apap Machine | Sleep Apnea | Sleep Apnea Zone

APAP Machine

For individuals suffering from one of the three forms of sleep apnea (Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Central Sleep Apnea, or Mixed Sleep Apnea) a device that provides air pressure to the individual with sleep apnea is used during sleep to prevent blockage of the airway passage. There are three difference devices: continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device , a bilevel positive airway pressure (bilevel PAP) device, or an automatic positive airway pressure (ARAP) that often provide successful therapy for individuals with any type of sleep apnea. All of these devices are approximately the size of a shoebox. All of these devices come in different models made by several different manufacturers.

Regardless of the type of sleep apnea diagnosed, sleep apnea is a dangerous medical condition which causes sleep deprivation and oxygen deprivation. If left undiagnosed and/or untreated, sleep apnea can be life-threatening and lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Individuals with the following symptoms should seek medical assistance and testing to determine if they suffer from a type of sleep apnea. Symptoms of sleep apnea include: load snoring accompanied by gasping and snorting sounds; abrupt awakenings with a shortness of breath; insomnia; excessive daytime sleepiness; and problems with concentration and memory.

Unlike the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device or a bilevel positive airway pressure (bilevel PAP) device, the APAP offers more features. The APAP machine is touted as a more intelligent device than the others. Like the CPAP and bilevel PAP, the APAP device is consists of the individual suffering from sleep apnea to wear a mask over the nose that is attached by a hose to the APAP device housing an air pump.

The APAP device can be set to continuous positive airway pressure mode same as the CPAP but also offers a range of pressures that is not available on either the CPAP or bilevel PAP device. The APAP device automatically adjusts the pressure when a change of pressure is required, for example, when the individual with sleep apnea turns from a sleeping position on their back to a sleeping position on their side. With the CPAP device the pressure remains constant even if the sleeping position has changed. Also, since the APAP device automatically adjusts to the required pressure, the adjustment is made if the individual with sleep apnea has a cold and needs more pressure for a period of time so the APAP device is more effective.

When an individual is tested for sleep apnea they undergo a test conducted at a sleep clinic called a polysomnogram (PSG). The PSG monitors the brain waves, eye movement, muscle activity, and heart rhythm of the patient. A patient is said to have sleep apnea if the PSG test defines five or more episodes of apnea (pause in breathing) per hour. Other tests for diagnosing sleep apnea include an Oximetry screening. This is a screening method that monitors and records an individuals blood oxygen level during sleep. Portable cardiorespiratory testing is also an option. This is a test that is conducted at home to diagnosis sleep apnea.