Published On: June 17, 2022|Categories: Breathe Easy: Oxygen & Sleep Apnea|5.4 min read|1088 words|Tags: , , |

CPAP – An Effective Way to Treat Sleep Apnea

Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that affects one in three people.  There are various types of sleep apnea, the most common form being Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). When we sleep, the throat relaxes.  People with OSA relax the throat so much that the airway becomes narrowed or blocked. As a result, airflow is reduced or completely stops flowing into the upper airway and the lungs, so the body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs to function.  This is called an apnea event and can last up to 10 seconds.  In other words, breathing stops for up to 10 seconds!  When this occurs, the brain sends a signal to the body to wake up and take a breath.  Once the breath is taken, you fall back asleep.  This cycle of not breathing, waking up and taking a breath, and falling back asleep can occur up to hundreds of times in one night.

Due to the cyclical nature of sleep apnea, it can be a major disruption to getting a good night’s rest.  As a result, people can experience fatigue, morning headaches, high blood pressure, and in extreme cases life-threatening health issues.  If you feel you might be suffering from sleep apnea you should visit your doctor right away.

Fortunately, sleep apnea is treatable, most commonly through apnea therapy that can include the use of a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP, machine.  There are several types of CPAP machines, the three most common and three types of CPAP masks:

CPAP Machine Types

Standard CPAP:  This type of CPAP requires a specific pressure be prescribed and set for proper operation. Most CPAP machines include a heated humidifier which helps to maintain comfort.

Auto CPAP:  This device self-regulates and continuously monitors and adjusts pressure to treat apnea events. This is the most common type of CPAP machine.

Bi-level PAP:  This type of machine is used by less than 10% of sleep apnea patients and uses two different pressures — one during inhalation and one during exhalation. Bi-level PAP is named differently by two of the major manufacturers of CPAP devices.  Respironics calls their Bi-level PAP devices BiPAP and ResMed calls their device VPAP. Most of these devices feature Automatic pressure determination similar to the Auto CPAP.

Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV):  Rarely used, this is for people with even more severe types of sleep apnea. An ASV keeps your airway open by delivering a mandatory breath when necessary.

Portable CPAP: Portable CPAP machines are available, such as the ResMed AirMini and Breas Z2 Auto. These protable models are great for travel and can run on regular household power or be powered by a car, RV, boat, airplane and so forth. Battery options are also available.

CPAP Mask Types
Nasal Mask:  This option covers your nose. A nasal mask is often recommended for people who move around a lot when they sleep.

Nasal Pillow Mask:  Rather than covering your entire nose, a nasal pillow mask only covers your nostril area. Some options also have prongs that fit into your nostrils.

Full Mask:  The most common option, this mask fits over your nose and mouth. A full mask is best for individuals who breathe through their mouths during sleep. Your healthcare provider may also recommend this type of mask if you suffer from a nasal blockage.

A physician is required to diagnose sleep apnea and a prescription is required to purchase CPAP equipment.

AZ MediQuip is proud to provide CPAP machines from ResMed, Respironics and Resvent, including Auto CPAP, VPAP and ASV models.  Each of our locations has a wide variety of CPAP machines and CPAP masks on display for you to see before purchasing.

A sample listing of CPAP products by store: (Not all products are listed)

AZMediQuip Scottsdale CPAP
Resvent iBreeze AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 10 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 11 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirMini
Breas Z2 Auto
ResMed AirCurve VPAP
Respironics Full Face Mask
ResMed Full Face Mask
Sunset Full Face Mask
ResMed Pillow Mask
Respironics Pillow Mask
ResMed Nasal Mask
Respironics Nasal Mask
AZ MediQuip Chandler CPAP
Resvent iBreeze AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 10 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 11 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirCurve VPAP
ResMed AirMini
Breas Z2 Auto
Respironics Full Face Mask
ResMed Full Face Mask
Sunset Full Face Mask
ResMed Pillow Mask
Respironics Pillow Mask
ResMed Nasal Mask
Respironics Nasal Mask
AZ MediQuip Mesa CPAP
Resvent iBreeze AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 10 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 11 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirCurve VPAP
ResMed AirMini
Breas Z2 Auto
Respironics Full Face Mask
ResMed Full Face Mask
Sunset Full Face Mask
ResMed Pillow Mask
Respironics Pillow Mask
ResMed Nasal Mask
Respironics Nasal Mask
AZ MediQuip Goodyear CPAP
Resvent iBreeze AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 10 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 11 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirCurve VPAP
ResMed AirMini
Breas Z2 Auto
Respironics Full Face Mask
ResMed Full Face Mask
Sunset Full Face Mask
ResMed Pillow Mask
Respironics Pillow Mask
ResMed Nasal Mask
Respironics Nasal Mask
AZ MediQuip Peoria CPAP
Resvent iBreeze AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 10 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 11 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirCurve VPAP
ResMed AirMini
Breas Z2 Auto
Respironics Full Face Mask
ResMed Full Face Mask
Sunset Full Face Mask
ResMed Pillow Mask
Respironics Pillow Mask
ResMed Nasal Mask
Respironics Nasal Mask
AZ MediQuip Phoenix CPAP
Resvent iBreeze AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 10 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 11 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirCurve VPAP
Respironics Full Face Mask
ResMed AirMini
Breas Z2 Auto
ResMed Full Face Mask
Sunset Full Face Mask
ResMed Pillow Mask
Respironics Pillow Mask
ResMed Nasal Mask
Respironics Nasal Mask
AZ MediQuip Prescott Valley CPAP
Resvent iBreeze AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 10 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 11 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirCurve VPAP
ResMed AirMini
Breas Z2 Auto
Respironics Full Face Mask
ResMed Full Face Mask
Sunset Full Face Mask
ResMed Pillow Mask
Respironics Pillow Mask
ResMed Nasal Mask
Respironics Nasal Mask
AZ MediQuip Oro Valley CPAP
Resvent iBreeze AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 10 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirSense 11 AutoCPAP
ResMed AirCurve VPAP
ResMed AirMini
Breas Z2 Auto
Respironics Full Face Mask
ResMed Full Face Mask
Sunset Full Face Mask
ResMed Pillow Mask
Respironics Pillow Mask
ResMed Nasal Mask
Respironics Nasal Mask

Once you have purchased your CPAP device, you will need a way to keep it clean and sanitized.  Fortunately, CPAP machines and CPAP accessories are easy to clean.  AZ MediQuip carries a full line of CPAP cleaning machines, wipes, and sanitizers to keep your CPAP machine, hoses, and masks clean.

No matter where you are with your sleep apnea, rest assured that with the right equipment you will receive the comfort you deserve with a steady flow of oxygen all night as you sleep.

AZ MediQuip is the nation’s most knowledgeable and trusted home medical supply company that delivers custom solutions for all home medical equipment needs.

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