Choosing a CPAP or Auto CPAP machine:
Once diagnosed with sleep apnea or severe snoring you may look at deciding on a Pap or CPAP machine only to find that there are many different models at different prices, it can be somewhat bewildering initially.
This page is here to help you. Basically it does not matter which type you choose initially, either CPAP or APAP, all of them are designed to treat the same problem, that being obstructive sleep apnea or keeping the airway between the mouth and nose and lungs open. You could choose a very basic machine, which would start in price from about £250 to the most expensive being just under £1000.
Why the difference in price? The CPAP machine is the original type; here is a brief history;
In the late 1970s people went to their doctors, discovered that a supplied a fixed pressure of air was helpful in basically keeping their throat open whilst asleep. And consequently keeping them breathing.
A CPAP machine is a device, which can be set at a particular pressure and this is intended to keep the throat open. It was further discovered that depending on the patient’s build weight severity they required different pressures so a calibrated pressure setting device was built called a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) It was later discovered that different pressures are needed depending on if you are in deep sleep or light sleep, if you have a cold, or flu, what position you are lying in, etc.
It was realized that either the machine had to be set at a very high pressure to cover every eventuality, which is not really ideal, or very low consequently it would only be effective some of the time. Consequently this prompted the development of the auto CPAP machine, which actually listens to your breathing and gives you just the right amount of pressure to work, the idea is that if you are having trouble breathing the pressure is automatically increased.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to go for an auto CPAP machine in preference to a CPAP machine, otherwise you are buying a machine without a brain, a medical quality compressor. On an auto CPAP machine you will have the added functionality of being able to record data and be able to find out if it is working and if you are having sleep apnea or snoring, allowing a degree of fine- tuning to reduce the occurrence of apneas in the night.
Although automatic with in fine tune the APAP machines to give you the lowest pressure that works effectively.
You may decide to buy a CPAP machine as it’s a cheaper option, or you might decide to go for an auto CPAP machine - (there is a difference in price). You may want to do a bit of research particularly on the manufacturers, see how long they have been in business, how well respected they are and so on. You will soon see that the more respected manufactures are producing the best quality machines and they are more expensive, you will see newcomers on the market offering cheaper machines also.
The very best quality machines will be able to detect obstructive and central sleep apnea where your lungs actually stop breathing. From the auto models that we supply the Trend 2 is our premium model, the Point 2 is a mid-range unit, and the Resmart is an extremely good value for money auto CPAP machine.
Humidifiers are a comfort feature or optional extra, most auto CPAP machines have a humidifier add- on option, when you first start using a CPAP you will not know whether you need a humidifier or not, if you tend to suffer from a dry throat then the chances are you do need a humidifier. This tends to be the main reason they are needed, if you live in a dry or cold climate humidifier will also likely be a benefit and prevent a dry throat leading to sore throat symptoms. The better quality auto CPAP machines offer this and also pressure relief when you breathe out, all of these features are designed to enhance your comfort.
Hopefully, this will make it easier for you to make the best choice for your level of sleep apnea/snoring and bedroom environment.
Of course there are other considerations down things like size weights quietness sometimes it comes down to lifestyle priorities if you need further assistance if you call or email us and let us know what is the greatest priority for you we can help to point you in the best direction.