Humidifiers - Cut Down on Irritation From Sleep Apnea Machines

By Mark Etinger

Although useful in sleep apnea therapy, CPAP air from sleep apnea machines is actually an irritant. The increased airflow from Respironics CPAP machines and other brands affects everyone differently - some patients may experience bleeding and irritation that can lead to infection, while others are more prone to excess mucous, which can lead to sneezing and congestion. Some patients' irritation may accumulate from extended use, while other new patients might react poorly to CPAP air from their first couple of treatments.

For sleep apnea patients, humidification is the best option to cut down on irritation and avoid these symptoms.

Just like CPAP machines, humidifiers come in all shapes and sizes - some are attached directly to sleep apnea masks or machines, while others are intended to stand on their own. Here are some of the different types of humidifiers:

Heated humidifier: As the name suggests, a heated humidifier relies on heat to create moisture. These machines typically have several heat settings so patients can customize the amount of moisture they wish to receive. Heated humidifiers are considered very effective and typically have small, convenient water chambers.

Passover humidifier: Unlike heated humidifiers, passover humidifiers are freestanding water chambers that can be added to the path of your sleep apnea machine. Typically, air will originate in the CPAP machine, pass through a hose to the humidifier, and then continue through another, longer hose to your Respironics CPAP mask. Moisture is added to the CPAP air as it passes over the humidifier chamber.

Passover humidifiers typically work best with low pressure CPAP machines and are often prescribed to new sleep apnea patients. These humidifiers can work wonders for some patients, but for others they are simply not enough. In passover humidifiers, there is no way to customize the amount of moisture received, and they produce less moisture when operating at colder temperatures. Patients can turn their heated humidifiers into passive humidifiers by turning off the heat.

Integrated humidifier: Integrated humidifiers are designed to work as components of CPAP machines, which means patients only need a single hose and power cord, for added portability. Since these humidifiers are constructed for specific machines, patients need to replace them every time they switch machines. Also, some types of integrated humidifiers function as passover humidifiers, which restricts the amount of moisture created.

Built in humidifier: Built in humidifiers are permanent components of CPAP machines, creating a very compact setup. These can function as either heated or passover humidifiers. Patients who travel often may not enjoy built in humidifiers since they cannot be removed from CPAP machines, making the overall machine heavier than a machine without a humidifier. Also, since the CPAP and humidifier are a single unit, if there is a problem with any component, the entire machine will have to be repaired.

Stand alone humidifier: Stand alone humidifiers are separate units connected via hose to CPAP machines. These humidifiers feature large water chambers for optimum humidity, in addition to adjustable levels, however they are less compact than integrated or built in humidifiers and require a separate power cord.

Despite their differences, all humidifiers require simple maintenance. Most importantly, the tanks should be filled exclusively with distilled water, which will allow your humidifier to stay clean and safe for use. Distilled water evaporates without creating any mineral deposits - unlike tap water, which can cause white mineral buildup or mold to accumulate in your tank. If distilled water is not available, bottled water is an acceptable substitute, provided patients do not allow standing water to sit in the tank.

Besides that, all you have to do to keep your humidifier working well is to rinse out the chamber every morning.

If dryness in or around the nose continues to be a problem, patients should try facial moisturizer or saline nasal drops. Additionally, sometimes dryness is exasperated by certain other factors, such as sleeping with an open mouth. In these cases, doctors recommend special CPAP masks that cover both the nose and mouth. New masks take some getting used to, but after the adjustment period is over, patients will experience decreased nasal dryness and irritation.

At http://www.CPAPMART.com you'll be able to find the best sleep apnea machines, respironics CPAP, sleep apnea masks, respironics CPAP mask and accessories and sleep tight, all night.

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Sleep Apnea Machines - CPAP Vs BiPAP

By Dianna Yvonne Smith

Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea? Your doctor could prescribe one of two types of sleep apnea machines for your sleeping disorder, a CPAP or BiPap machine. Which one do you believe is the best? The CPAP has been a lifesaver, literally. Keeping airways open so those who have sleep apnea can sleep without the dangers of not breathing.

The Differences Between the CPAP and the BiPAP

The CPAP machine is designed to increase the pressure when you inhale to keep the airways in the nose, throat and mouth from closing while you are sleeping. This has been a great help to many people who suffer from sleep apnea and may stop breathing several times a night.

On the other hand, the BiPAP machine may help as well. Using the same setup as a CPAP with tubing, masks and a machine, the BiPAP uses a different setting. The CPAP uses one pressure and the BiPAP uses two. These two pressures are called inhalation pressure (IPAP) and the exhalation pressure (EPAP).

Where the CPAP works as the person using it inhales, the BiPAP provides more breathing assistance. They have been prescribed for patients who have congestive heart failure and other serious diseases affecting the heart and lungs. People with nerve and muscle problems may also benefit from the BiPAP machine rather than the CPAP machine.

The BiPAP is preset with two settings. The pressure when inhaling and exhaling is monitored. When the person sleeping does not breathe for a certain mount of time, the BiPAP increases pressure and forces them to take a breath. There are higher level CPAP machines that do this as well. These machines need a BPM (breathes per minute) setting that is targeted to your particular breathing needs.

Both machines are designed to make sure the users breathe a set number of times per minute. One of the main benefits of the BiPAP machine is the pressure is decreased as the person breathes out. This keeps them from having to work as hard at breathing and the person is able to have a more restful sleep.

The BiPAP machine is not large or noisy. They are designed to make the least amount of noise possible so you can sleep. The inclusion of a humidifier may be included with the BiPAP making it a higher end machine than the CPAP.

The main difference between these two machines will be the needs of the patient. The one that will help each individual with the specific breathing problems they have will be based on doctor's examinations and recommendations. A sleep test will be conducted to allow the doctor to see exactly what settings are needed on the type of machine required.

The CPAP machine will be used for mild sleep apnea. Make no mistake, this can be a dangerous condition. It just depends on the levels of sleep apnea to govern the needed machine. Both machines are quite beneficial and are crucial to keeping sleepers breathing when they have problems.

The sleep apnea machines are not designed to be used as ventilators. They do not breathe for you. They merely make sure you take the number of breaths per minute that your doctor believes is right for you. After doing tests to determine what the correct number may be, the doctor will advise you as to which machine he thinks you need.

Dianna Yvonne Smith is a dedicated internet researcher of health issues including sleep apnea. She shares her research on her website, Sleep Apnea Made Simple. If you suffer from sleep apnea or other sleeping disorders, visit http://www.SleepApneaMadeSimple.com to learn much more about this condition.

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Sleep Apnea Machines - What you Need to Know

By Toby Russell

In this article we aim to just cover briefly some of the equipment options that may be available for sufferers, as always it is vital to have your condition properly diagnosed & the appropriate treatment prescribed by a qualified professional.

Sleep Apnea, a common sleep disorder can be corrected using different types of Sleep Apnea Machines. These machines are commonly known as CPAP machines.

Continuous Positive Air way Pressure (CPAP)

A CPAP machine is an electrically powered device, which can also (in some instances) run on batteries. It helps in maintaining continuous positive air pressure in the respiratory tract.

This nasal treatment is opted for people with Obstructive and Mixed Sleep Apnea Syndrome. While sleeping, a small air blower is connected to the nose with the help of a mask. This Sleep Apnea Machine keeps the airway from collapsing and opens a proper air passage by continuously pumping in air into the respiratory tract either through the nose or mouth. This machine is customary for treating & controlling the effects of Sleep Apnea.

Possible side effects .........

A Sleep Apnea Machine may make the mouth and nose dry and stuffy and irritate the skin. It can also prove to be uncomfortable during sleep. These difficulties can be eliminated by using a humidifier, which avoids the irritation caused due to the pumping in of dry air. A humidifier is a good accessory for CPAP sleep apnea machines and is certainly worth considering.

When the CPAP machines are used for the first time there can be difficulties getting used to the sensation and it can take some time to adjust to wearing the mask and straps. However within a few days a normal sleep pattern can usually be reached. It is important that suitable masks and straps are used to obtain the best fit.

Other Options:

Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) � this machine is used in the treatment of different kinds of breathing disorders, other than treating Sleep Apnea alone. It is slightly different from Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine. The machine senses the level of air needed by the patient and provides the person with adequate measure of air pressure. In the natural breathing process, for inhalation a minimum quantity of air is needed and for exhalation more air is required. Accordingly the machine provides only a little pressure on exhalation and more on inhalation.

Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) is more expensive than others.
BiPAP is especially useful for obese patients, those with different neuro-muscular disorders and patients who are generally intolerant to CPAP sleep apnea machine.

Tongue Retaining Devices (Splints) � these devices are used primarily for people with snoring habits. It is fitted onto the tongue of the person (where the tongue causes obstruction) and it sucks the tongue forward opening the passage for air.

Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) � This treatment is fitted on the lower jaw. It pulls the jaw a little forward and opens the passage of air. Periodical replacement of the device is prescribed. The device is useful for people with mild Sleep Apnea.

Automatic PAP Devices - this Sleep Apnea Machine provides minimum supply of air pressure depending on different parameters. It adjusts the pressure as per the intake of air that a person takes in to what is required.

Sleep Apnea machines are a vital tool in dealing with Sleep Apnea and various other sleep disorders and have provided good results.

However as with any medical condition it is vital that correct & professional advice is sort prior to starting any treatment.

Toby Russell owns & operates an information-based website, http://www.sleepapneainfoguide.com which aims to offer help and advice to sleep apnea sufferers.

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