Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are used to treat those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. With the large selection of CPAP machines from online vendors and medical supply stores, it can be difficult choosing the best model for your unique needs.
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MEDICAL SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
The Buyer’s Guide To CPAP Machines
At Lehan’s Medical Supplies & Equipment in Rockford, we’re proud to be a leading provider of medical supplies and CPAP machines and we love educating our customers on the various models available. Before you purchase the first CPAP machine you find online, make sure you have a thorough understanding of the various features they offer.
SLEEP APNEA & CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE THERAPY
Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous sleep disorder that can put you at risk for heart problems, stroke, and high blood pressure, among other health issues. If your doctor or physician has recommended you rent or buy a CPAP machine to improve your quality of sleep, it’s important to understand why. People who suffer from sleep apnea unknowingly stop breathing during their sleep which can cause several health problems down the line. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy increases the flow of air pressure in your throat so your airway doesn’t collapse when you breathe in. As a non-invasive and painless treatment approach, CPAP machines have proven to be extremely effective when it comes to improving your sleep quality.
TYPES OF SLEEP APNEA
At Lehan’s Medical Supplies & Equipment, we’ve helped hundreds of people across Illinois find the best CPAP machine for their sleep apnea. The three most common types of sleep apnea include obstructive, central, and mixed.
OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA (OSA)
Obstructive sleep apnea is among the most common type of sleep disorder which occurs when a person’s upper throat muscles are so relaxed that they fail to keep the airway open during sleep. This can be a dangerous situation, as it causes a complete or partial blockage of airflow to the lungs, making the simple act of breathing extremely difficult. When someone with OSA tries to breathe, the little air that squeezes through the blockage can create loud snoring noises. More often than not, people suffering from OSA don’t even realize that their sleep is being interrupted throughout the night. If you feel you or a loved one may suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, contact your certified physician right away.
CENTRAL SLEEP APNEA (CSA)
Central sleep apnea occurs when you repeatedly stop breathing during your sleep. This happens when your brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing which can result in medical illnesses such as chronic heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and even kidney failure. Symptoms of CSA can include chronic fatigue, morning headaches, poor memory, and restlessness.
At Lehan’s Medical Supplies & Equipment in Rockford, we’re proud to offer a plethora of CPAP machines to help combat central sleep apnea. Contact our medical equipment specialists today to learn more about our medical supplies!
MIXED SLEEP APNEA
As you may have been able to guess, mixed sleep apnea is a unique combination of obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. If you suffer from this type of sleep disorder, you may experience feelings of depression, irritability, memory loss, and dry mouth when you wake up.
CPAP MACHINE FEATURES TO CONSIDER
Unless your doctor recommends a specific CPAP machine for your condition, it can be a challenge trying to choose a CPAP machine for your sleep disorder. While there are a variety of important features to consider for your CPAP machine, below are a few of the most common.
CPAP MASK
Finding the right CPAP mask is crucial to the effectiveness of your continuous positive airway pressure therapy. With the large selection of CPAP mask styles, shapes, and sizes available, it can be difficult honing in on a mask that suits your individual breathing needs. The medical equipment specialists at Lehan’s are here to give you some key pointers so you can choose the best CPAP mask for you.
NASAL PILLOW MASK
A nasal pillow mask is a popular choice among CPAP users because of their minimal design. As the smallest CPAP mask available, this device rests on the user’s upper lip as it blows pressurized air into your nose. While there are many benefits to a nasal pillow mask, below are some of the most popular.
Great for people who like to read or watch TV before bedtime, the nasal pillow mask offers a better field of vision when compared to other CPAP masks.
The direct airflow into the user’s nasal passages helps to reduce air leakage.
NASAL MASK
Nasal masks are triangular in shape and fit snugly over the nose, covering the area from the bridge of your nose down to your upper lip. A popular choice among CPAP users due to their wide range of sizes and fits, benefits of this mask include:
More natural airflow with high-pressure settings.
A large variety of styles that cater to unique facial structures and features.
FULL FACE MASK
A full face mask covers the nose and mouth with side straps to keep the mask in place. Ideal for mouth-breathers or patients with frequent congestion. Some benefits of a full mask include:
These CPAP masks work well for patients who require high airway pressure settings due to their wide surface area.
Works well for people that sleep on their back.
If you need help choosing the best CPAP machine and mask for your sleep condition, contact the medical equipment experts at Lehan’s in Rockford today!
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