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Continuous Postive Air Pressure: CPAP

CPAP pressure can vary widely depending on what the user wants and what the particular machine is capable of providing. CPAP machines are a common treatment option for sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that affects many people across the country. Sleep apnea is characterized by a cessation of breathing caused when the airway becomes obstructed or collapses. CPAP machines work to correct this problem by providing a constant stream of pressurized air to the lungs, preventing the airway from collapsing because the air stream supports the walls of the airway. Although it seems overly simplistic, regular use of CPAP machines has been very effective in preventing problems associated with sleep apnea and allowing sufferers to get a good night's sleep once again.

The Facts about CPAP Pressure

The main provision of CPAP, pressure, is very important to preventing airway collapse or obstruction. CPAP stands for continuous positive air pressure and refers to providing an unbroken stream of air to the lungs. If there are gaps in the airflow, the airway has the chance to temporarily collapse, which will then result in no air reaching the lungs. However, if air is pumped into the lungs through the airway, the airway is continually maintained open. However, not all CPAP machines offer the same level or kinds of pressure.

CPAP pressure depends on what the machine itself can provide. The most basic form of a CPAP machine has only one option for air pressure, maintaining a constant pressure as people breathe in or breathe out. However, there are other machines that operate based on the realization that not everyone breathes the same way and not everyone needs the same amount of air pressure to prevent sleep apnea. For people who want a more customizable CPAP experience, there are machines that allow the user to select the degree of air pressure. This is important because it means that each individual user gets exactly what he or she needs, never too much or too little. Keeping with the same idea but taking the responsibility away from the user, there are other CPAP machines that automatically determine the CPAP pressure that is needed, supplying it without any input from user.

Although the CPAP pressure is good because it prevents sleep apnea, the pressure can also cause some negative side effects because the body, specifically the nose and throat tissues, is unaccustomed to this type of pressurized air. It is not uncommon for people who regularly use CPAP machines to suffer from dry nose and throat tissues, discomfort, and even nosebleeds. If this is the case, adding moisture to the pressurized air with the use of a CPAP humidifier can help.

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