CPAP Machines

The results of your Sleep Test will determine if you require a fixed-pressure machine or an automatic machine.

Fixed Pressure CPAP:

• Delivers a constant pressure.
• Good if your prescribed pressure stays stable.
• You can change the pressure setting when needed.

At the start of therapy, a fixed-pressure machine always provides your prescribed pressure. This setting will be changed if needed. For example, if you make lifestyle changes, this could affect the level of your OSA.

If your doctor or clinic has given you a pressure setting, you can choose between an auto or fixed-pressure machine. However, if you do not have a prescribed pressure, you will need an Auto-CPAP Machine.

Automatic CPAP:

• An automated machine will adjust the pressure throughout the night to meet your needs.
• It will monitor your breathing and adjust the pressure as needed to keep your airway open.
• If you choose an Auto-CPAP machine, it will always provide the exact pressure you need.
• An automatic machine will start at low pressure to make falling asleep easier.

The advice is to use your CPAP device for at least 4 hours per night. Four hours is the minimum amount of time for users to feel the full benefit of treatment. However, the aim would be to use the machine the whole time you are asleep.

Follow the manual and our advice to get the best result from the therapy. You may not get the full benefit of using the machine if you do not use it every night. People with Sleep Apnoea who stop using therapy usually see the key signs and symptoms return quickly.

Reading the data on the machine measures the success of CPAP therapy. The key metrics for measuring CPAP success include usage hours, time asleep, and your apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI).

You can share your sleep data recorded by the machine with a doctor or sleep clinic. They can use the data to monitor how well it is working for you. Some machines allow users to view this data on an app or website. On others, it is available on the machine’s SD card.

The length of time people require CPAP treatment varies. It depends on the symptoms that led to its prescription and their overall health. Some people may need to use CPAP for life, while others may only need to use it for a limited time.

Speak to your healthcare provider when making decisions about your CPAP therapy. If you stop using CPAP therapy, the key signs and symptoms of Sleep Apnoea may return again.

The short answer is yes. A common concern when beginning CPAP therapy is the noise of the device. All CPAP machines make an element of noise as they are continuously blowing out air. However, modern machines have come a long way, and the noise is down to a very low level. All of the CPAP machines we provide are tested to ensure they are quieter than 30db.

The noise from your machine goes unnoticed when compared to the usual loudness of snoring.

The availability of CPAP on the NHS and the criteria for eligibility can vary. In some cases, patients may be provided with a machine free of charge. While in other situations, there may be some cost-sharing or specific conditions that need to be met.

To get the most up-to-date information regarding the provision of CPAP on the NHS, speak to your GP or your local NHS authority.

However, there might be a waiting list for a sleep test and receiving equipment. According to a BBC News story, the entire process can take up to two years.

BiPAP stands for Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure. BiPAP provides non-invasive ventilation to treat conditions such as Central Sleep Apnea, COPD, and other lung conditions.

BiPAP machines look the same as CPAP devices. The difference is they provide two distinct pressure settings: one for when you breathe in (IPAP) and another for when you breathe out (EPAP).

If you think you may need BiPAP, then you should discuss this with your GP or sleep clinic first.