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What is a CPAP Machine?
CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is the gold-standard treatment for the sleep disorder Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA).
A CPAP machine, or Sleep Apnoea Machine, works by blowing a steady flow of air through a mask worn while sleeping. The air pressure keeps the upper airways open to prevent apnoea events.
The pressure setting is either chosen by your sleep clinic, or the machine will auto-adjust to meet your requirements.
Can I buy a CPAP machine without a doctor?
You can buy a device in the UK without a doctor. However, you must provide valid proof to show that a doctor or sleep clinic has advised CPAP therapy.
If you have not yet had Sleep Apnoea confirmed, you can order a Sleep Apnoea Test. Once the test is complete, you will receive the results within 7-10 working days.
How do I choose a machine?
If you are about to start CPAP therapy for the first time, all you need is a machine and a mask. Prices vary by brand, and the devices may offer slightly different features. All the machines provide similar functionality, with additional extras which can be added to increase comfort.
The mask is connected to the machine and delivers a steady flow of air pressure into your airways via your nose or your nose and mouth.
We are here to help, so if you have any questions, our customer service team are on hand to help.
Adapting to a Sleep Apnoea device
If you are new to CPAP therapy, it may take a little time to get used to it. Some patients feel the benefit after just one night. For others, it can take several weeks of regular use to feel the full benefit. Whenever you start, patience is essential.
The mask is the most important part of effective and comfortable therapy. We do not provide masks with the devices, so please get in touch with us if you need help choosing one.
There are other items available which can enhance your comfort, such as a heated humidifier. This ensures the air delivered by the machine is warm. Warmer air reduces a dry mouth or soreness in the throat.
When we deliver your equipment, we will provide a small brochure with all the steps needed to set everything up. Plus, tips on getting comfortable with your CPAP and how to solve any common side effects.
CPAP Machines FAQs
To buy a machine, we would need to see written proof that shows you require CPAP therapy. This could be a letter from your doctor. It doesn’t have to be a formal prescription.
If you have completed our Sleep Apnoea Test you do not need to provide anything more.
If you have yet to have a sleep study, either privately with us or with the NHS, we suggest you read about Sleep Testing.
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 equipment 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.
Your Sleep Test results will determine whether you require a fixed-pressure or automatic machine.
Fixed Pressure:
- 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, you will need an Auto-CPAP Machine if you do not have a prescribed pressure.
Automatic Pressure:
- 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 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.
We suggest that you use your Sleep Apnoea machine whenever you sleep. This includes whenever you take a nap. Doing so will improve your sleep quality and prevent apnoeas.
Reading the data on the machine measures the success of your therapy. The key metrics for measuring success include usage hours, time asleep, and your apnoea-hypopnea 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 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 health and treatment. If you stop using CPAP therapy, the key signs and symptoms of Sleep Apnoea may return again.
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.