CPAP Machines

What is a CPAP Machine?

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. After a diagnosis of sleep apnea, the easiest and most effective treatment is sleep therapy. A CPAP is the most commonly used machine to help people breathe easily throughout the night. It works by delivering a constant flow of pressurized air to your airways, thereby preventing the throat from collapsing when you inhale. As a result, you sleep comfortably without waking up and gasping during sleep.

What are the Benefits of CPAP Therapy?

CPAP treatment keeps the airway open and avoids shortness of breath during the night by delivering a steady flow of pressurized air. Therefore, breathing becomes stabilized, and the quality of sleep improves.

A good night's sleep is vital for your ability to function and feel well. Sleep helps protect your mental and physical health. It leaves you energized and helps you remember, react, and focus as needed. And it greatly improves your quality of life. Left untreated, sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, and an increased risk of death due to heart attack or stroke.

How Does a CPAP Machine Work?

In short, a CPAP machine takes in room air through a filter,  and pressurizes it according to your individual needs. Then, it delivers the air to you via a tube and mask.

The first step is choosing the right machine. Features to consider include sound levels, ramp features, and Bluetooth compatibility for data collection and analysis. The unit then begins by taking room air, not oxygen, and passing it through a filter to screen out impurities. It is then pressurized according to your physician's recommended settings or a range if using an auto CPAP machine. Machines deliver pressure between 4 centimeters of water pressure (CWP) to 25 CWP. To avoid dry mouths, throats, and nasal cavities, the air is usually pushed through a heated humidifier to produce moisture in the air. The CPAP mask then receives the humid air through a tube.

Auto CPAP machines have a feature that measures the resistance on a breath-by-breath basis to detect a collapse in the airway. When an apnea episode is detected, the machine increases the pressure as needed to resolve the apnea. Similarly, if pressure is not needed, the device will lower the range.

How Do You Pick the Best CPAP Machine for You?

There are several types of machines. Standard CPAP machines deliver a fixed pressure throughout the night. Minimal pressure is required to keep the airway open which can be automatically adjusted by the auto CPAP devices. Travel CPAP machines are small and light, making them ideal for delivering sleep apnea treatment while traveling on the road. Finally, Bi-PAP machines devices provide two different inhalation and exhalation pressures. Your doctor will suggest the best equipment to use and the pressure settings that will be right for you. Auto CPAPs do not require a fixed pressure setting. Auto CPAPs do not require a fixed pressure setting.

• How to Choose the Right CPAP?
• How to Choose a Travel CPAP Machine?

How Long Will it Take to Receive my Machine?

If you place your order by 3:30 pm Monday-Friday and supply us with your prescription, we aim to ship the same day! We believe that getting your CPAP items delivered quickly is very important. And we stock nearly everything we sell. You can almost always expect your order within 1-5 business days anywhere in the United States and within 6-10 business days for international delivery. In addition, we offer faster shipping options for every item including UPS next-day and 2-day air delivery.

Can I Call You if I Need Help After Purchasing My CPAP Machine?

Yes! We are committed to you and your long-term success with sleep therapy. Our knowledgeable team is here to answer any of your questions, troubleshoot problems, or offer advice as you need. To reach us, you can send us an email, give us a call, chat with us online, or visit us in-person at our retail store. Our customer service team is available Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm and on Saturday from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Do You Need a Prescription to Buy CPAP Machines Online?

With our online lowest price match assurance, you can shop with confidence knowing that you are getting the best deal. We will refund the difference if you find the same CPAP mask at a cheaper price from an authorized online reseller within 14 days of purchase. If you find the same product at a cheaper price at an authorized online reseller, call for a price match at 866.414.9700.

How Much is a CPAP Machine and Will Insurance Cover?

The average price for a CPAP machine ranges from $500 to $3000 depending on the type of machine you purchase. Fixed pressure, auto-adjusting, and BiPAP machines all vary in price. On average, new machines cost around $850. Users also have the option of adding in a humidifier, which we recommend for a more comfortable experience. All our machines come with a 2-year warranty. Some machines, such as the Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto, offer the opportunity to extend to a 5-year warranty. At The CPAP Shop, we do not accept insurance but we do provide an itemized receipt with corresponding insurance codes to submit for reimbursement. Here's a recent article on the pros and cons of purchasing CPAP therapy via insurance.

Do You Have Any Customer Resources to Help Get Started on CPAP Therapy?

At The CPAP Shop, our customer's long-term success with sleep therapy is our top priority. We have created an extensive video library and blog library, including a wealth of tips, expert commentary, product-specific how-to guides, and the latest research.

Here are a few must-reads to get you started:

1. CPAP machines FAQs answered by real users
2. How to protect your CPAP machine data
3. Setting up your CPAP machine and getting started on therapy
4. Six products every frustrated CPAP user should try

And, as always, our knowledgeable staff is only an email or call away and happy to offer recommendations based on your specific needs.

Is There Any Side Effect Using a CPAP Machine?

Initially, some people do find it challenging to fall asleep during CPAP therapy. The goal is to use the CPAP machine long enough to gain the benefits from a sound sleep. Additional negative reactions include discomfort, dry mouth, throat, and nasal passages, marks from the mask being too tight, claustrophobia, and more. On the other hand, the health benefits of CPAP therapy can exceed the drawbacks. At The CPAP Shop, we offer many tips to promote adherence including how to pick the right mask and the benefits of CPAP humidification. Our knowledgeable staff can also support you with problems and provide advice on choosing the best equipment. We can be reached at 866.414.9700.

What is Sleep Coaching?

At The CPAP Shop, we are committed to long-term success with CPAP therapy. As a result, we have partnered with Philips Respironics to connect our customers with experts who can offer advice and troubleshoot problems as you they get adjusted to using their Philips DreamStation and DreamStation Go travel CPAP machines. With this optional premier sleep coaching service, users will receive two phone calls from a sleep coach to assist with any technical questions that stem from initial use. The subject matter covers the setup of the machine, menu applications, humidification, functionality, problems regarding CPAP masks, heated tubing, and the DreamMapper app.