How to Read Your CPAP Data: What AHI and Leak Rate Actually Mean
Every night your CPAP machine is in use, it's quietly recording a small mountain of data: how many breathing events you had, how much air leaked around your ...
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FAQs
Answers to your common questions about CPAP devices and tips for getting better sleep every night.
What is a CPAP machine?
A CPAP machine is a device that delivers Continuous Positive Air Pressure through a hose to a nasal/face mask to help treat obstructive sleep apnea. A CPAP machine creates positive air pressure in a user's airway that prevents the airway from closing or collapsing which causes an apnea event. CPAP has become a generic term to refer to both CPAPs, APAPs, BiPAPs and other breathing devices. APAPs (Automatic Positive Air Pressure) adjust the force of the air pressure within a specified range to adjust to user needs. Most users find APAPs easier and more comfortable to use than CPAPs.
What is a BIPAP machine?
A BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machine delivers two different pressure levels — a higher pressure on inhale and a lower pressure on exhale — making it easier to breathe out compared to a standard CPAP. It's often prescribed for people who need more support than a CPAP provides, including those with certain lung or neuromuscular conditions.
What does a CPAP machine cost?
CPAP machines typically range from $500 to $1,000 for a standard base model, with more advanced auto-adjusting (APAP) machines and travel-sized units running higher. Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover some or all of the cost when the device is prescribed for diagnosed sleep apnea.
How to clean a CPAP machine?
Wipe down your mask and empty the water chamber daily, and wash the mask cushion, tubing, and humidifier chamber in warm, soapy water at least once a week. Let all parts air dry fully before reassembling, and avoid harsh chemicals or scented soaps that can damage the silicone.
How to get a CPAP machine?
Getting a CPAP machine typically starts with a sleep study, either in a lab or at home, that confirms a diagnosis of sleep apnea. Once your doctor writes a prescription, you can order a machine through a supplier like The CPAP Shop, and we'll help you find the right fit for your needs and insurance coverage.
How long does a CPAP machine last?
Most CPAP machines last around 3 to 5 years with regular use and proper maintenance, though some units continue performing well beyond that. Manufacturers generally recommend replacing the device every 5 years to ensure accurate pressure delivery and to take advantage of newer features.
Can you use purified water in a CPAP machine?
Yes, purified or distilled water is actually the recommended choice for your CPAP humidifier, since it's free of the minerals found in tap water that can cause mineral buildup and damage the water chamber over time. Avoid tap, well, or spring water, as these can also introduce bacteria.
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