| Do you know what a CPAP machine is? Better yet, | | | | flow generator. |
| do you know what CPAP means? For starters, | | | | 3. The Interface. This is the part that you put on your |
| CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway | | | | face and which makes the introduction of the airflow |
| Pressure. Yes, there's a lot of technicality there, but the | | | | pressure into your system possible. The most |
| whole point of this jargon is that this kind of pressure is | | | | common interfaces are CPAP nasal masks, nasal |
| generated to help a person who cannot generate it on | | | | pillows, and full-face masks. |
| his own. In other words, CPAP is a kind of pressure | | | | CPAP nasal masks are perhaps the simplest among |
| used to help someone who has difficulty in breathing, | | | | the three interfaces considering that they cover only |
| most especially for those who suffer from sleep | | | | your nose. In essence, pressure goes through your |
| apnea. | | | | nose, then down to your throat, and to your lungs. |
| Oops, that's another medical and technical term! Once | | | | Among the three, CPAP nasal masks are perhaps the |
| again, in simple terms, sleep apnea is a sleep disorder | | | | most comfortable. |
| characterized by breath interruptions. This condition | | | | Contrary to CPAP nasal masks, full-face masks cover |
| happens when the person's air passage is blocked | | | | your whole face. If you are a bit claustrophobic, you |
| (usually by the tissues in the throat). | | | | may not want to use this interface. Full-face masks, |
| The CPAP machine was developed by Dr. Colin | | | | however, are great at preventing you from breathing |
| Sullivan in 1981. This Australian researcher, together | | | | through your mouth. Sleep apnea patients must |
| with his colleagues Berthon-Jones, Issa and Eves, | | | | breathe through the nose to keep a "close pressure |
| "invented" this mechanism primarily for the treatment | | | | system." |
| of sleep apnea. Early CPAP machines were large and | | | | In addition to CPAP nasal masks and full-face masks |
| bulky, but today, they are getting more compact, | | | | are nasal pillows. CPAP nasal pillows - in Toronto or |
| making them capable for transport. While early CPAP | | | | elsewhere - are also known as lip-seal mouthpieces. |
| machines are only used in the hospitals, today, they | | | | This interface is made up of a "pillow" (a small tube) |
| are widely used in the homes of patients as well. You | | | | and a set of straps that keep it in place (right below |
| can even rent CPAP - in Toronto and elsewhere - | | | | the nostrils). |
| nowadays. | | | | The flow generator, the hose and the interface are the |
| So what does a CPAP machine look like? What are | | | | three main components of CPAP machines. But there |
| its components? | | | | are a number of accessories and optional features |
| The CPAP machine is divided into three major parts. | | | | available in the market today. All of them are meant to |
| Let's discuss them one by one. | | | | give the patient comfort in an uncomfortable state - |
| 1. The Flow Generator. This is the heart of the | | | | they are all meant to help them sleep better. |
| machine. It is the part responsible for providing the | | | | CPAP Clinic - healthcare at your home |
| airflow pressure. | | | | We serve Greater Toronto Area in Canada. |
| 2. The Hose. Obviously, this part is responsible for | | | | Contact: 1-877-430-CPAP(2727) or info@CPAPClinic. |
| connecting the interface (discussed below) with the | | | | |