According to a study, nearly 1 billion people aged 30 to 69 suffer from sleep apnea. Only 18 million Americans are struggling with this disease, while in Lebanon, the prevalence of the condition is 47% among the population, with males at a higher risk of sleep apnea or OSA. This condition causes a person to experience pauses and interruptions in breathing during sleep, resulting in restlessness. CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines treat sleep apnea by providing air pressure through a mask that covers the nose and mouth. In this way, the patient receives proper oxygen and feels relaxed during sleep.
Although these kinds of machines are very useful for breathing disorders, they can be risky if not cleaned properly. The CPAP Machines maintenance & repair are essential to keep the device in order and ensure smoother delivery of air pressure to the patients.
The Process of How a CPAP Machine Works and Types of Machines
If a person continuously experiences sleep and breathing disorders, they may also develop other diseases such as:
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cognitive impairment
These are the reasons sleep apnea needs management, and CPAP machines help treat this breathing disorder.
A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine addresses sleep apnea by providing a continuous flow of air through your mouth and nose to keep your airways open during sleep. Here is a process of how a CPAP machine works:
- The machine has a mask that fits over the nose and mouth.
- The mask also has straps to support the mask on the face.
- A tube is also connected to both the mask and the motor of the machine.
- The motor draws air into the tube.
- The CPAP machine also has an air filter that purifies the air for the patient.
These machines come in different types.
Types of CPAP Machines
Different CPAP machines offer various features in terms of humidifiers and pressure settings.
Auto CPAP:
This type of CPAP has an automatic self-regulation system that generates the required air pressure to keep the patient’s airways open.
Bi-level PAP:
The bi-level PAP has two types of air pressure to facilitate easy breathing for the patient: a higher pressure for inhalation( breathing in) and a lower pressure for exhalation ( breathing out).
Auto Bi-level PAP:
This type is used for the automatic inhalation and exhalation process without any external assistance.
ASV ( Adaptive Servo-Ventilation)
ASV is a machine that monitors patients’ breathing levels and provides the required pressure to them. It is useful for patients with central sleep apnea and also provides breath if necessary.
What are the common issues that CPAP users face?
Although CPAP machines are user-friendly, some patients experience various problems while using them. The experience can be difficult for these patients, which may lead them to refuse to use the machines. The embarrassing situations can make them uncomfortable, mostly due to the negligence in cleaning CPAP equipment.
Here are the issues they may face:
- The patient may suffer from dry mouth caused by the pressured air.
- They can also experience dry and irritated eyes due to the loose-fitting and untidy mask.
- The higher pressure of air and a tight mask can cause a headache that can worsen.
- Claustrophobia is a type of fear where patients feel trapped in narrow spaces and struggle to breathe, sometimes resulting in panic attacks. This situation arises when a mask is too tight on the nose, creating a feeling of suffocation.
- Aerophagia is a medical term for swallowing air caused by very high air pressure, and it produces abdominal pain, excessive gas, bloating, and discomfort.
- Breathing issues are also caused by cold, pressurized air, and during first-time use, it can create a burning sensation in the lungs.
- The patient’s nose may be runny, stuffy, and irritated, and it can even bleed in worse conditions.
The CPAP Machines maintenance & repair can prevent these kinds of complications and improve the patient’s health.
Importance of Cleaning CPAP Equipment Regularly
Every piece of equipment needs to be cleaned regularly. Medical tools and devices are used for sensitive health issues; they should not be compromised due to potential harm to the patients. A CPAP machine is a smart device in which you invest money for your health; however, if you do not clean it daily, not only is your device at risk, but your health is also continuously under threat. Daily cleaning of supplies is crucial for keeping your airway open while you sleep by ensuring a good seal between your face and the mask. Routine cleaning and replacement of your PAP supplies are also important for maintaining your health. You should replace the distilled water in your heated humidifier chamber daily. Avoid letting this water sit for extended periods, as bacteria thrive in warm and wet environments. To avoid dust and germs, your mask needs weekly cleaning of the headgear and tubes.
Protection of Health with Professional CPAP Maintenance and Repair Services
With your daily care, your medical equipment machine requires regular professional inspection and maintenance. Professional Medical Equipment maintenance & repair services are not only about formal inspections or convenience for you; they also represent a long-term beneficial investment for you and your patients. For optimal efficiency and smooth operation of your device, you need specific services from qualified and expert technicians who ensure the accuracy of therapy with consistent air pressure. Professional help keeps your CPAP running smoothly and maintains the effectiveness of the process.
Furthermore, proper maintenance saves you from wasted expenses and extends the lifespan of the device. These devices have complexities that can be difficult to understand, which can lead to dangerous situations, so you should trust field experts with the maintenance of your devices. The professional technicians play a vital role in keeping your devices and equipment in order. There are many companies that not only rent or sell these devices but also provide experts to take care of your devices technically. Your healthcare tool providers should be alert, active, and energetic, able to motivate you and support you in difficult situations.
