CPAP Machine: Benefits, Cost, and How To Use One
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Medically reviewed by Anthony Pearson, MD
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a medical device that delivers a constant, gentle flow of pressurized air into your nose or mouth to keep your airway open while you sleep. Healthcare providers prescribe CPAP therapy to treat sleep-related breathing disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, in which tissues in your mouth and throat narrow or close your airways, causing your breath to stop momentarily.
Using a CPAP machine can be a significant lifestyle change. You will need to use it every night, including when you travel, and likely during naps as well. However, it's an effective treatment option that can improve your sleep and your overall quality of life. There are several different CPAP options, and they're all relatively simple to use.
Who Uses a CPAP Machine?
CPAP therapy is a common treatment for breathing-related sleep disorders. In the United States, over 8 million people—including infants, children, and adults—use a CPAP machine to help them breathe normally and get quality sleep.
CPAP therapy is typically the first treatment offered for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). These two forms of sleep apnea are characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, which causes the oxygen level in your body to drop. OSA causes the tissues in your mouth and throat to narrow or close your airways. This reduced airflow can cause you to snore loudly. CSA can also cause snoring, but this is less common. In addition to snoring, you might wake up gasping for air, which is your brain signaling you to start breathing again.
In the short term, sleep apnea can cause daytime fatigue, morning headaches, dry mouth, irritability, and difficulties with concentration and memory. Chronic, untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
CPAP therapy soon after birth helps improve health outcomes for preterm newborns (babies born before 37 weeks). Premature babies with underdeveloped lungs and difficulty breathing may be treated with CPAP therapy. The steady flow of pressurized air helps keep the baby's airways open, preventing lung collapse (pneumothorax) and respiratory distress.
Types
There are several different types of CPAP machines. Each type provides different air pressure settings. Your healthcare provider will prescribe a specific type of CPAP therapy based on your diagnosis, needs, and preferences.
The most common types of CPAP machines include:
Standard CPAP: This type of CPAP machine provides continuous air flow at a fixed pressure. It's very simple, though it might come with a "pressure relief" setting that slightly reduces air pressure levels during exhalation.
Auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP): Also known as an auto-CPAP, this machine automatically adjusts the air pressure to match your breathing patterns. It can be more comfortable than a standard CPAP machine and may be a good choice if you frequently change sleep positions or have trouble tolerating fixed pressure.
Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP): BiPAP machines deliver two levels of air pressure: one for inhalation and one for exhalation. You might benefit from using a BiPAP machine if you have more severe sleep apnea or another respiratory condition, such as severe asthma.
Travel CPAP: Travel CPAP machines offer the same features as a standard CPAP machine. However, their lightweight and compact design makes them more portable.
CPAP Masks
There are several styles of CPAP masks available. You'll choose one based on your preferences and the type of sleep apnea you have. You may be fitted for a CPAP mask during a CPAP titration study–an overnight sleep study where healthcare providers determine the appropriate pressure setting for your CPAP.
Types of CPAP masks include:
Nasal mask: A nasal mask covers your nose and is held in place with straps. This is the most common style of CPAP mask.
Full face mask: A full face mask usually covers your nose and mouth, though it might sit under your nose and cover your mouth. It's held in place with straps. This mask style may be beneficial for people who have air leaks when using nasal masks.
Nasal pillow: A nasal pillow mask consists of soft, silicone tubes that fit directly in your nostrils. You might prefer this style if you experience air leaks with other masks or if you don't like anything covering your nose and mouth.
CPAP Machine Cost
CPAP machine prices range between $350 to $3,000, depending on the type of machine and features offered. According to online retailer CPAP.com, the average cost of a CPAP machine is $750. Machines with more advanced features are generally more expensive.
Here are the general costs of different types of CPAP machines:
Standard CPAP: $500 to $1,000
Auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP): $1,700 to $3,000
Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP): $600 to $1,600
Travel CPAP: $600 to $900
CPAP machines are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as Class II medical devices. Most private health insurance providers will cover some or all of the costs of a CPAP machine, depending on your specific insurance plan. Medicare and Medicaid cover the cost of CPAP machines if you meet certain requirements and have a prescription from a healthcare provider.
How To Use
A CPAP machine has several components:
A motor
A mask or similar device that delivers air into your mouth, nose, or both
A tube or hose that connects the mask to the motor
Adjustable straps to customize the fit and position of the mask
An air filter to purify the air before it enters your nose or mouth
Setting up and using your CPAP machine correctly can help you get the most out of CPAP therapy. It might take time to adjust to sleeping with a CPAP machine, but the setup is straightforward.
Here are step-by-step instructions for how to use a CPAP machine:
Find a good location for the CPAP machine—ideally near an outlet and close enough to your bed so the hose can reach where you sleep. Many CPAP users place the machine on their nightstands.
Plug the machine into an electrical outlet and ensure the power cord is securely connected to the machine.
Check the filter. CPAP machines come with replaceable filters to purify the air before you breathe it in. Check the machine's instruction manual for information about where the filter is located and how often to change it.
Attach the tubing (hose) to the CPAP machine on one end, then connect the other end of the tubing to your CPAP mask.
Fill the humidifier. If your CPAP machine has an attached humidifier, fill it with distilled water to the "max" fill line. Distilled water ensures its purity and helps prevent mineral buildup on the machine.
Put on the mask and breathe normally. If you experience any discomfort, adjust the straps or position of the mask until it feels more comfortable.
Turn on the CPAP machine. You'll notice air flowing through the mask. If you hear or feel air escaping from the mask, this is a sign that the mask is not properly sealed.
Tips
Here are a few recommendations:
Start by using the machine for short periods of time so that the mask feels natural when you need to use it overnight.
Use the machine every night as prescribed. You will also likely need to use it during naps. Regular use of a CPAP machine is important for treating sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders. It also helps your body adjust to the air pressure.
Make sure your mask fits well. It should be comfortable and well-sealed.
Use saline spray as needed. CPAP therapy can cause nasal congestion.
Keep the machine clean and well-maintained, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and replacing parts as needed. This helps keep your machine working effectively to ensure you benefit from your therapy.
Benefits
CPAP therapy offers short and long-term physical and mental health benefits.
Physically, it reduces or eliminates snoring and breathing-related interruptions to your sleep by keeping your airways open. Many people notice almost immediate improvements to sleep quality, which improves how they feel during the day.
Improved sleep quality contributes to many cognitive and emotional benefits, including:
Increased energy and alertness, which can also reduce your risk of motor vehicle accidents
Improved memory, focus, and concentration
Improved mood
It can also reduce your risk of more serious health conditions, such as:
High blood pressure
Stroke
CPAP Machine Side Effects
CPAP therapy is an effective treatment, and it offers many significant benefits. However, you might experience some side effects.
Side effects might include:
Dry mouth
Nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose
Skin irritation where the mask sits on your nose or face
Difficulty falling asleep
Feeling claustrophobic
The machine also might be noisy, though newer models are designed to be quiet.
Simple equipment changes can reduce these potential drawbacks, and most side effects diminish once you get used to CPAP therapy.
A Quick Review
A CPAP machine is a medical device that delivers a constant flow of pressurized air into your nose or mouth to keep your airways open during sleep. It's usually the first treatment option for sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing disorders because it's so effective.
Using a CPAP machine can feel like a significant lifestyle change. You will need to use it every night, including when you travel, and likely during naps as well. However, it can significantly improve your quality of life. Getting better sleep can help you function better during the day. It can also reduce your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Speak to your healthcare provider if you think you might benefit from CPAP therapy. They can help you determine the most effective treatment options.
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