If you’re a snorer whose snoring is off the charts and you’ve tried all of the over-the-counter snoring remedies you can muster but you’re still not able to shake your snoring… it might be time to admit that you’ve got a real issue on your hands. It is always recommended to consult with your doctor early on even when you are trying over-the-counter remedies. If you suffer from sleep apnea, you’ll likely end up using a CPAP machine to help with your breathing through the night, though your doctor will have to make this recommendation for you — and it might just save your life in the long run.
If you are new to CPAP machine, this article has the answers to all your questions regarding CPAP machine, such as what is CPAP machine? How much does CPAP machine cost? What is the best CPAP machine? How often should you replace your CPAP machine?
Briefly, sleep apnea is a very common sleep disorder where your breathing suddenly stops for several moments during the night due to blockage, preventing adequate oxygen flow — and restful sleep. Soft tissues in the throat relax and as a result, your airway collapses, blocking air from getting to the lungs. While partial blockage leads to snoring, the full blockage causes you to jolt out of deep sleep, leaving you unrested. This is where a CPAP machine comes in — with your doctor’s guidance, of course, as it’s necessary to get a prescription to buy one, and only after you take a sleep study to confirm that a CPAP machine is right for you.
So… What Exactly is a CPAP Machine?
CPAP is an acronym for “continuous positive airway pressure.” It helps you (if you have sleep apnea) to breathe more easily and regularly while you’re sleeping! A CPAP machine pumps a steady flow of air pressure into your throat to keep your airway from collapsing during sleep. With the best CPAP Machine options, the pneumatic air passes through a heated humidifier to help prevent CPAP dry mouth and “voila!” — No more snoring, no more halted breathing, and a better chance of not suffering from some of sleep apnea’s worst complications: high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep deprivation, and metabolic syndrome. But have no fear, CPAP machine cost is reasonable and despite how complicated they seem, you’ll be able to get a grasp on the whole thing quickly.
How Much Does a CPAP Machine Cost? How Often Should You Replace It?
CPAP machine cost can vary greatly, depending on the manufacturer and features. You’re not necessarily paying for the brand name (there’s no Gucci CPAP Machines yet!), but rather the quality of the parts and optional features. The average price for a CPAP Machine ranges between $450 – 3000… it’s a lot of money, but you can’t buy back your lost sleep or health. Not to mention that some healthcare insurance providers only cover a percentage of CPAP costs. According to the American Sleep Association, the average price is around $850. How often should you replace your CPAP machine? Around every 3-7 years, depending on the quality of the machine itself — though the individual parts may need upkeep and maintenance during that time.
CPAP Supplies
A CPAP machine is made of several main parts. Here’s a short list of the CPAP supplies you’ll need to make sure are available (and sanitary) when you own a CPAP device:
– Mask & Motor: The two main parts of the CPAP Machine, the mask goes over your face (or just your nose) and the motor provides a steady stream of air that helps keep you from choking up while sleeping.
– Filters: The best CPAP machine options will have a great filter system that helps keep mold, dust, and irritants out of the therapeutic air you breathe through the machine. Filters are either disposable or reusable, but either way, they’ll need regular replacing.
– Bacteria Filters: Though usually optional, this CPAP machine cost goes a long way, as the bacteria filter can catch even the smallest bacteria, pollutants, and allergens that the normal filters can miss.
– CPAP Hoses & Tubing: The connection between the motor and the CPAP mask is usually made of stiff plastic, around 6 feet long. Some hoses are heated to add comfort by eliminating condensation and are fairly inexpensive.
– CPAP Machine Parts: You know, all the power supplies, electrical cords, replacement covers, etc. All the proprietary parts for your specific machine.
– CPAP Humidifier: The humidifier chamber is the optional container that holds all the distilled water for humidifying CPAP air. They’re used to prevent CPAP dry mouth, a common occurrence that can be pretty uncomfortable!
Best CPAP Machine for Home Use
According to CPAP machine reviews, one of the more popular options is the ResMed AirStart 10 CPAP — it’s got all the basic features of a premier CPAP with a vibrant LCD screen, clean design, built-in humidifier, and the ability to have the air pressure change throughout the night (which is very helpful if you have problems falling asleep with your CPAP machine on. It’s important if you’re a snoring jetsetter to note — this unit is less than 3 pounds, making it one of the best travel CPAP options out there.)
(Side note: the ResMed AirMini is a travel CPAP that weighs only .66 pounds, which is marvelously tiny, so if you travel a lot — consider it! A travel CPAP just doesn’t have quite as many features as a standard bedside CPAP)
It’s a highly-rated machine with a focus on therapeutic accessibility — ResMed makes a great product that gives you the ability to adjust everything so you can be in control of your sleep once again. It’s even on the lower end of the cost spectrum at less than $500. As you’re looking through different options too, read the CPAP machine reviews so you can get a sense of whether or not something is comfortable and easy-to-use. Nothing is as discouraging as getting more uncomfortable when you’re trying to sleep.
The Future of CPAP and You
If you’re about to embark on your first journey into sleeping with a continuous positive airway pressure machine by your bedside (and strapped to your face), don’t worry! It’s pretty common for sleep apnea patients to use these machines. You can do this! If you have questions, ask your doctor for advice and remember — at the end of the day, all you’re trying to get is a good night of sleep. It’s worth it, so you can live a vibrant and well-rested life.
