Obstructive sleep apnea & different machines

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder characterised by symptoms like snoring, choking during sleep, and daytime sleepiness. In recent years, its link to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and depression has garnered increased attention from the medical community and the public.

One of the foremost treatments for OSA is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.

Defining the CPAP Machine: An Overview

The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is a medical device primarily employed for the treatment of OSA. It functions as a vital tool in maintaining open airways and reducing sleep-related issues. To comprehend its operation, let's delve into the details.

1. Fixed Pressure CPAP: Reliability in Every Breath

Think of this as your steadfast companion. The Fixed Pressure CPAP administers a constant and steady flow of air while you sleep, ensuring the unobstructed maintenance of your airways. The optimal pressure setting is established through an in-depth sleep study, effectively eliminating snoring and choking.

2. Automatic CPAP (APAP): Smart and Adaptive

Meet the intelligent CPAP solution. The APAP, often referred to as the Smart CPAP, adeptly adapts to your breathing patterns, adjusting pressure on a breath-by-breath basis. Its mission is to enhance patient compliance and comfort throughout therapy, as it automatically provides the minimum required pressure to keep airways open.

3. Bi-Level CPAP: Tailored for Complexity

Designed to address more complex scenarios, the Bi-Level CPAP (or BiPAP) is tailored to treat Central Sleep Apnea and other respiratory or cardiovascular disorders. It employs a distinctive approach, delivering higher pressure during inhalation (Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure or IPAP) and lower pressure during exhalation (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure or EPAP). This duality in pressure levels significantly enhances comfort, particularly for individuals with higher-pressure requirements.

CPAP stands as a pivotal treatment for OSA, but it is essential to diligently adhere to the provided guidelines. When determining the suitability of CPAP therapy for your specific needs, do not hesitate to engage in a consultation with your healthcare provider. A peaceful night's sleep is within reach, and CPAP can help you achieve it.

Do I need a prescription to buy a machine?

The simple answer is, no. You can purchase a CPAP machine in Australia where you have a medical prescription or not!

For those who do not have a prescription or are unsure of your specific pressure requirements, SleepMate CPAP pharmacists highly recommend an Automatic machine. These type of machines use advanced algorithms to calculate the optimal pressure output suited to each user, for best results. 

SleepMate CPAP stocks a wide range of hand picked machines, across several brands including Resmed, BMC, Fisher & Paykel and many more. Our extensive range of CPAP masks and other equipments along side our fully qualified pharmacists will ensure that you have a comprehensive and satisfying service.