Tag: Philips CPAP Machines

Always wondered why many people in the industry tend to call an automatic CPAP machine something other than what it is – an automatic CPAP machine. You will often hear people call these types of machines APAP machines or Auto-PAP machines. I believe this is a result of a misunderstanding of the acronym CPAP. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, indicating that air pressure will be delivered continuously throughout the sleeping cycle. The term CPAP, however, doesn’t imply that the continuously delivered air will be at a constant pressure. Therefore, the proper term to use for a CPAP machine which automatically adjusts the pressure setting according to your needs is automatic CPAP machine.

Philips CPAP Machines

A CPAP machine is designed to blow air through your partially obstructed airway in order to eliminate the obstruction and to allow you to breathe normally. What many people call “regular” CPAP machines do this by blowing air at a constant pressure throughout the night, regardless of whether you’re experiencing an apnea – or cessation of breathing – or not.

An automatic CPAP machine does not use a constant pressure. Rather, the machine is designed to sense your breathing through the use of a pressure feedback device. When the machine senses you are breathing well, the delivered pressure will be lower. On the other hand, when the machine senses you’re not breathing well – that is, when it senses an apnea, hypopnea or snoring – the delivered pressure will be higher.

Since most people with sleep apnea breathe normally for at least some portion of the night, it stands to reason that a constant pressure is generally unnecessary for effective CPAP therapy. Automatic CPAP machines deliver approximately 40% less pressure throughout the course of a night compared with a CPAP machine which delivers a constant pressure. This reduced pressure helps to increase patient comfort and compliance and makes CPAP therapy more tolerable for new CPAP users.

If your prescribed pressure setting is relatively low – under 10 cm H2O – the primary benefit of an automatic CPAP machine may not be the reduced average pressure, but it may simply be that you don’t have to worry about adjusting your pressure setting in the future. An automatic CPAP machine virtually guarantees you will be getting optimal CPAP therapy regardless of changes in your condition.

As with most CPAP machines, automatic CPAP machines are designed to deliver air pressure between 4 cm H2O and 20 cm H2O. During the initial setup of the machine the minimum and maximum pressures will be set. Usually the default setting of 4 cm H2O as the minimum pressure and 20 cm H2O as the maximum pressure is used. However, if your prescribed pressure setting is well above 10 cm H2O then increasing the minimum pressure might make sense. I would almost always recommend using the default minimum and maximum pressure settings since these settings will allow for the maximum average pressure reduction and the highest level of patient comfort.

Another great advantage of automatic CPAP machines is that they’re really two machines in one. You get a CPAP machine which adjusts pressure automatically, and you also get a machine which can be set to deliver a constant pressure just like a regular CPAP machine. This flexibility in functionality is attractive to many CPAP users, especially to those who are using CPAP equipment for the first time.

There are two types of sleep apnea – central and obstructive. Central sleep apnea occurs as a result of a dysfunction in the thalamus area of the brain, while obstructive sleep apnea occurs as a result of an obstructed airway. CPAP machines are designed to open the airway for patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, but CPAP machines will have no effect on central sleep apnea. Some automatic CPAP machines such as the Puritan Bennett 420E can detect apneas which occur with and without cardiac osciallations to avoid increasing the pressure during central apnea events in which the airway is already open. Similarly, advanced automatic CPAP machines can also differentiate between central and obstructive hypopnea (which is defined as shallow breathing).

Below is a summary of the benefits of using an automatic CPAP machine:

Approximately 40% overall reduction in delivered pressure
No need to worry about adjusting a constant pressure as your condition changes
Flexibility – the machine can be set to automatic mode or constant mode
Some automatic machines detect the difference between obstructive apneas/hypopneas and central apneas/hypopneas

The latest CPAP device is an combination of both the traditional and modern CPAP technology. This is an advanced device that detects changes in the sleep of the patient and adjusts airflow in line with the changes due to its an advanced three-layer algorithm that instantly detects the signs that the problem is due to something more serious that is not typical of blocked airways and interruptions in breathing patterns during sleep.

Philips CPAP Machines

By simply looking at flow waveforms the respiratory changes can be inspected instantly. The latest model that is available in Respironics CPAP machines found in Toronto stores comes with on-board memory of six months storage capacity and five days for flow waves. If you’re using this device, you can always look up your sleep history or, if you’re a sleep specialist using this device, it’s a simple and precise device for evaluating the progress or changes while watching the patient’s sleep apnea over the course of treatment.

The stylish CPAP machine comes with illuminated LEDs and has an LCD dial which is operated by buttons that can be operated by pushing. Despite its design it is simple to use. The new water chamber holds the water in its proper place and offers constant and steady humidity. This time the machine adjusts itself as it detects variations in humidity or temperature.

The Respironics CPAP machine dealers in Toronto are prepared to demonstrate how the desired levels of humidity in the mask can be controlled using the System One Humidity Control’s advanced sensors. These sensors will provide you with assurances for monitoring your sleep, and the subsequent adjustments will ensure you receive the proper pressure of air or maintain pressure levels. To help diagnose this machine has the intelligence to do it.

Extras

To learn more about how it operates, Find a dealer for Respironics CPAP machines in Toronto whether they’re willing to show a demonstration at your clinic or office. If you live in Toronto the sales representative can conduct the demonstration on your behalf. See how the controls operate and how quickly sensors detect changes in temperature and humidity and how is controlled automatically as the patient’s breath changes.

When you purchase the machine and installation, you will receive the following items in the kit – filter kit with electricity supply and power line and a humidifier integrated. The dealers are the only source of Respironics CPAP machines in Toronto will also provide a two years of warranty and replacement-with-new warranty. Talk to your dealer about these warranties, and ask about the support and service programs they offer exclusively for the brand new Respironics CPAP as well as BiPAP babies..

The greatest benefit is the more quiet operation of the machine. The soft and almost unnoticeable sound of the machine contributes to the best CPAP experience. It is worth the investment in your sleep apnea. If you’re a specialist in sleep apnea I’m sure you’ll want in recommending that Respironics product.