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CPAP Breathing Machine

The CPAP breathing machine was designed to treat the condition called obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. "CPAP" stands for continuous positive airway pressure.

A CPAP machine blows air at a constant pressure through a mask while the patient sleeps, which keeps the airways open. This allows the patient to sleep through the night without the multiple episodes of breathing restriction that characterize sleep apnea. The machine is set to the pressure that was determined during the patient's sleep study. Additional adjustments may be necessary over time, as the patient's physical condition changes.

It's important to keep a constant airflow to hold the airway open so that uninterrupted breathing is maintained during sleep. This form of therapy can reduce the fatigue and daytime sleepiness that many sleep apnea patients suffer from. The airflow is delivered through a nasal mask that seals around the nose to maintain the pressure level.

Other Types of Machines for Treating Sleep Apnea

An APAP machine is a more advanced, feature-rich (and more expensive) machine than the traditional CPAP machines. The APAP, or AutoCPCP, will automatically adjust the airflow pressure on a breath by breath basis so you receive only the minimum pressure needed to keep your airway open during sleep.

A BiPAP machine, also called a BiLevel or VPAP machine, delivers two separate and distinct pressures. The higher pressure is delivered when the patient inhales and the lower pressure comes through the mask when the patient exhales. As with the CPAP machine, the pressure is set by the doctor's order or prescription, and was determined through a sleep study.

Why a Prescription is Needed for a CPAP Machine

The specific airflow pressure is set by your doctor, who will carefully review the results of your sleep study. When the machine is purchased, it will be set to the correct pressure, in accordance with your doctor's prescription. Most health insurance policies will cover the expense of both the sleep study and the CPAP machine, because they are both ordered by your doctor.

The sleep study is needed in order to correctly diagnose your sleep problem, which could be caused by something other than obstructive sleep apnea. If the study finds that you do have OSA, your doctor will then determine if a breathing machine will help reduce your symptoms. He or she will then determine exactly which type of machine would be best for your specific condition.

How Much Does a CPAP Machine Cost?

Because CPAP machines are only purchased when a buyer has a doctor's prescription, most insurance plans cover the cost. However, you will want to check your specific policy and call your insurance company's customer service line to make sure you know what your benefits are.

A quick online search found machines running from a high of $1,790.00 for a model that includes a heated humidifier, to a low of $355.00 for a portable travel model. The machines with more features will cost more. Remember, even if you purchase an online machine for sleep apnea, you will still need a prescription.

Important: The information presented on this page and other pages on this site is based upon the opinions of the author and on the author's interpretation of published reports and articles. It is not intended to replace your relationship with a qualified health care professional, and is not intended as medical advice.

The author encourages you to make your own health care decisions in partnership with a qualified health care professional.

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