CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) and BiPAP (Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) masks and equipment are used to treat many respiratory conditions including: Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, respiratory distress, central apnea, Hypersominia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) including asthma and emphysema, respiratory failure, and snoring.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, CPAP is a highly effective therapy. The patient wears a small mask over their nose during sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine explains, "Pressure from an air compressor forces air through the nasal passages and into the throat. This gentle pressure holds the throat open and allows normal sleep and breathing. Approximately 60% to 70% of patients who try CPAP find it a good solution to their breathing problem." Patients who have symptoms such as nasal stuffiness or congestion that interfere with CPAP or BiPAP use may find relief by humidifying the CPAP air.
A BiPAP machine changes the pressure depending on whether the patient is breathing in or out. An auto-titrating CPAP changes the pressure in response to snoring or excessive narrowing of the throat. Working closely with a medical professional can help to alleviate many of these conditions.
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