CPAP Machine
A CPAP machine, or continuous positive airway pressure machine, is used to treat sleep apnea, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Sleep apnea is a condition in which the airway of a sleeping patient is blocked by the collapse of the soft palate. This obstruction prevents a full night of sleep since the sufferer continually wakes up because of the decrease in oxygen.
The CPAP machine consists of three parts: the mask, motor and connecting tube. Once connected to the patient, the machine delivers a constant flow of air that allows the airway to remain open.
Process
In order to operate the CPAP machine, the patient places a mask over her nose and mouth and secures straps around her head. After making sure the tube is properly connecting the mask to the motor, she can turn the machine on. Air will begin to flow through the connecting tube to the mask.
The pressure from this flow of air will keep the airway open, even during the period between inhaling and exhaling.
How It Works
This pressure of air is generated from the motor, which is technically an air compressor. The motor contains at least one propeller that circulates inside the motor compartment and produces the air. A simple computer program controls the machine and allows a physician or CPAP technician to control the airflow rate and pressure.
