Three popular types of CPAP machines exist for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure and thus operates by producing one constant air pressure. A patient's preferences, his doctor's recommendation, insurance coverage, and availability all contribute to selection of the most useful machine for each patient. Different manufacturers produce the three popular types of CPAP machines, which then have unique brand identifying names.
Standard CPAP
Standard CPAP was invented by Dr. Colin Sullivan in 1981 and remains one of the most popular types of CPAP machines to this day. Standard CPAP machines have improved drastically since they were invented. New models become available through companies such as Respironics, Resmed, Fisher & Paykel, and Devilbiss every year.
CPAP With Pressure Release
Newer CPAP machines have a feature that facilitates pressure release of CPAP with exhalation. CPAP machines with pressure release have become increasingly popular because they mimic more natural breathing, which feels more comfortable than the breathing induced by standard CPAP machined. CPAP with pressure relief is also called expiratory pressure relief or C-Flex depending on the brand of CPAP machine.
Automatic CPAP
Automatic CPAP, also called auto-CPAP or self-adjusting CPAP is another popular type of CPAP machine. Automatic CPAP adjusts CPAP pressure on a breath-by- breath basis. Automatic CPAP uses the minimum amount of pressure required for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Using less pressure results in improved patient comfort and CPAP compliance.
References
- Sleepapnea.org: Sleep Pioneer Remembers the Early Days of CPAP - American Sleep Apnea Association - ASAA
- Cflex.respironics.com: Sleep Apnea | C-Flex Pressure Relief Technology
- Resmed.com: Resmed - Expiratory Pressure Relief
- Cpap-supply.com: Automatic CPAP machines - The Benefits of Automatic CPAP Machines
