Continuous positive airway pressure uses pressure from an air compressor, directed through a breathing circuit and mask, to keep the airway open so that the user does not stop breathing while asleep. This cessation of breathing during sleep is known as sleep apnea. The components of a CPAP machine include the mask, circuit, and air compressor and any additional parts that may increase CPAPs functionality. According to MayoClinic.com, doctors use CPAP primarily to treat obstructive sleep apnea, and secondarily in the hospital setting to help patients dealing with respiratory distress.
Breathing Circuit
The breathing circuit consists of flexible tubing that delivers air from the machine to an interface. An Interface can be a full mask that fits over the nose and mouth or a partial mask that covers only the nose. The mask directs the prescribed pressure into the airway, keeping it open. Between the breathing circuit and the interface is an exhalation port, an opening in the tubing that allows exhaled air to leave the circuit. This minimizes the chances of the person inhaling previously exhaled air.
Air Compressor
A CPAP machine is essentially an air compressor with various features, depending on the model; however, all machines have the same basic functions.
The breathing circuit or flexible tubing attaches to an air outlet. At the back of the machine is a power inlet, air outlet and a filter area. At the front or on the top of the compressor is an on/off button. There is also a display screen and navagation buttons to scroll through the therapy settings and patient data. Some machines will have a ramp button. This feature initially reduces the air pressure as a person tries to fall asleep and gradually "ramps" or increases the pressure until it reaches the setting prescribed by the physician.
Humidifier
A higher end CPAP machines comes with a built-in humidifier that provides moisture to the airway, reducing dryness and irritation. A CPAP machine without a built-in humidifier can use stand-alone unit that sits near the CPAP machine and connects into the breathing circuit. Safely operating the CPAP machine requires positioning the heated humidifier lower than the breathing circuit to keep any water particles that accumulate in the circuit from entering the mask.
Supplemental Oxygen
Supplemental oxygen may be added via a port located on the mask, which is attached to the breathing circuit, which is attached to the CPAP machine. More sophisticated machines have built-in oxygen ports. Supplemental oxygen requires a prescription from a licensed physician. Most often, the durable medical equipment company that provides and services the CPAP machine also delivers oxygen.
