For sleep apnea, Is a CPAP mask enough — or do you need a CPAP “machine” also(whatever that is)?

3 Comments

1. Vincent says:

   October 25, 2009 at 7:18 pm

   The mask is part of the machine. Ya can’t have one without the other, as the old song goes.

   CPAP = Continuous Positive Air Pressure. Only a doctor can authorize its use through a prescription. I spent one night in a sleep disorders clinic, and they diagnosed me with severe sleep apnea. Apparently, what my wife has been telling for years is true; my snoring shakes buildings to their foundations. I went to the same clinic a second time one week later, and they put a CPAP mask (and machine) on me. It was kinda uncomfortable, but I did get some sleep. They (actually their computer) gradually adjusted the CPAP machine until I was breathing well while asleep. A doctor looked at the results as reported by the computer, and wrote a script for me to have a machine. One week later, a lady showed up with CPAP machine at my apartment, and showed me how to use it. I’ve been using it every night since that time in February 2008. It took about six weeks to become really comfortable with it, but, now, I can’t imagine not using it. I no longer wake up with a sore throat every morning. I have far fewer sinus and ear infections. (There’s more to that story. Long story short: use lots of Vitamin C.) I sleep better, and feel less crumby in the morning.

   My insurance paid for 80% of the sleep studies in the clinic, and 80% of the cost of the machine. (I now own it.)

   Feel free to email me, if you have any more questions.
2. clock says:

   October 25, 2009 at 7:18 pm

   Vincent is right on the money. The mask is the portion which fits on the face of the patient. You will need the machine. If you or any other person only use the mask then the person will die because the dead air space will be increased very significantly.
3. Remy says:

   October 25, 2009 at 7:18 pm

   Hi Paganini,

   The CPAP machine is an air distribution device, and the mask deliver the air from your CPAP machine into your mouth or nose, or both.

   So, you can have one CPAP machine, but you can buy different types of mask. In fact, you should choose the most comfortable mask for your face.