CPAP device

CPAP machine was developed by Dr. Colin Sullivan in 1980. as a tool for his newly developed therapy for sleep apnea condition. The therapy developed by Dr. Sullivan was named Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and thus the device for it was named CPAP device.

Since 1980. CPAP device was improved in many ways, but in essence, the mechanics and logic behind them remained the same. The main principle and parts are pretty much the same as in the first machine produced by Dr. Sullivan. The main part of the modern CPAP machine is the motor/air compressor. The CPAP machine's compressor (motor) generates a continuous stream of pressurized air (room air, not oxygen!) that travels through an air filter into a flexible tube. This flexible tube is connected to the CPAP face mask via a CPAP hose connector and delivers filtered/purified air under (prescribed) pressure into the mask that's sealed around the patient's nose and mouth (or just one of those two, depending on a mask type). Since the CPAP machine technology and process are simple, with little room for improvement, the main change nowadays is that CPAP machines are manufactured with smaller, quieter motors, and higher quality filters and parts in general.

Besides technical improvements, digitalization and the use of smart functions brought improvements in CPAP therapy and one of the most noticeable improvements is the creation of BiPAP and APAP devices. Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure therapy (BiPAP) is the upgraded version of the CPAP machine which instead of keeping the constant positive air pressure, has 2 air pressure phases: low and high air pressure, one pressure level for inhalation (IPAP), and other, a lower pressure, for exhalation (EPAP). This helps make the whole breathing process a bit easier for some people who find the constant same level of air pressure uncomfortable. Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) therapy, similar to CPAP and BiPAP, provides breathing support with positive air pressure. What makes them different, and possibly more advanced, is the solution is air pressure setting. APAP machines have high and low air pressure settings which are automatically adjusted according to the patient's breathing.

Today’s top CPAP manufacturers (ResMed, Phillips Respironics, Somnetics, Fisher & Paykel, DeVilbiss…) developed the CPAP industry almost to perfection. With high-end devices and full additional supplies and accessories support, sleep apnea therapy is currently fast improving, and the ultimate beneficiaries of this trend are the patients.

CPAP device parts and maintenance

Every CPAP machine has 3 main parts: a motor (the machine itself), a hose, and a mask. And also other parts such as air filter(s), humidifier, mask straps, tube connectors…

The machine itself (the motor and CPU) is the heart and brain of the CPAP device. It requires little to no maintenance. Basically, besides cleaning the dust off and replacing the air filter inside, there is not much you can or should do around it. It comes with a 2-5 years warranty and it is expected to work flawlessly for at least that amount of time.

As mentioned above, air filters are one of the parts of the CPAP machine, and it is an important part! CPAP machine uses room air, so to remove potentially harmful micro contaminants, the air is filtered through an air filter (or in some cases filters). The air filter is usually made of paper or paper-like material, foam, or woven synthetic material, which has the capability of stopping micro or larger contaminants (dust, pet hair, dander, pollen…). Their life span varies and it goes from around 1 month to up to 6 months, and the air filter must be replaced and/or washed regularly (as suggested by the manufacturer)!

CPAP hose/tubing and related CPAP Hose Connector (CPAP Tubing Connectors) are used to transfer the air from the CPAP machine to the face mask. Hoses come with connectors on the end and those connectors can be made from rubber or a hard connection which is known as a stability end. Almost all hoses and connectors are standardized and will fit 99% of the standard and special masks and CPAP machines.

CPAP hoses and connectors are considered expendable parts that need to be replaced occasionally, usually every 6 months or so (up to a year), or as suggested by the manufacturer.

Although mainly standardized, there are differences in face mask designs and manufacturers’ design preferences. There are 3 main types of CPAP Machine Masks: full face mask, nasal mask, and nasal pillow mask. When a mask is overused it will leak air and thus it will make the therapy itself useless. All masks are should be replaced in 3 to 6 months, while mask cushions at least once a month. Headgear parts (straps, chin support…) are replaced when you feel they are worn out, which is usually around once a year (this depends greatly on the manufacturer i.e. quality). Keep in mind that over-tightening mask straps will wear them faster.

The humidification chamber (humidifier), should be replaced every 6 months. It collects remaining minerals from water used in it and bacteria (if not cleaned regularly. Always try to use distilled water in your humidifier. Regular tap water (or filtered water if it's not a high-performance filter) can damage the components of your CPAP machine.

Keeping your CPAP device clean extends its life!

You cannot just buy a CPAP device, start with the therapy and consider that you're done. To work properly and to provide proper treatment, the CPAP device must be maintained regularly! Daily cleaning and sanitizing is something that not only helps you stay healthy (a dirty CPAP machine can make you seriously ill) but also extends the life of your CPAP device! Using a CPAP Ozone Sanitizing Machine such as PrimeClean Ozone Sanitizer every day, combined with cleaning your CPAP once a week, will keep you healthy and your device working properly!