To choose the best continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine and mask for your needs, you will need to select a machine that will give you the pressure level prescribed by your doctor, consider any additional features you want or need, find out what your insurance will cover and determine your out-of-pocket cost. After you've selected the CPAP for sleep apnea that best suits your needs, you'll select a CPAP mask or nasal pillows and headgear to keep the device on your head while you sleep. Masks and headgear come in different sizes and materials to provide the best fit and comfort.
The first step in selecting a CPAP for sleep apnea is finding a machine that will accommodate your pressure settings as recommended by your doctor. This is important because the machine's pressure will be set before you receive the equipment, and the manufacturer or your doctor will have to adjust it for you at a later time if your needs change. You might ask your doctor for a recommendation on a brand or model. Some companies allow patients to rent machines. Renting might be helpful if you are using a CPAP for sleep apnea treatment for the first time because it will give you a chance to determine whether the machine has the features you need before you purchase it.
CPAP machines come with many extra features. Deciding which features are most important to you as you shop for your new machine will help you be more satisfied with your purchase and can make the machine easier to use. Many CPAP machines include a monitor that tracks when you use the machine and whether you experienced any breathing stoppages. This ability to monitor your sleep is often helpful to your doctor for adjusting your treatment later. Other machines include carrying cases, support for using them in foreign countries with different electrical currents or built-in heated humidifiers to reduce the harsh dryness of cold air that irritates some patients.
A properly fitting mask or nasal pillows and headgear are essential to getting the most out of CPAP for sleep apnea treatment. If the mask leaks, you will not get the stabilized pressure level you need, and if it is too tight, you might find yourself waking up in discomfort. It is important to try on different masks with a medical equipment professional to help you select the right one for your needs. Some patients prefer nasal pillows so they do not have to wear something over their faces. Nasal pillows are not an option if you are a mouth breather, however.
Contact your insurance provider to find out what the company will cover under your doctor's prescription for a CPAP for sleep apnea. Some providers might not cover machines with certain features that they deem unnecessary, so if you select a machine with these features, your out-of-pocket cost is likely to be higher. Your insurance company might cover the entire cost of the machine, including rental program payments, or you might have to pay a portion of the cost. Purchasing a CPAP machine online is often cheaper than buying one through a local medical equipment company.
