Sunday, April 26, 2009

The pressure setting on a cpap machine

Each sleep apnea patient has their cpap setting determined usually at the sleep clinic. Its there they adjust the air pressure coming out of the cpap machine through the hose and into your mouth or nose (depending on which type of mask you have). The pressure ranges from 4 cm h20 to 20 cm h20. I know that doesn’t tell very much. But 4 cm h20 is on the low end of the scale whereas 20 cm h20 is the most powerful. This is all measured by the cpap manometer.

On cpap machines, like other sleep apnea breathing machines, the air pressure is ramped up. Which means that when you first put the mask on the pressure is slight and over a period of time it gradually becomes full strength. This makes the breathing adjustment a little easier.

Can you adjust the volume of air pressure at home? I was told no because the pressure has to be set by a technician who is familiar with the machine. Usually your doctor will send someone to your house and show you how to run the machine and they will set the pressure at that time. Of course, I have heard of other people finding ways to set the machine themselves but I don’t think that it’s a good idea.

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1 comment:

  1. Quote -I don’t think that it’s a good idea.

    Why not. How else can you find out what is the pressure best suited to you?

    One night in a sleep lab? I don't think so!

    ReplyDelete