You may have seen a commercial for a national brand of beds that asks people what their “sleep number” is. Did you know that the same question can also be applied to CPAP machines?
If you’re a veteran user of CPAP machines, than you’re probably already familiar with the term “pressure settings.” For those who are just starting on their sleep apnea therapy journey, you may be mystified by such terminology. CPAP Central would like to clear up any confusion and help you understand what it means to have a “CPAP number.”
CPAP machines blow air through a hose into your nose and/or mouth to open up your airway and prevent the blockages that cause your snoring and gasping for air. The pressure of the air is set at a certain amount, measured in centimeters of water (cmH2O) to keep your airway clear.
This number is determined during your sleep study. As you sleep, the sleep technician increases the pressure incrementally through the night to see how much pressure it takes to fix the blockage in your airway. For most patients, this number ranges between 6 and 14 cmH2O, but those with severe sleep apnea may need up to 25-30 cmH2O.
CPAP machines are set at an optimum level and deliver that same amount of pressure throughout the night. On the other hand, BiPAP machines use two different pressures. The pressure is higher as you inhale (inspiratory positive airway pressure) than when you exhale (expiratory positive airway pressure).
APAP machines automatically tune to the correct pressure setting to keep the airway open on a breath by breath basis. This is regulated by sensors that measure resistance to the air being pumped into the airway.
Your doctor or respiratory therapist should be able to assist you if you’re not comfortable with the amount of pressure you use each night. If you’re new to sleep apnea therapy, you can turn to CPAP Central for help. We’re available for live chat Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, and can guide you to the right equipment. Our online catalog contains everything you need to get the best rest possible.