Important Buying Considerations With CPAP and BIPAP Machines
Making the decision to use a CPAP machine to improve sleep quality and safety is a good idea. However, to receive the most benefits and improvements from the CPAP machine, the appropriate type of machine should be purchased. You should consider first, your CPAP machine and mask needs, as well as the frequency of usage needed. When you are shopping for your gently use CPAP machines and BIPAP machines, keep the following buying factors in mind.
Used versus new
You will find both new and used BIPAP and CPAP machines on the market. The specific one for you will depend on your shopping preferences. Cleaning a CPAP machine is not too difficult, so purchasing gently used CPAP machines and BIPAP machines may be an option. In most cases, patients purchase gently used CPAP machines and BIPAP machines when insurance does not cover it, or the out of pocket copay cost is too hight.
BIPAP vs CPAP
BIPAP and CPAP machines are very similar. However, they do have minor differences. Most of the differences you will find involve length of usage and purpose of the machine. You may also notice different levels of comfort and face masks with each type of machine. Either way, you can usually find gently used CPAP machines and BIPAP machines for sale. The lowered price is a great way to test out each machine and see which one works best for you.
Frequency of use
Some sleep apnea suffers do not experience sleep apneas regularly. However, it can be difficult to gauge exactly when they will happen. It is usually a better idea to continually use the CPAP or BIPAP machine throughout the night, ever night. If you use your insurance provider to cover any portion of your CPAP machine or the best CPAP mask, you may actually be required to use it every single night. For best results and continued insurance coverage, patients should use CPAP at least 70% of the time over a 30 day period, for at least 4 hours every night. It is, however, important to understand exactly what your health insurance provider requires.
Comfort preferences
You will also want a CPAP or BIPAP machine that provides comfort. You will be using the machine when you are trying to sleep, after all. The most important comfort piece should be the facial mask. The CPAP or BIPAP mask will be the one part of the machine that you feel the most. If you find it difficult to sleep with items over your face, you may need a minimal contact full face mask. Side sleepers may need something that covers the face more, to prevent it from falling off during sleep. Preferences for nasal pillows or CPAP masks are pretty much split down the middle, 50% prefer nasal pillows, 45% favor nasal masks, and 5% of users have no preference.
Other health conditions
It may also be helpful to evaluate any other known medical conditions. If you have asthma or a previous history of strokes, sleep apnea could contribute to these conditions. In fact, people that have an untreated case of sleep apnea face a risk of stroke that is four times as likely as those who are not afflicted. Because there is more risk of sleep apneas and dangerous medical side effects, the functionality of the machine is more important than other factors, like comfort.
Sleep apnea is unfortunately, common among Americans. It often is left untreated and significantly increases medical complications. It also affects sleep quality and the overall ability to sleep, which usually leads to other medical conditions. Gently used CPAP machines and BIPAP machines have proven to be successful in preventing sleep apneas. If you are in the market for a CPAP or BIPAP machine, ensure that you look for a machine based on comfort, purpose, used versus new, facial mask options, and health conditions. Always understand insurance requirements of these machines when using it to purchase your new CPAP machine.