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How Does CPAP Machine Work?
#11
RE: How Does CPAP Machine Work?
Essentially, Gene is correct. However, I will put another spin on it. The machine is designed to sense flow resistance. The greater the flow resistance, the more pressure provided by the CPAP in order to keep the airway open. Of course, this is with an automatic machine. I fixed pressure machine maintains positive constant pressure throughout its cycle. An auto machine checks resistance on a breath to breath basis and evaluates the flow or resistance rate.
Sticking with the auto example, once an apnea begins, a CPAP senses the flow rate and increases the pressure until the apnea is eliminated. This cycle continues at every breath in order to fully eliminate each apnea event throughout the night. When there is no apnea event, the machine cycles down to the base pressure.
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#12
RE: How Does CPAP Machine Work?
(10-25-2012, 03:35 PM)thecpapshop Wrote: Essentially, Gene is correct. However, I will put another spin on it. The machine is designed to sense flow resistance. The greater the flow resistance, the more pressure provided by the CPAP in order to keep the airway open. Of course, this is with an automatic machine. I fixed pressure machine maintains positive constant pressure throughout its cycle. An auto machine checks resistance on a breath to breath basis and evaluates the flow or resistance rate.
Sticking with the auto example, once an apnea begins, a CPAP senses the flow rate and increases the pressure until the apnea is eliminated. This cycle continues at every breath in order to fully eliminate each apnea event throughout the night. When there is no apnea event, the machine cycles down to the base pressure.

This is correct, but there is still a problem. My machine (for example), even though it is on automatic setting, does not react fast enough. My doc initially prescribed the lower pressure at 5 cm, but over the past several months I have slowly raised it to 8 cm. And I'm thinking about raising the lower limit a bit more. Thus, when an apnea or hypopnea occurs, the machine doesn't have so far to go in order to supply enough pressure.
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#13
RE: How Does CPAP Machine Work?
(10-25-2012, 03:35 PM)thecpapshop Wrote: Sticking with the auto example, once an apnea begins, a CPAP senses the flow rate and increases the pressure until the apnea is eliminated. This cycle continues at every breath in order to fully eliminate each apnea event throughout the night.
aiming for zero AHI every single night is unrealistic and impossible task. the aim is to prevent collapse of the airways but cannot prevent every single collapse. if the S9 autoset detect the airways are open .. no pressure increase.





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#14
RE: How Does CPAP Machine Work?
More information about how a cpap works.
http://patents.com/us-20120227738.html
GeneS
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#15
RE: How Does CPAP Machine Work?
(11-04-2012, 10:27 PM)genes Wrote: More information about how a cpap works.
http://patents.com/us-20120227738.html
GeneS

Cool.... thanks!

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#16
RE: How Does CPAP Machine Work?
Just google "how do cpap machines work". Wickipedia has a great explanation.
Good luck,
Mary
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#17
RE: How Does CPAP Machine Work?
Hi. OK. Thanks. Very good info. Regards, Bob.
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