Breathing Machine Recall Over Possible Cancer Risk Leaves Millions Scrambling for Substitutes

People with sleep apnea and other ailments who rely on CPAP and more than a dozen devices made by Philips are facing lengthy delays for replacements.

 'I’m Possibly Alive Because It Exists:' Why Sleep Apnea Patients Rely on a CPAP Machine Hacker

An Australian hacker has spent thousands of hours hacking the DRM that medical device manufacturers put on CPAP machines to create a free tool that lets patients modify their treatment.

 How to Introduce Your CPAP Machine Into a Relationship

Some patients, however—especially those new to CPAP—struggle with how to navigate it in their dating lives or marriages. “I always say, bring up CPAP and obstructive sleep apnea when the time is right,” Dasgupta says, noting that it doesn’t make a great first date conversation. He also recommends taking some of the sting out with a sense of humor, acknowledging the ludicrousness of the CPAP mask and its Bane-esque vibe.

 My CPAP Machine And Me

Physically, the first night went well. I wore the mask and slept about seven hours. Psychologically, not so well. Wearing the mask, I felt like Darth Vader meets Freddy Krueger. And that wasn't all. Just seeing the thing made me feel old and frail and infirm and everything else I didn't want to feel. I hated the idea, hated the very sight of the machine.

 My dad can manage his sleep apnea better now with this $335 automatic mask cleaning system

About half of the people with prescribed CPAP machines don't use them as prescribed or stop using them altogether because the mask is uncomfortable and needs to be cleaned on a daily basis, even if you don't use the machine regularly.

After watching disturbing video, CPAP usage soars

More than 20 million Americans are diagnosed with sleep apnea, yet more than half of those prescribed a CPAP mask to keep their airways open at night don't use it. So, researchers conducted a study where researchers recorded the patients sleeping without the CPAP mask and those who watched the video were more likely to wear it in the end.

Generation Apnea

The evolutionary mistake that chokes millions of people every night.

Problems with CPAP: When is BiPAP therapy the best treatment?

Both technologies look and sound the same. The same machine, humidification system, tubing, and mask are used to deliver the pressure, and they are cleaned and maintained in much the same way. However, the machines themselves are adjusted to separate settings depending upon which PAP therapy they are prescribed to deliver.

Studies Probe Effect Of CPAP And Sleep Apnea On Hypertension

Two studies published in JAMA provide additional but not surprising information about the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hypertension, and the role of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Study Bolsters New Sleep Apnea Device

A possible alternative for people who can't tolerate the traditional CPAP

The Annoying Thing You're Doing In Bed That Might Be A Total Turn-Off

Sleep apnea is typically treated with continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, which is delivered by a bedside machine that can be, let's just say, a little cumbersome. The AADSM advocates for another option called oral appliance therapy, or OAT, a mouthguard-like device that, while not exactly sexy, may at least be a little sexier.

The View From Your CPAP

Wow, so many responses, some filled with relief, some filled with despair, some filled with legit medical advice from professionals, but most of all, you got responses from people who are alive and well.

Unmasking Sleep Apnea Treatments: What to Try If CPAP Doesn't Work for You

You've likely heard of the "gold standard" for sleep apnea treatment, a machine with a running motor, tubing and a face mask called a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. However, for many sleep apnea sufferers, relief lies far from the mask in an effective alternative treatment called oral appliance therapy.

What is the Difference Between CPAP and BiPAP Therapy?

The main difference between BiPAP and CPAP machines is that BiPAP machines have two pressure settings: the prescribed pressure for inhalation (ipap), and a lower pressure for exhalation (epap). The dual settings allow the patient to get more air in and out of their lungs.

An Effective Alternative to CPAP for Sleep Apnea

The biggest challenge to CPAP's success in treating sleep apnea has been compliance with treatment -- wearing the mask. Patients are often uncomfortable using the device, especially at the beginning of treatment, and this reluctance can lead to inconsistent use, or abandonment of the therapy altogether. New research indicates that some OSA patients may have another treatment option.