Look For A CPAP Machine With A Ramp Feature

Any CPAP machine can dramatically improve your sleep quality after you've been diagnosed with sleep apnea, but it's important to carefully assess the various machines at your local CPAP store to choose a product that will best suit your specific needs. When you look at a few machines, you'll likely notice that some models advertise having a ramp feature. This term might not immediately mean anything to you, but it represents a feature that you may appreciate night after night. Here are some things to know about buying a CPAP machine that has a ramp feature.

What It Does

A CPAP machine that has a ramp feature means that the machine is able to "ramp" up the intensity of the oxygen flow over time. Generally, this means that the flow of oxygen will be gentle when you turn the machine on as you settle into bed for the night. Over the next while, the flow will increase to ensure that your body is getting an adequate supply of oxygen after you fall asleep.

Why It's Important

The ramp feature of a CPAP machine is important because some people have trouble falling asleep when the flow of oxygen from their machine is at a high level. This can especially be the case when you're a new user of the machine and are still getting used to sleeping with it. When you use a machine that doesn't have a ramp feature, the heavy flow of oxygen as you lie awake in bed may be distracting as you try to sleep. With the CPAP machine's ramp feature engaged, the oxygen flow will initially be low enough that you barely notice it. When it increases after you're asleep, you won't likely be aware of this change.

Adjustability

CPAP machines that have a ramp feature will allow you — or your local sleep apnea specialist, if needed — to adjust this feature based on how you sleep. Some people fall asleep within minutes of lying down, while others take longer to drift off. It's important to adjust your machine's ramp feature to suit your tendencies. For example, if you take a long time to get to sleep, you'll want the machine to ramp up its oxygen flow later than if you fall asleep quickly. This will increase the probability that you're fast asleep by the time the oxygen flow increases. Learn more about CPAP machines with ramp features at your local medical equipment store.

Share