The sleep machines are devices that run on electricity and that can, where necessary, run on rechargeable batteries. The machine maintains positive air pressure that stops the respiratory tract from failing and is usually prescribed for people with mixed sleep and breathing problems. A small air blower is connected to the person’s nose by way of a mask and pumps air continuously through the respiratory tract. It can take time for the user to become familiar with the machine, and he or she may have difficulty sleeping at first with the mask over their face. The user has to ensure that they have the right fit of mask and straps; sleep soon returns to a normal pattern once a person becomes accustomed to using the machine.

The reason that people with apnea also suffer from sleeping problems is because they often wake up during the night to restart their breathing. Although there are a variety of these types of machines available, they all tend to work on the same basic principle: to keep the air pressure up and stop the person’s own breathing from failing. Some of the masks fit over the wearer’s nose and mouth and some work by means of two prongs that fit inside the wearer’s nostrils. There are even CPAP machines that can learn an individual’s breathing patterns and help the wearer to regulate the pressure during the night.

CPAP machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, although they basically all do much the same job. There is one machine that is especially aimed at people who are travelling. This machine and its rechargeable batteries can be used when you are on board a plane because they do not interfere with the plane’s own electronic systems.

A major problem for people suffering from sleep apnea is that it can also cause cardiovascular problems, which intensify the risk of heart failure. Tests have proven that people who use the breathing machines have a much reduced risk of heart failure compared to those who do not use the CPAP machines. Some users experience a number of problems with using their sleep apnea machine, but mostly these effects tend to be temporary, even though they may be worrying. Some people experience nose bleeds when they first use the machine, but generally this stops once the person’s system becomes accustomed to using the breathing machine on a regular basis.

There are also people who experience allergy-type symptoms such as sneezing or frequent headaches and nightmares, but these also tend to be temporary. Most medical practitioners agree that compared to the beneficial effects of using CPAP machines, the side effects are minimal and non-lasting. For those people who have suffered sleepless nights for years due to their sleep apnea, these machines are a lifeline, despite the temporary side effects. If you find that you have difficulty breathing whenever you fall asleep then you may be suffering from sleep apnea. It is well worth contacting your doctor to find out whether they will give you a prescription for one of the machines.