• Fisher & Paykel
• Omron Healthcare
• Pari Respiratory Equipment
• Puritan Bennet
• ResMed
• Respironics
• Vigor8
• EvoMedical
• Teleflex Medical
• DeVILBISS
• SleepNet
• Tiara Medical Systems
• Viasys Healthcare
• The Homecare Warehouse
• Invacare
• Weinmann
• Friday Medical
• AEIOMed
• Infant Flow Systems

The application of CPAP in emergency medical services is appropriate for the following:
– Pulmonary edema
– Near drowning
Each state or service many have different indications or approved clinical applications for CPAP.

Read the whole PDF if you’d like.

But seriously, this is a pretty useful combination of two devices that are useful in the same place.  My wife needs the humidifier to survive the winter months, and if I had a CPAP machine I could use this combo to fulfill both our needs.  The S8 runs $725 and the Humidaire $260, so for just shy of $1000 this system works for me.

As an aside, a guy at my old job did a sleep study Monday night and found out he has sleep apnea.  I consoled him, but was also able to use the knowledge I’ve recently acquired about CPAP and sleep apnea to reassure him that the doctors have lots of options for helping him.  That felt nice.

The acquisition of Respironics for such a large sum shows that Philips is dead serious and can afford most of the medium firms out there.  Already owning Respironics means Philips probably doesn’t need another CPAP machine company, though if their Respironics unit is threatened by the likes of ProBasics, Resmed, Puritan Bennet, or AEIOMed, perhaps with a new type of CPAP machine or an innovative CPAP mask, Philips may have to buy them to protect its investment.

I don’t know about you, but something about that thing makes me want to run a caption contest.  How about:

Worlds Worst Brass Knuckles

Or maybe they’re sort of an extension of those finger moustache tattoos you keep seeing?  Think about it.

Anyway, if you’re wondering how it works, this image of a Resmed Mirage Swift II Nasal Pillows System complete with the pillow attached.  Imagine yourself wearing this as a CPAP mask, and the unusual product begins to make sense:

• The patient may have trouble with the anesthesia - especially in obstructive sleep apnea cases (as opposed to central sleep apnea), where the problem is physical and often caused by a problem with properly relaxing the airways, the anesthesia may exacerbate the problem and cause dangerous post-surgery issues.
• The morphine can also mess with proper airway relaxation, causing the sleep apnea to flare up and cause problems.
• Pain medications can, again, cause more problems, especially since sleep apnea sufferers are more sensitive to them.
• Sleep apnea is often underdiagnosed, giving doctors no opportunity to prepare for it and have the proper precautions.

Those with mild sleep apnea don’t have much to worry about, but those who rely on a CPAP machine may need to go on one right after the surgery, in order to avoid complications.  Make sure your doctor knows about your sleep apnea, and that he or she is properly prepared with a CPAP machine on hand, if necessary.

• Comfort - if the CPAP mask isn’t comfortable, you may not wear it, and thus endanger your health.
• A proper seal, while not being too tight
• The right fit
• The right size
• The right style

Styles, which are mostly a matter of preference, include the more traditional triangular CPAP masks, like this Optilife CPAP mask, or a slightly larger full-face variation for mouth-breathers.  The headgear is important too, so remember to have a matching chin strap, and you can usually get it in the color of your choice.

There are many kinds of CPAP masks, and no one can agree which one is the best.  Your CPAP mask will be a matter of personal preference.  What brand/style do you prefer to use?  Does the color matter?

“The CPAP system increases the volume of oxygen forced into the lungs, opens up the capillaries, and dramatically improves breathing for a distressed patient,” Tornstrom continued. “With these units we can provide immediate medical treatment to a patient suffering from respiratory issues.”

The CAAS staff has undergone a four-hour training course on the use of the CPAP system, and has a unit in each of its two ambulances. With the portable oxygen tank the CAAS has, the CPAP units become portable and can be taken into homes, other buildings, and emergency situations.