There are many different types of breathing devices. They deliver air in various ways, and we use them for a variety of lung and heart diseases. 

Breathing devices include:

• Continuous positive airway pressure machines (CPAP): These machines provide a constant stream of air through a mask over the nose. We often prescribe them to people with obstructive sleep apnea, it helps keep their airways open at night. 
• Bilevel positive airway pressure machines (BPAP): These machines provide higher pressure when you breathe in, lower pressure when you breathe out. Another option for people with obstructive sleep apnea. Some people find it more comfortable than CPAP.
• Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV): Pressurized air delivered through a face mask. ASV measures your breathing patterns and adjusts the air pressure throughout the night. It’s used for central sleep apnea.
• Oxygen therapy: A tube in your nostrils or a mask delivers oxygen-enriched air from a tank. You’ll have a large tank at home and small portable tanks for when you go out.
• Ventilators: A breathing machine in the hospital, used during surgery or in the case of respiratory failure. It acts like a bellows, moving air in and out of your lungs through a mask or breathing tube. In some cases, you may need a ventilator at home.

You may need a breathing device if you have certain heart, lung, or neuromuscular issues, including:

• Sleep apnea: Breathing issues during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your airway gets blocked or narrowed. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain doesn’t send the body the correct signals to breathe.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Damage to the lungs that results in difficulty breathing. This lifelong condition is usually caused by smoking.
• Obesity hypoventilation syndrome: A complication of obesity where you breathe too slowly and don’t get enough oxygen.
• Neuromuscular disorders: Diseases where muscle weakness can lead to breathing problems, especially during sleep. These include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and myasthenia gravis.
• Interstitial lung disease: Inflammation and scarring caused by environmental factors, autoimmune disease, or side effects of medicine.
• Pulmonary hypertension: High blood pressure in the lungs.
• Heart failure: When the heart doesn’t work as well as it should, fluid builds up in the lungs.

Your doctor will explain how to use your new breathing device. Like most pieces of medical equipment, breathing devices often take some time to get used to. But in the long run, they can help you breathe and improve your quality of life.

Length of treatment

How long you use the breathing device depends on your condition and the reason your doctor prescribed it. For instance, you may be on a ventilator for just a short time in the hospital. Or you may need to use a CPAP machine or supplemental oxygen for the rest of your life.

Your doctor will let you know what’s best for your specific needs.

Caring for your breathing device

We’ll give you instructions about how to take care of your device. It’s key to follow these instructions. You should clean the device regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent the buildup of bacteria and infection.

When to call the doctor

No matter what kind of breathing problem you have, you should call your doctor if:

• You’re getting lots of headaches
• You feel tired or confused
• Your breathing becomes shallow, slow, or difficult
• Your symptoms are getting worse, not better
• Your mask leaks or is uncomfortable