Concentrators Compatible with CPAP Machines

Learn About CPAP Compatible Portable Concentrators

CPAP machines deliver continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a constant flow of pressure to prevent the collapse of tissues in the airway during sleep. It’s the collapse of these tissues that blocks the airway, causing periods of apnea (the cessation of breathing). Although CPAP provides an excellent treatment of sleep apnea, CPAP machines alone do not deliver oxygen.

Some CPAP users also require the use of supplemental oxygen, whether because of lung diseases like COPD or one of the comorbidities associated with sleep apnea. Although CPAP machines and supplemental oxygen are frequently used together, they are not the same thing.

Supplemental oxygen differs from CPAP in that the source of oxygen, such as oxygen cylinders or concentrators, delivers only oxygen; they do not provide continuous positive pressure. CPAP on the other hand only delivers pressure, not oxygen.

Many people that wear supplemental oxygen use oxygen concentrators. Concentrators are convenient and create their own oxygen supply, so there’s no need to refill tanks.

Thankfully, many oxygen concentrators available are compatible with CPAP machines. So if you’re someone who wears supplemental oxygen and also requires a CPAP machine, you’re in luck. When choosing an oxygen concentrator that works with a CPAP machine, ensure it has the Continuous Oxygen Dosage setting. Most oxygen-compatible CPAP machines have a port; you simply connect oxygen tubing directly from your concentrator to the CPAP machine. Other CPAP machines require the use of an oxygen bleed-in adapter. Learn How to Connect a CPAP Machine to a Oxygen Concentrator.