Best Sleep Apnea Treatments.com

Do you suffer from fatigue that makes you so tired every day you can’t even muster up the energy for a short walk? Do you live “in a fog” and eat to help you wake up? Do you eat more when you are tired, thus gaining weight and ultimately becoming depressed? Is your lack of energy spinning your life out of control? You may have Sleep Apnea.

Here are some common signs and symptoms to help you decide if you have this sleep disorder:

* Excessive daytime sleepiness

* Loud snoring

* Restless sleep

* Difficulty with concentration

* Depression

* Morning headaches

* High blood pressure

Often it is the bed partner that notices the periods of apnea. The person suffering from the problem doesn’t even realize they have it.

Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing when they sleep. A diagnosis is made by having an evaluation by a sleep disorders specialist and going to a sleep lab for an overnight sleep study. Some patients have been reported to stop breathing when they sleep up to 100 times per hour.

This disorder currently affects approximately 20 million adults and can contribute to other serious health conditions. If you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, heart trouble or are overweight, treating your apnea may improve these conditions as well as make you feel better!

Sleep apnea can be treated easily. The most effective treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This will help keep your airway from collapsing when you sleep and will eliminate your sleep apnea. It can make a tremendous difference in your life, often after the first night of use.

After being diagnosed with sleep apnea and prescribed a CPAP machine, you can finally have the energy you need to go on walks and become more active. You will have the ability to think clearly and plan healthy meals. Your fatigue will begin to disappear during the day and you will be able to lose weight more easily.

If you have obstructive sleep apnea, there’s a good chance you may have been recommended to try a CPAP machine. This is a mask that attaches to a pump at the bedside that blows gentle, positive air pressure through your nose to keep you from breathing stoppages at night. In general, people have a love and hate relationship with their machines. Some people love them, and some absolutely despise them.

What I’ve noticed over the years is that there are 5 common habits and characteristics the successful CPAP users all share.

1. Their top priority is their health. They are open-minded and willing to try strange looking devices and gadgets. What others may think is irrelevant.

2. They are willing to invest in upgrades and devices that regular insurance doesn’t cover for. Most insurances only cover for the basics, and although most people do fine, some need more sophisticated machines or various other masks.

3. They make sure that they are breathing through their nose well all the time. Either they control nasal congestion with allergy medications or use nasal saline routinely. Some even have to undergo surgery to breathe better.

4. They join live or virtual support groups, sharing, learning, and educating within the collective wisdom of these groups.

5. They constantly monitor the data from their machines to work with the sleep doctor and equipment company, making constant adjustments and fine tuning various settings.

6. They surround themselves with a team of doctors and trusted advisors, collaborating with and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

7. They don’t rely only on their machines for sleep apnea relief. They incorporate other healthy habits such eating early, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and finding ways to de-stress and relax on a regular basis.

As you can see, successful CPAP users don’t rely on their machines alone to solve all their problems. They use it as a tool that helps them accomplish their other health goals more effectively. Some people adjust to immediately, whereas others can literally take months to find significant benefits.

Roughly 45% of adults snore, at the very least occasionally. 25% are regular snorers. Snoring that represents a problem tends to be more likely with overweight people and males, getting steadily worse with age. Towards the back areas of the nose and mouth, if there are any obstructions to the airways, snoring is created.

It has come to light recently that there are long term detrimental health effects from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and also Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome (UARS). A range of techniques are available with which to combat this problem. One of these methods is known as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, or CPAP.

CPAP is a contraption that moves air into your airways via a purpose built nasal mask. Enough pressure is maintained by the air flow, during your in-breathing, to keep your airways open. Only you do the breathing though, the machine is literally a facilitator! A range of mask types exist, from minimal lightweight masks positioned more around your nose and jaw area, to larger and heavier types, some looking more like a pair of goggles. Most models have a strap that stretches around the head and a pipe that comes from a pressurizing machine to your nose. Accessories like air filters or humidifiers exist. CPAP is currently the most effective non-surgical method of alleviating problematic snoring.

Your local otolaryngologist will advise if CPAP is suitable for you. If it is you can expect to wear it every night. Additionally a change in lifestyle may well be necessary e.g. quitting smoking, starting a new exercise program or loosing weight.

CPAP has been seen to be almost 100% effective at completely reducing OSA/ UARS. Studies do exist where long-term CPAP use has been less effective, around 70%. Some people have been known to find the equipment quite claustrophobic or hard to use at the time of traveling. In these cases surgery has often been decided upon.

CPAP may be the answer to your sleeping problems if:
– Your friends and family are frequently disturbed by your loud snoring – During the day you are often tired – You frequently wake up during the night – Headaches and tiredness is common in the morning – You have frequent bouts of obstructed breathing whilst asleep

A number of considerations are made regarding lifestyle factors (e.g. cigarettes and alcohol), your cardiovascular condition and your past medical history. In addition your airways will be assessed by a physical and also otorhinolaryngological (throat, nose and ears) examination.

A sleep study will be required, before the CPAP mask is given to you, to set the correct CPAP pressure. Once this final procedure is completed all the appropriate requirements for your condition and usage of CPAP will be understood.

If You’re Unhappy with Your Current CPAP Mask There are Plenty of AlternativesFor anyone with sleep apnea, CPAPs are a way of life. CPAP machines treat sleep apnea and allow people with sleep apnea to sleep normally. Since the CPAP machine must be used every night, it is important to have CPAP masks which are comfortable. Fortunately there are a wide variety of masks available.Full Face Masks and Nasal MasksCPAP masks comes in two major varieties. There are full face masks, which cover the nose and mouth, and there are nasal masks that only cover the nose. Which one is necessary varies on a patient to patient basis, dependent on their nighttime breathing patterns. If the patient occasionally or frequently breathes through his or her mouth while sleeping, a full face mask will probably be necessary. On the other hand, if the patient only breathes through his or her nose during sleep, then a nasal mask would probably be the best option.Full face masks and nasal masks function the same way, full face masks simply cover the patient’s mouth in addition to covering his or her nose. However, because they are smaller, nasal masks tend to be more comfortable. Given the option between a CPAP full face mask and a CPAP nasal mask, most patients would pick a nasal mask.Hard Plastic Masks and Cloth MasksWhile many CPAP masks are hard plastic, these usually aren’t the most comfortable. There are several variations available to provide CPAP users the ability to find a mask that they find comfortable. Hard plastic masks with gel pads on them are one option. The gel pads are on the part of the mask which comes into contact with the face, and this makes the mask more comfortable by dispersing some of the pressure between the mask and the user’s face.Cloth masks are another option. These masks are made of cloth instead of being made of hard plastic. Since they are made of a softer material, they are less bulky. Also they can be more comfortable for patients who sleep on their side, because of their malleability.Nasal PillowsNose pillows are a popular option among many CPAP users. Nose pillows are a type of nasal mask which involves small cloth nasal pillows which go over the user’s nose. The patient can breathe through these plugs because they are porous enough to allow air to pass through them. Because there is not an actual mask covering the nose, many people find these to be the most comfortable.There are Many Options to Chose from when Looking for a CPAP MaskWhether a patient prefers a full face mask or nasal pillows, there are plenty of options available for everyone. If you or someone you know is unhappy with their CPAP mask, check out some of the other options. You’ll be surprised what you can find.

It may be difficult to know whether you suffer from typical or excessive snoring. A large part of the problem comes from the fact that it can be difficult to diagnose your own snoring habits while you are asleep. Perhaps the most useful information would come from a spouse, who may be awoken through the night as a result of the snoring. He/she will be more familiar with your snoring and may be able to offer an opinion as to whether they notice excessive snoring.
So, just what is excessive snoring? Perhaps it could best be defined as repetitive, loud, disruptive and continual. Regular snoring is often the result of the airway passages becoming restricted through the night. This is generally caused by the fatty tissues relaxing in the back of the throat and causing a vibration, which is snoring. Excessive snoring, however, may be a sign of something much more serious. In fact, excessive snoring is a direct symptom of sleep apnea. Sufferers of this disorder actually stop breathing on more than one occasion during the night. This results from the airways becoming completely blocked and, if left untreated, sleep apnea may lead to heart disease, a stroke or other serious medical problem.
If you suffer from excessive snoring, it may be time to consider visiting the doctor for a proper diagnosis. If it is determined that you have sleep apnea, you may need treatment to prevent the disorder from causing further problems. If you simply suffer from excessive snoring, there may be various snoring remedies that can curb your nighttime nuisance. Among them, sleeping on your side instead of your back, ridding your home of allergens, losing weight if previously diagnosed with obesity, giving up cigarettes and alcohol, etc. In addition, some anti-snoring devices may be able to stop snoring immediately. One such device, known as the Sleep Genie, is doctor approved and comfortably supports the jaw while keeping the mouth closed during sleep. It is virtually impossible to snore with your mouth closed, which is why the Sleep Genie is popular among snoring sufferers. It is important to remember that the Sleep Genie is not intended to cure sleep apnea, but rather help to eliminate snoring and add better quality sleep.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.
One of the most effective ways to cure sleep apnea is through weight loss. Obesity is one of the leading causes of sleep apnea and, therefore, is a large part of it’s cure. By beginning a well-balanced program consisting of diet and exercise, you will not only be helping to cure sleep apnea, but also taking a big step toward warding off future illnesses associated with obesity.
It is important to remember that only a physician can properly diagnose sleep apnea. This is confirmed through a series of questions and possibly a sleep study, which is when the patient spends the night at a sleep center where there breathing patterns are monitored. After every possible attempt to cure sleep apnea has proven unsuccessful, a physician may recommend surgery. Before electing for surgery, the patient should be aware of all risks associated with the procedure. At the same time, it is very important to cure sleep apnea or suffer the increased risks of heart disease, stroke and other serious illnesses. Many physicians will recommend use of a device called a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device, which provides continual air pressure for the sufferer throughout the night. Some users of the CPAP machine find additional comfort with the Sleep Genie, which helps the mouth to remain closed and prevents the escape of the CPAP air treatments. While not intended as a cure for sleep apnea, the Sleep Genie often provides for better quality sleep to sufferers.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as, or in place of, professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

You or someone you know may suffer from a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This is a breathing disorder during sleep that can have a negative effect on your quality of life when left untreated. The best treatment for OSA is a therapy that utilizes a machine called a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device (CPAP). This air pressure is delivered to your airway by a mask that covers your nose and sometimes both your nose and mouth. The success of your treatment with CPAP will depend on your ability to find the mask that works best for you. One size does not fit all with CPAP masks.

Several different brands and designs of CPAP masks exist. There are nasal masks that fit over the nose and full face masks that fit over both the nose and the mouth, usually preferred by those who tend to breathe through their mouths when they sleep. Nasal “pillows” are inserted into the nares and provide the least claustrophobic effect. With so many choices here are some things to consider before choosing the mask that is best for you.

Do you have a nasal blockage of any type? If you answer yes, then you will probably be better served to use a full face mask as mentioned in the above section.

Do you naturally breathe through your nose or your mouth? Choosing a mask that fits your needs based on this answer will aid in a more natural transition to CPAP therapy.

Do you breathe through your nose and your mouth? Using a full face mask will allow mixed delivery of air to both your nose and your mouth as your breathing patterns change during the night.

Do you ever feel claustrophobic? If so, a mask that provides a free field of vision may suit you better. Masks with obtrusive interfaces may not work well for you.

Do you scuba dive or snorkel? An oral mask slips into your mouth in a similar manner to what you are used to with a diver’s mouthpiece.

Are you comfortable with the feel of a hat or a cap? Masks with headgear are similar in feel to wearing a hat. They are generally lightweight and comfortable.

Would you prefer the freedom of little or no headgear? If so, a direct nasal or oral mask may work for you the best.

Using CPAP to treat sleep apnea can change your life for the better in so many ways. You will feel rested during the day. Your blood pressure can get under control. You will have energy and a desire to get out and enjoy life again. Your organs will get the oxygen they need while you sleep at night. But to enjoy all of these benefits you must choose the best path to success with your machine. This begins and ends with CPAP masks.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the “gold standard” of treatment for patients with sleep apnea. The CPAP machine works by using pressure to send air flowing through the nasal passages, keeping the throat from collapsing during sleep—the main reason why individuals with sleep apnea stop breathing periodically throughout the night.

Why is this important? Most of us are aware that a good night’s sleep is essential. REM Sleep, the time during sleep when we dream, contributes to overall health and proper body function. But during a sleep apnea event, the individual leaves REM sleep many times throughout the night to restart his or her breathing. The result is a lack of deeply restful sleep that seriously affects the body’s ability to function.

There are three different types of CPAP machines:

• CPAP: delivers one continuous air pressure

• APAP: adjusts to your need for oxygen by starting out at low pressure, senses raising the pressure during a sleep apnea event

• BiPAP: uses a higher pressure when you inhale and lower pressure when you exhale

CPAP cannot cure sleep apnea, but it does alleviate symptoms such as:

• Snoring

• Nasal dryness

• Headaches

• Irritated eyes

• Daytime fatigue

• Weight gain

• Changes in mood

• Driver impairment

Unfortunately, getting used to sleeping with a mask on your face and air flowing down your nasal passages is not the easiest thing to do. Some patients decide they cannot get used to CPAP and eventually abandon the machine. Although this can be a serious health mistake, here are some of the reasons why patients feel this way:

• CPAP is highly successful when used properly, but many patients have trouble complying with its usage. Only 23% – 45% of patients have success.

• When used as directed, the CPAP success rate is nearly 100%! Unfortunately, CPAP is difficult to stick to, since the individual must commit to wearing a mask over the nose and mouth every night.

• The mask should be worn all night. Some wear if for 4 hours or less each night and never reap the complete benefits.

• Face breakouts, eye and nasal irritation, mouth dryness, runny nose and sore throat can all be side effects of CPAP.

• Patients with allergies, ‘mouth breathers’, and patients who sleep on their stomachs may find CPAP difficult to use.

Patients who have decided CPAP is not the right treatment for them frequently benefit from alternative treatments, such as oral appliance therapy.

Have you ever noticed how often snoring is used to get a laugh on TV sitcoms and cartoons? Actually, thereâ??s nothing funny about it. Snoring is a serious medical and social problem that can cause social ridicule, sleeplessness, and a host of serious health problems including obstructive sleep apnea. 25% of adults snore habitually. And without treatment, it doesnâ??t get any better. While overweight males are at the greatest risk, women are not immune, and the problem only grows worse as we age.

Why Do We Snore?

Snoring occurs when the passages at the back of the mouth and nose do not have a free flow of air. This is called â??obstructionâ?? and usually occurs when the soft tissues in that area collapse during sleep, causing the tongue to meet briefly with the soft palate (top part of your mouth in the back) and the uvula (the â??bellâ?? in the back of your throat). The vibrations are what cause the snoring sound.

Snorers may also suffer from:

· Poor oral muscle tone. Relaxed tongue and throat muscles can cut off airflow. Deep sleep, alcohol and sleep medications can contribute to poor muscle tone.

· Large tonsils and adenoids. Excess throat tissue can cause snoring. This is why children sometimes snore. Being overweight can cause excess neck tissue, which is why snoring is more common in overweight individuals. Rarely, a cyst or tumors can be the problem.

· Long uvula and/or soft palate. Individuals with a â??long palateâ?? have a narrower opening between the nose and throat that can create noise during the relaxed breathing of deep sleep. A longer than normal uvula worsens the situation.

· Nasal airway obstruction. Stuffy noses do not have a free flow of air. The extra effort it takes to breathe through a stuffed up nose creates a strong pull on floppy throat tissues, causing a snoring sound. That is why some people experience snoring only during hay fever attacks, a cold or a sinus infection.

· Nose or nasal septum deformities, such as a deviated septum, can cause obstruction.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea often begins with snoring, but can be far more serious. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when snoring is punctuated by long absences of sound lasting ten seconds or more that can happen up to 300 times per night. This lack of sound means the individual is not breathing in between bursts of snoring. Health risks are great and include low blood oxygen levels that make the heart work much harder to bring oxygen to the blood.

Individuals affected with sleep apnea sleep lightly and cannot relax deeply enough to allow sufficient airflow to the lungs. The snorer is left with night after night of poor rest, as well as:

· Daytime sleepiness

· Increased mood swings

· Depression

· Impaired job performance

· Hazardous driving, especially if the individual operates heavy equipment

· Elevated blood pressure

· Enlargement of the heart

Have you ever noticed how often snoring is used to get a laugh on TV sitcoms and cartoons? Actually, thereâ??s nothing funny about it. Snoring is a serious medical and social problem that can cause social ridicule, sleeplessness, and a host of serious health problems including obstructive sleep apnea. 25% of adults snore habitually. And without treatment, it doesnâ??t get any better. While overweight males are at the greatest risk, women are not immune, and the problem only grows worse as we age.

Why Do We Snore?

Snoring occurs when the passages at the back of the mouth and nose do not have a free flow of air. This is called â??obstructionâ?? and usually occurs when the soft tissues in that area collapse during sleep, causing the tongue to meet briefly with the soft palate (top part of your mouth in the back) and the uvula (the â??bellâ?? in the back of your throat). The vibrations are what cause the snoring sound.

Snorers may also suffer from:

· Poor oral muscle tone. Relaxed tongue and throat muscles can cut off airflow. Deep sleep, alcohol and sleep medications can contribute to poor muscle tone.

· Large tonsils and adenoids. Excess throat tissue can cause snoring. This is why children sometimes snore. Being overweight can cause excess neck tissue, which is why snoring is more common in overweight individuals. Rarely, a cyst or tumors can be the problem.

· Long uvula and/or soft palate. Individuals with a â??long palateâ?? have a narrower opening between the nose and throat that can create noise during the relaxed breathing of deep sleep. A longer than normal uvula worsens the situation.

· Nasal airway obstruction. Stuffy noses do not have a free flow of air. The extra effort it takes to breathe through a stuffed up nose creates a strong pull on floppy throat tissues, causing a snoring sound. That is why some people experience snoring only during hay fever attacks, a cold or a sinus infection.

· Nose or nasal septum deformities, such as a deviated septum, can cause obstruction.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea often begins with snoring, but can be far more serious. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when snoring is punctuated by long absences of sound lasting ten seconds or more that can happen up to 300 times per night. This lack of sound means the individual is not breathing in between bursts of snoring. Health risks are great and include low blood oxygen levels that make the heart work much harder to bring oxygen to the blood.

Individuals affected with sleep apnea sleep lightly and cannot relax deeply enough to allow sufficient airflow to the lungs. The snorer is left with night after night of poor rest, as well as:

· Daytime sleepiness

· Increased mood swings

· Depression

· Impaired job performance

· Hazardous driving, especially if the individual operates heavy equipment

· Elevated blood pressure

· Enlargement of the heart

Sleep Apnea is a serious condition that causes the patient to stop breathing for short periods throughout the night. It keeps the patient from getting a good night sleep but it also has more serious repercussions. It has been estimated that 104 people die each day from sleep apnea related cardiovascular disease. It is also estimated that there are 18 million sleep apnea sufferers in the United States and only 10 – 15% are even diagnosed. Even more significant is that those who comply with their treatment may only be 40% of those who were prescribed treatment.
Admittedly, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is difficult to get used to. It requires the sleep apnea patient to wear a mask while sleeping that provides a pressurized airflow. Pillows are often a hindrance to using the mask for the CPAP sufferer. The problem is not as significant when sleeping on one’s back but many people prefer to sleep on their sides. This is difficult with a normal bed pillow and a CPAP machine. The pillow will often push against the mask of the CPAP aparatus putting pressure on the mask and face of the wearer. This will cause discomfort but more importantly it can break the seal of the mask making treatment ineffective.
A new patent pending pillow to help eliminate these problems for CPAP users is now available. The designer of this pillow is a CPAP user himself so he is very aware of the issues and problems associated with sleeping with the CPAP mask. He knows the difficulty of getting used to the CPAP machine and he determined to eliminate more complications from rectangular pillows placed on the CPAP wearer.
Key in this specially designed CPAP pillow is the strategic shape to eliminate the pressure on the mask from the pillow when sleeping on one’s side while wearing a CPAP mask. This pillow is contoured in the shape of a butterfly to effectively eliminate pressure caused by a rectangular pillow. The Psyche Pillow is an attractive pillow unlike other CPAP pillows that are scooped out rectangular pillows. The neck support is also an important design feature. Whether the user is sleeping on her side or her back, proper neck support is important in comfort and in providing clear air passageways for breathing.
The pillow is made from a very high quality, American memory foam. Cheaper memory foam from overseas did not meet the quality, longevity and comfort standards like quality foam made in the United States. The inventor strongly supports products made in the U.S. Therefore he has used high quality materials made in the U.S.
CPAP users are also concerned about managing the hose connected to the CPAP mask. A hose that gets tangled or flops around at night is a bother to the apnea sufferer and to his or her partner. Therefore this pillow was designed to hold the hose securely enough not to get tangled or to be a nuisance but it holds the hose loosely enough for the sleeper to move comfortably.
Finally the pillow was designed with an advanced quilted wicking material to minimize heat and perspiration on warm nights while remaining warm and comfortable on cool nights. This pillow also by design helps to manage the body temperature and perspiration of the sleepers face.
If you or someone you love is a CPAP user, you know or need to know the importance of following through with CPAP treatment. There are serious health problems associated with untreated sleep apnea which can shorten the life of the sufferer and diminish his or her quality of life as well. The designer of the Psyche CPAP Pillow decided that something as simple as a pillow should not stand in the way of effective treatment. This pillow is already getting outstanding praise. See what others are saying, purchase this pillow or learn more about it at the website below.