Posted by Apnea
Dated: 3 Dec 2009
If a person is suffering from sleep apnea which is a sleeping disorder characterized by stop breathing repeatedly during sleep, often for a minute or longer and as many as hundreds of times during a single night. Then the most likely recommended treatment will be a CPAP machine. A CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines helps breathe more easily during sleep.
The CPAP machines delivers a continuous stream of compressed air via a hose to a nasal pillow, nose mask or full-face mask, splinting the airway (keeping it open under air pressure) so that unobstructed breathing and allowing a full and restful night’s sleep. The unique pressure setting is determined by a physician who specializes in sleep disorders. This machine has the additional benefit of reducing or eliminating snoring.
The CPAP machines are available in the size of a shoebox or one can fit in the palm of your hand! Moreover it runs very quietly so as not to disturb anyone’s sleep.CPAP machines can be highly effective in treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. In many of the cases, the improvement in the quality of sleep and quality of life due to CPAP treatment will be noticed after a single night’s use.
Today there are so many CPAP machine manufacturers and each and every machine has several models with different feature selections. Before purchasing the machine must talk to your doctor about what features you will require for your unique obstructive sleep apnea treatment. Also consult your medical insurance to confirm which features they will pay for.
Posted by Apnea
Dated: 3 Dec 2009
Sleep apnea is characterized as a sleeping disorder in which a person ceases to breath at various intervals during the sleep. This dangerous sleeping disorder can remain undetected for quite some time. Usually, sleep apnea is recognized by others who witness the sleeping episodes. Fortunately for those with this problem, there are some solutions. A continuous positive airway pressure machine has been developed that presses air through the throat of the sleeping person. This machine has been found to be very effective and can help alleviate some of the adverse daytime side effects of sleep apnea.
Basically, a sleep apnea machine opens the sleeper’s airway with pressurized air through the throat. These masks and machines are not like ventilators. The machines are used only to aid sleepers and give slight pressure when the sleeper ceases to breathe. Unlike a ventilator, CPAP machines create positive pressure while opening the airways. The machine will push the air into the lungs during obstruction to prevent sleep apnea. The apparatus is mainly used at home, and is recommended every night.
As the muscles relax during sleep, the throat of a person with sleep apnea will narrow. When this happen, oxygen in the blood is significantly reduced causing the person to wake. This piece of equipment keeps this from happening by sending a pressurized stream of compressed air through the nose. This keeps the airway unobstructed and allows easier breathing. The machines have been amazingly successful in reducing or preventing sleep apnea, as well as the loud snoring that usually accompanies the sleep disorder.
Some sleep apnea sufferers will begin seeing immediate results after the first night’s use. However, it is not uncommon for users to take time to adjust to the new machine. The contraption looks uncomfortable and breathing on the machine can be difficult for some people. Different candidates differ on their difficulty adjusting to the machine; while some discontinue treatment entirely. There have been some studies that show that cognitive behavioral therapy can help with the adjustment period and keep sleepers at ease with the new equipment.
The custom masks are fitted to each individual face. Finding the correct size is imperative for the machine to fully function. It must create a tight seal around the nose and mouth, or the machine will not have the full effect. CPAP masks are available in many different shapes and comfort levels. They can be made with gel cushions, air cushions, and other comfortable yet fitting materials. They can also come in a smaller nasal mask form that just fits the nose.
There are three main components to CPAP machines: the flow generator, the hose, and the interface. The flow generator is the part of the machine that supplies the compressed air. The compressed air travels through the hose to the interface. The hose is sometimes rigged with a humidifier to help reduce some of the adverse effects of dry compressed air. The interface is the nasal or full face mask. This provides the connection to the sleeper’s airway. Some interfaces even include a lip-seal mouthpiece to prevent the sleeper from breathing through their mouth.
Sleep apnea machines also offer several optional pieces that can help make the process more comfortable for users. A humidifier moistens the air and can help alleviate the discomfort of dry compressed air. A ramp is another optional feature that temporarily lowers air pressure to help the sleeper fall asleep. Another option is the exhalation pressure relief, which adjusts the pressure during exhalation. Finally, flexible chin straps can be added to help keep the candidate from breathing through the mouth.
As with any medical equipment, proper maintenance is essential for proper functioning. Keeping the appliance clean and free from debris is also imperative for full utility. In most cases, this instrument is only available by prescription, and candidates will need to undergo a sleep lab before treatment can start. Nonetheless, the use of CPAP machines can significantly reduce or eliminate sleep apnea.
Posted by Apnea
Categorized Under:
Sleep Apnea
Dated: 13 Nov 2009
Did you know there are approximately 18 million Americans that have sleep apnea? The statistics are staggering if you consider that 1 in 15 people in the U.S. are suffering from this problem every night. Many people suffer from sleep apnea for various reasons. For the person suffering from this disorder, there has to be a solution because this is one problem that can be a killer.Sleep Apnea Machines are one way the person who has this problem can rest a little easier. They are also called CPAP machines for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. This makes it a little more clear. They do exactly what they say they do. They are handy machines with a lot of different features. They have a mask and hose, a Bi-level pressure or C-flex and a data card. Ok, so now you are asking what these are and what do they do. The mask is pretty self explanatory except the one thing it must do is fit properly. If it does not the air can leak out and this is defeating the purpose as well as being an annoyance to someone who is trying to sleep. The main reason the mask may slip is that the person suffering from sleep apnea is supposed to sleep on their side. If you have ever tried sleeping on your side with a mask on your face, you know the pillow can push the mask and make it slip and slide. So you should choose a smaller mask as well as a couple different types. One that sends the air to your mouth and not your nose or one that sends the air to your nose is available. Next is the bi-level pressure or C-Flex. The pressure is either a continual pressure such as the older models had or bi-level. This means the pressure is not as high when you breathe out. Called C-Flex as well this is a feature that if you did not have would make it very hard to breathe out. There is a model that will increase the pressure every so often (usually 5 minute intervals) until the full capacity is reached. There are heated humidifiers that are designed for keeping the airway from becoming too dry. Included as well is a battery pack. They also come with an adapter that you can use to hook to your car battery. A data storage is also available which records the information that it gathers as you are sleeping. The sleep apneas you experience and the amount of sleep you are getting are recorded and stored for a doctor to examine. The data can be stored for up to 9 months if necessary. Using a data card the information can be sent to your doctor or there are ones that you can hook to your personal computer. The method is up to you. The sleep apnea machines come with a choice of AC. It can be used in the U.S. or Europe. The hose that comes with the machine is standard at 6 feet however; you can get longer ones, up to 12 feet. Over 12 feet though and the pressure will not be maintained. If you need a hose longer than 12 feet you will have to use a machine that has increased pressure. Sleep Apnea Machines are very beneficial equipment for those who suffer from this problem. Without these, there could very well be many more people who would succumb to this disease.