Posted by Apnea
Dated: 19 Dec 2009
The best course of treatment for sleep apnea as far as doctors are concerned is called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). C P A P blows air into the sleeper’s airway through a mask fitted over the nose and mouth, forcing the air way to stay open and eliminating both snoring and apnea episodes. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the effective noninvasive medical treatment to eliminate snoring and prevent sleep apnea. The CPAP consists of a portable machine that has a mask, tubes and fan. The patient is required to wear the sealed mask that is connected to a long hose, over the nose during sleep.
Cpap prevents the upper airway disturbance by pushing a constant steady stream of air through a mask worn while sleeping, effectively forcing the air passages to stay open allowing a patient to breathe, and alleviates the apneas. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)- this treatment requires the patient to wear a mask covering the mouth and/or nose during sleep. An air blower is attached to the mask, forcing air into the upper airway. This constant and continuous air pressure can be regulated and prevents the tissue in the back of the throat from collapsing during sleep. CPAP is not a cure-all, it is required the patient use the device regularly and follow the doctor’s instructions to avoid apnea episodes. One type of treatment for sleep apnea is called continuous positive airway pressure, i.e. CPAP. This is a machine that helps regulate the pressure to your airway and maintains your breathing. There are a variety of machines and masks available, but they are all basically the same. There are masks that fit just over the nose, and mouth or one that uses prongs inserted into the nose. Air pressure through the mask keeps the throat open and clears the obstructions thus allowing you to breathe normally. Some machines even learn your breathing patterns and help you regulate the pressure accordingly throughout the night.
Another great advantage of automatic CPAP machines is that they’re really two machines in one. You get a CPAP machine which adjusts pressure automatically, and you also get a machine which can be set to deliver a constant pressure just like a regular CPAP machine. This flexibility in functionality is attractive to many CPAP users, especially to those who are using CPAP equipment for the first time.
Posted by Apnea
Dated: 19 Dec 2009
CPAP, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, is the standard treatment for sleep apnea sufferers. In order to receive effective treatments, you need the proper CPAP equipment. That means you need both a quality CPAP machine to deliver the positive air stream in the first place and you need a quality CPAP mask as well.Each piece of equipment is important to the success of the treatment but the CPAP mask (also known as an apnea mask) is the more personal item and maybe the most vital. It has to fit the contours of your face and it must do so both securely and comfortably. If it’s not secure, you won’t receive the needed air pressure and if it’s not comfortable, you probably just won’t wear it at all.So getting the right CPAP mask is really the key to effective CPAP treatments. The bad news is, you may have to try more than one before you find something that works for you. The good news is, CPAP mask prices can be really quite affordable so you don’t have to dip too deep into the old piggy bank.Nasal Pillow MasksThese masks are the smallest masks used in CPAP therapy and usually cost the least. They form a seal against your nostrils and do so with a pillow-like cushion – hence the name. Expect to spend somewhere between $45.00 and $150.00.Nasal MasksNasal –style masks are slightly larger devices. They form a complete seal around your entire nose and give your nose more freedom to move. These masks run in the $60.00 to $180.00 range.Full-Face MasksCPAP full-face masks are the largest of the three styles of mask. They completely cover both the nose and mouth and offer the best alternative for those apnea sufferers who tend to breathe with their mouths while they sleep. They cost between $70.00 and $240.00. CPAP masks are the most personal of items. Take your time before you buy one. Examine as many different CPAP masks and CPAP mask prices as you can. And make sure the one you buy fits you properly and gives you proper value for your dollar.
Posted by Apnea
Dated: 16 Dec 2009
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.
Posted by Apnea
Dated: 14 Dec 2009
The pause of flow of air intake while sleeping is called as “sleep apnea”. This sleeping disorder makes the patient miss one or two breaths while he is asleep. This cycle continues frequently, making the person wake up completely and thereby disrupting the sleep pattern. Thankfully, with the advancements in medical technology there is a perfect solution for this sleeping problem. The use of “continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) Mask” is the best treatment available today for sleep apnea. These CPAP machines where invented by Professor Colin Sullivan in 1981. The CPAP masks commonly referred as the “breathing machines” helps the people to keep the air passage of the body open, so that they can breathe without any interruption. Though the CPAP mask helps the people to sleep well without disruption, many of them find it very much difficult to adjust to the new sleep regimen. Hence it is very much important to choose the CPAP mask that gives a perfect fit.Understanding the working principle of the CPAP masks will help you to choose the best comfortable machine for overcoming the sleeping problem. The CPAP masks resemble the looks of a ventilator but have a very different working principle. Unlike the ventilators, the CPAP machines open up the air passage by creating a positive pressure. These machines only push the air into the respiratory system during the sleep apnea cycle. I.e. These machines only help during the intake of air and the air exhaust is done by our body itself.Wearing the CPAP masks during sleep can make people feel uncomfortable, especially if the mask is bulky, hard, heavy, and noisy or causes skin irritation. People using the CPAP masks face five main problems such as air leakage, pressure from headgear, limited sleep positions, skin irritation and noise. However, with the advancements in technology, all these 5 difficulties have been overcome. The “Cloth Nasal Mask” is a new product that allows the people to continue their CPAP therapy without experiencing the 5 main problems of the conventional CPAP machines. This is how the Cloth Nasal Mask overcomes the difficulties faced by using the conventional CPAP machines:1. The cloth material inflates like a balloon, hugging the skin and thereby reducing the air leakage2. Very little tension is needed in the headgear because you don’t need to keep tightening to headgear to get a good seal.3. With no rigid buckles, clips or faceplates you can sleep in any position of your preference.4. As a non-allergic cloth is used, there are reduced chances for skin irritation5. These cloth masks make use of exhalation holes instead of an exhaust valve so only negligible level of noise is produced. CPAP therapy will be effective only if continue with it, which you will do only if you feel comfortable with the mask used. Hence it is always good to choose the “Cloth Nasal Mask” that eliminates the 5 main factors that causes discomfort.
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: 17 Nov 2009
Millions and millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea, a stoppage of breathing while sleeping that is characterized by loud gasps, physical struggles, and morning headaches as well as tremendous feelings of fatigue and sleepiness during the day. Though there are many different cures for sleep apnea, most people can find a huge amount of relief through the use of sleep apnea masks. They are called C-PAP masks that stand for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure mask. Do not misunderstand; it is not the mask itself that cures sleep apnea. It is important to note that the mask is linked by a lightweight air hose to a machine which makes continuous air that the sleeper is so direly in need of. How this works is that the machine blows gentle air into the nose or mouth of the person wearing the mask. There is just enough air coming through that it keeps the patient’s throat from falling into a downward position that had previously hampered the facility of the patient to breathe. People look at the masks and immediately assume that there is no way they will ever be able to sleep wearing such a thing. Quite the opposite is true, as most people have said that they’ve never slept so well as they have since acquiring a C-PAP machine. Sleep apnea masks come in a variety of types, headgear, sizes and designs. Some are purely oral-air-delivery masks, some nasal-air-delivery masks and some a combination of both oral and nasal-air-delivery systems. The goal of each mask is to obtain perfect fit, sure delivery of air, all while keeping the person comfortable enough to sleep. Soft silicone gels and seals provide comfort. There are even masks that do not even require headgear. Or you may be introduced to nasal pillows that allow the air to come through solely your nose while using a mask. The machines themselves sometimes come integrated with heated humidifiers, are easy to transport for travel, and have settings chosen by your doctor that are individualized to especially serve your needs. New technology has been applied to the standard C-PAP machine. There is now have a BiPAP machine. BiPAP is the abbreviation for Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure. It actually allows the constant air to be interrupted when the patient breathes out, and that is why it is referred to as Bi-level. This means that you now no longer need to exhale against the constant air pressure. Those who suffer from other breathing problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, find that the Bi-PAP is more than helpful to them. Also, patients who suffer from neuromuscular diseases find it is much easier to use a Bi-PAP than a C-PAP. Those decisions for Bi-PAPs as opposed to C-PAPs are, of course, also made by your doctor or sleep therapist for you. If you suffer from congenital heart disease, you may find that having sleep apnea was the cause of it, or partially the cause. You will perhaps discover that either a C-PAP or sleep apnea masks are just the answer you have sought for many years of restless sleep, night sweats, heart palpitations and feeling as if you do not receive the restful sleep you seek.
Posted by Apnea
Categorized Under:
Sleep Apnea
Dated: 12 Nov 2009
The sleeping problem called sleep apnea is well known today. Certain pauses in the air intake that cause the patients to wake up throughout the night are a major problem faced by many people. People with this sleeping disorder will feel drowsy with severe headache when they wake up. Their whole day will be ruined because of their drowsiness. This article is all about sleep apnea and the treatment options that are available today for this dangerous sleeping disorder.Types Of Sleep ApneaSleep Apnea is classified into three main types such as:Central sleep apnea (CSA), Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and Mixed sleep apnea Before explaining about the different types of this sleeping disorder, we’d like to say that all types of sleep apnea will have the same effects: sleeplessness, drowsiness and severe headache. Now let’s explain more about the three different types of sleep apnea.1. Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)The central type of sleep apnea is closely associated with the brain impulses. Under certain conditions, the brain will fail to send the impulse required to stimulate breathing resulting in some discontinued breath cycle. Central sleep apnea is occurs more often in people who have heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, or congenital diseases. Recent researches indicate that central sleep apnea will can occur as a result of consuming certain kinds of medication.2. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)This sleeping disorder is caused due to the narrowing of the air passage than normal. The obstructive sleep apnea can be related to many other medical problems such as high blood pressure, Heart problems, Weight gain, Constant tiredness, Diabetes, Slow metabolism, Memory/concentration problems, Depression, Anxiety, Sore throat and Dry mouth. 3. Mixed sleep apneaAs the name indicates, this type of sleep apnea is a combination of both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment options available for Sleep apnea:Unlike the past, today there are many treatment options available for the treatment of this sleeping disorder. CPAP therapy is widely used for the treatment of sleep apnea. This therapy involves air that is pushed into the respiratory system with the help of a special device called a CPAP machine. The machine is hooked up to a CPAP mask that resembles a ventilator in looks and pumps air into the air passage when the sleep apnea cycle occurs.The Difficulties of using CPAP masksPeople using the CPAP masks have reported five main difficulties like:* Air leakage* Pressure from headgear* Limited sleep positions* Skin irritation* NoiseThe Solution:All the 5 difficulties associated with the traditional CPAP masks are overcome by a technological breakthrough. Various researches confirm that the latest invention called “SleepWeaver CPAP mask” eliminates all the 5 difficulties involved in the traditional CPAP therapy.