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Sleep Apnea is part of the spectrum of what is called “Sleep Disordered Breathing” or “SDB.” The condition Sleep Apnea is commonly broken into three main categories. The three main categories of Sleep Apnea are as follows:

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)

Mixed Sleep Apnea (MSA)

The three main categories, or types, of Sleep Apnea will be discussed in more detail below. Sleep Apnea is commonly and effectively treated with CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive treatment on the subject of Sleep Apnea. For more information please reference the citations at the end of the article or speak with your doctor.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, the soft tissue of the upper airway collapses during the night and slows air intake, eventually eliminating air intake altogether. When oxygen intake is reduced or eliminated and blood oxygen levels fall significantly, the brain sends an emergency signal to wake up and resume a normal breathing pattern. This process can happen as many as a few hundred times a night for some people with severe OSA. The use of a CPAP machine either drastically reduces these “apneic” events or eliminates them altogether. This results in the restoration of a normal breathing pattern and the CPAP user is able to achieve deep, REM(3) sleep, allowing the body to do routine maintenance and restore many healthful functions in the body.Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)Central Sleep Apnea is similar to OSA in its final effect on the sufferer, however, the mechanism of oxygen reduction is different. The principal mechanism of oxygen reduction in CSA is due to a failure of the brain to send a proper breathing “signal” to the muscles that control the breathing process. This type of Sleep Apnea is more rare than OSA and according to the Mayo Clinic accounts “for less than 5 percent of sleep apneas.”(4) Even though CSA is different in function than OSA, the outcome for the sufferer is the same–reduced oxygen intake through out the night, failure to reach deep sleep cycles and general fatigue throughout the day. Fortunately, in most cases, CSA can be treated with the same equipment that is used for those that suffer with OSA. Most CPAP, BiPAP and APAP machines have sophisticated circuitry which allows for the detection of different types of apneas, allowing the machine to adjust to the needs of the user throughout the night.Mixed Sleep Apnea (or Complex Apnea)According to the National Institutes of Health, Mixed Sleep Apnea is defined as a combination of both Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Central Sleep Apnea. The technical explanation for Mixed Sleep Apnea according to the NIH is as follows: “intervals of ten seconds or longer during which there was a complete cessation of airflow accompanied by an absence of respiratory effort in the early part of the apneic episode and a resumption of respiratory effort in the latter part.” Basically, this means that a CSA-related apneic event occurs, followed by an OSA-related apneic event. Interestingly, according to the study by the NIH, the sequence of events is always from CSA to OSA and never in reverse. In other words, the brain fails to send a signal to breath, resulting in an apneic event, followed by a collapse of the airway that further impedes oxygen flow. This makes sense, as it would not seem vary likely that an airway collapse related to an OSA-type event would cause the brain to misfire a breathing signal, however, a misfire by the brain would include the muscles involved in breathing and may lead to a loss of good muscle tone in the upper airway.

(1)http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea(2)http://www.sleepapnea.org/info/index.html(3)http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-101(4)http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/central-sleep-apnea/DS00995

Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea? Your doctor could prescribe one of two types of sleep apnea machines for your sleeping disorder, a CPAP or BiPap machine. Which one do you believe is the best? The CPAP has been a lifesaver, literally. Keeping airways open so those who have sleep apnea can sleep without the dangers of not breathing.The Differences Between the CPAP and the BiPAPThe CPAP machine is designed to increase the pressure when you inhale to keep the airways in the nose, throat and mouth from closing while you are sleeping. This has been a great help to many people who suffer from sleep apnea and may stop breathing several times a night.On the other hand, the BiPAP machine may help as well. Using the same setup as a CPAP with tubing, masks and a machine, the BiPAP uses a different setting. The CPAP uses one pressure and the BiPAP uses two. These two pressures are called inhalation pressure (IPAP) and the exhalation pressure (EPAP).Where the CPAP works as the person using it inhales, the BiPAP provides more breathing assistance. They have been prescribed for patients who have congestive heart failure and other serious diseases affecting the heart and lungs. People with nerve and muscle problems may also benefit from the BiPAP machine rather than the CPAP machine.The BiPAP is preset with two settings. The pressure when inhaling and exhaling is monitored. When the person sleeping does not breathe for a certain mount of time, the BiPAP increases pressure and forces them to take a breath. There are higher level CPAP machines that do this as well. These machines need a BPM (breathes per minute) setting that is targeted to your particular breathing needs.Both machines are designed to make sure the users breathe a set number of times per minute. One of the main benefits of the BiPAP machine is the pressure is decreased as the person breathes out. This keeps them from having to work as hard at breathing and the person is able to have a more restful sleep.The BiPAP machine is not large or noisy. They are designed to make the least amount of noise possible so you can sleep. The inclusion of a humidifier may be included with the BiPAP making it a higher end machine than the CPAP.The main difference between these two machines will be the needs of the patient. The one that will help each individual with the specific breathing problems they have will be based on doctor’s examinations and recommendations. A sleep test will be conducted to allow the doctor to see exactly what settings are needed on the type of machine required.The CPAP machine will be used for mild sleep apnea. Make no mistake, this can be a dangerous condition. It just depends on the levels of sleep apnea to govern the needed machine. Both machines are quite beneficial and are crucial to keeping sleepers breathing when they have problems.In conclusion, remember, the sleep apnea machines are not designed to be used as ventilators. They do not breathe for you. They merely make sure you take the number of breaths per minute that your doctor believes is right for you. After doing tests to determine what the correct number may be, the doctor will advise you as to which machine he thinks you need.

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.

If you have been sleeping and suddenly you wake up because you cannot breathe, you probably have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea happens when air cannot get into your lungs when you are sleeping. Either your throat stays open and air cannot inhale or your throat will temporary collapse causing you to wake up without breath. This is a scary experience and can cause loss of sleep unless controlled. The sleep apnea usually happens when you are lying on your back, but there have been some cases where it can happen in any sleeping position.
What are some sleep apnea causes? One cause of sleep apnea is when your throat or tongue muscles relax more than normal. If you are sleeping on your back, your throat muscle could relax enough so that your mouth is agape. This will cause your tongue to relax also. Your tongue can slip upwards and backwards inside your mouth and cause you to stop breathing. You will awake gasping for air and feel like you have not breathed in awhile. If this is the cause of your sleep apnea, you could try not to sleep on your back. Sleep on your side or stomach. This could allow you to get a good night’s sleep.
Your tonsils or adenoids being to large is another sleep apnea cause. Surgery is the best treatment if this is your problem, but ask your doctor before you make this decision. Uvulopalatopharryngoplasty is the name of the surgery that removes your tonsils or your uvula. Open your mouth and look into the mirror. The soft piece of tissue is your uvula. Run your finger in your mouth and feel the soft tissue around the uvula. That is another section that can be removed from your mouth so that it will not cover your bronchial tubes while sleeping. This surgery may not help all people with sleep apnea, but it can help some.
Another of the sleep apnea causes is that you are overweight. When you gain weight, you gain weight everywhere. Even the soft tissue in your mouth and at the back of your throat can have fatty deposits that can collapse and block your breathing while you are sleeping. You can get a mouth piece fitted and use this device is you have mild sleep apnea, the mouth piece will keep your tongue down and position your jaw so that the you will be able to breathe properly and get a good nights sleep.
The final cause for sleep apnea causes is that the size of your skull and neck bones is shaped in such a way that when you lie down the bones will force the muscles to close over the throat and your peaceful night’s sleep will be ruined. You can ask your doctor to have a continuous airway device prescribed for you. This is an air mask that you wear while you sleep to keep fresh air going into your throat and lungs. This is for extreme cases of sleep apnea, and it could become quite costly.