Sleep Apnea CPAP Machine – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
Sleep apnea is both heredity and lifestyle related. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause other health risks including high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Sufferers of sleep apnea are urged to find appropriate and effective treatment for this condition. Medication isn’t always the best answer. There are several breathing devices on the market, such as CPAP machines, to aid in sleep apnea control.
Basically, sleep apnea is an obstruction in the airway passage causing halted and irregular breathing patterns while your body is resting. This can be caused by the surrounding muscles in the neck and throat being too relaxed and essentially limiting airway space. Likewise, obese patients have increased potential of developing sleep apnea.
The most popular breathing device prescribed for sleep apnea treatment is called a CPAP machine; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Usually prescribed in moderate to severe cases, the CPAP aids in providing a continuous supply of oxygen directly into the patient’s airway. The device utilizes a special, customized mask to fit over the patient’s nose and mouth area.
Continuous oxygen is pushed through the device and into the mask. The congested airway passages are gently persuaded to remain open and receive the oxygen, thus limiting the possibility of blockage during sleeping hours. The use of the machine is only effective when the patient actually wears it. It may sound uncomfortable to sleep with a mask on your face all night, however sleeping devices have come a long way in recent years offering custom design options and quieter sounding machines. The restless sleeper who tosses and turns often may find it a little difficult to keep the mask in position.
Breathing devices are used for more than just sleep apnea. They can eliminate snoring as well. From the mild snorer to the loud, obnoxious snorer, the machine is beneficial. While the sleeper may not be totally aware of how disturbing snores can be, the one lying next to or near them can definitely see the obvious bonus in utilizing a CPAP machine.
While a CPAP machine offers a great way to eliminate sleep apnea symptoms, patient’s are often distracted by the complications of setup and maintenance. The machine does require a technician to setup, install and adjust settings. If the doctor orders additional adjustments to the settings, the technician will again be involved. For best results though, it’s best to follow the rules and allow the technician to do his job. Your optimum health is the main concern and these minor inconveniences should seem like a piece of cake when compared to potential complications of leaving your sleep apnea untreated.
Like anything else, there are side effects related to using a CPAP machine. Every patient is different and few experience side effects, but the potential is still present. Dry nasal passages, irritation of skin around the mask and headaches are the most common. Stomach bloating can even occur if the machine is not properly setup and installed with the correct settings. For those who experience side effects, it is recommended to contact your doctor’s office or the CPAP technician for assistance. Treating and even eliminating the side effects is a simple process, but no one knows you are having difficulty if you don’t alert anyone. For instance, those with a dry nasal cavity after using the CPAP could benefit from a nasal spray or other preparation to keep the nasal passages moist during the night.
Today, there are many types of CPAP machines available. Sleep apnea sufferers should talk to their physician regarding treatment options and if the CPAP machine is right for them. Conversely, if you are currently using a CPAP machine and unhappy with the results, your physician should be consulted prior to just stopping treatment. Most sleep apnea patients get a great deal of relief with CPAP machines and are able to get a sound night’s sleep.
