Sleep Apnea Machines
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which the sleeper experiences pauses or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses in breathing can occur 5 to 30 times per hour and can last from a few seconds to minutes. An “apneic event” (cessation in breathing during sleep) lasts 10 seconds or longer. Normal breathing typically resumes on its own, sometimes it is precipitated by a loud snore or a choking sound. Often the sleeper is awakened, even if he or she has no memory of this. The repeated awakenings interfere with normal sleep patterns and can cause long term health issues. Currently, sleep apnea machines, or CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines are the best and most effective way to treat sleep apnea.
There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and a combination of the two. Obstructive sleep apnea, which is the most common form, occurs when the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway. The second form of sleep apnea is central sleep apnea which occurs when the brain does not signal the lungs to breathe. This is due to an instability in the respiratory control center. Central sleep apnea often occurs in conjunction with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea machines are equally effective in treating all three types of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is not easily diagnosed. It does not show up with a blood test, nor can your doctor detect sleep apnea during a routine office visit. Most people with sleep apnea are unaware that they are suffering the condition. It is most often diagnosed because a spouse or bed partner complains of loud snoring, or notices gasping for breath, or pauses in breathing. Once the partner or patient mentions this to his/her physician, a polysomnogram, or Sleep Study is prescribed.
The sleep study is an overnight sleep test in which the patient is hooked up to a computer, and his or her sleep patterns are measured. Data is also gathered on blood oxygen levels and heart rate, as well as stages of sleep and the length of time it takes the patient to fall asleep. Halfway through the night, the patient is then fitted with a sleep apnea machine, also called a continuous positive airway pressure (or CPAP) machine. The same measurements are taken. Data from the patients sleep without the sleep apnea machine and with the sleep apnea machine is compiled. In the morning the lab technician discusses the results with the patient. If sleep apnea is diagnosed, the patient is usually prescribed a sleep apnea machine. Usually the patient is fitted with a sleep apnea machine, or CPAP machine, and can bring it home that same day. Sometimes, a more specific sleep apnea machine or mask will need to be ordered. Follow up is scheduled with the doctor. Sometimes, not often, the sleep apnea machine will need to be recalibrated if the symptoms of apnea are not alleviated.
Who is at risk for sleep apnea? You are more likely to suffer from sleep apnea if you are male. A larger neck size is also associated with sleep apnea, and being overweight contributes greatly to your risk of suffering from the disease. As we age we are also more likely to suffer from sleep apnea because the muscles in the back of the throat, as in the rest of our body, tend to lose some of their tautness. However, sleep apnea is not a disease of the aged, children also often suffer from the disease. A sleep apnea machine is effective in treating both adults and children suffering from sleep apnea.
The most noticeable symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep. The sufferer will also fall asleep easily; during meetings, watching television or reading, sometimes even while driving. People who suffer from sleep apnea also tend to experience extreme tiredness, but often are unaware of that as they have often lived their whole lives suffering from the disease and are accustomed to feeling that way. Once the patient begins using a sleep apnea machine the symptoms disappear almost immediately. The sleep apnea machine requires only basic maintenance and monitoring.
Since sleep apnea doesn’t produce any immediate and significant medical complications many people don’t take it seriously. However, sleep apnea can be quite serious. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk for high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. It also increases the risk for, or worsens, heart failure because of the strain put on the heart. Irregular heartbeat is also more likely, as is the risk of having driving or work-related accidents. A sleep apnea machine can alleviate most of the complications immediately.
There are several treatment options available. Often the first thing your physician will suggest is weight loss, if you are overweight. Also your doctor will suggest that you try to sleep on your side. Special pillows can be purchased to help achieve that goal, or you can attach a pocket onto the back of a sleep shirt and sew a tennis ball into that pocket. The ball will help to keep you sleeping on your sides. Mouthpieces and dental guards can offer help to some. A dentist with expertise in treating sleep apnea can design a special mouthguard which can help keep the soft palate from falling back into your throat. Surgery is also an option. However, none of these options is as successful and non-invasive as the sleep apnea machine.
The most successful treatment for sleep apnea is the sleep apnea machine, or Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) machine. A sleep apnea machine delivers a constant flow of air via a close fitting mask over the patient’s nose or nose and mouth. The pressure is adjusted so that most or all of the airway obstruction is eliminated. There is no risk associated with the sleep apnea machine, and it effectively relieves all risks associated with sleep apnea.
There are several different types of mask to choose from when being fitted for a sleep apnea machine. Take the time to discuss them with the technician working with you, or with your physician. Each mask has its pro’s and con’s. A sleep apnea machine is only effective if it is being used regularly, so make sure your sleep apnea machine is tailored to your individual needs. Having sleep apnea becomes a much less risky disease if you use a sleep apnea machine.