Most sleep apnea patients have heard that CPAP machines can help them breathe better at night, but not everyone understands enough about sleep apnea and sleep apnea machines to make an informed decision about treatment.
For example, many patients are unaware that there are actually three types of sleep apnea: Obstructive, Central, and Mixed Sleep Apnea. Obstructive Sleep Apnea is the most common of the conditions, and occurs when the airway is obstructed (blocked), thus interrupting breathing. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including obesity, smoking, enlarged tonsils or tongue, and more. Conversely, Central Sleep Apnea is primarily a neurological issue, occurring when the brain does not properly regulate breathing patterns during sleep. Mixed Sleep Apnea describes patients suffering from both the Central and Obstructive conditions.
Doctors advise most Obstructive Sleep Apnea patients to improve their breathing at night by using sleep apnea masks and machines, which also come in three types: CPAP, BiPAP and APAP. CPAP, or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines, help patients inhale by creating a steady stream of air. Prescribed for more several cases of apnea, BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) machines support both inhaling and exhaling by alternating between two pressure settings. Last, APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure) machines automatically adjust the level of pressure based on the amount of resistance in the patient’s most recent breaths.
These treatment options might seem confusing, but they are worth exploring, as sleep apnea machines can help patients live happier, healthier lives. For one thing, the restless and unsatisfying sleep caused by apnea can often lead to mood swings, trouble concentrating, and fatigue during the daytime, which can effect everything from workplace interactions to time with the family. Even more seriously, a lack of oxygen to the lungs heightens the risk of number of health disorders, including stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmia.
Fortunately, continual strides in the development of Respironics CPAP masks and machines have made these devices much more appealing to patients than they once were. Two common problems associated with old CPAP products are noise level and irritation, but both of these problems have been all but eradicated in the modern age; CPAP machines have been manufactured to run quietly, in addition to having the capacity to connect to humidifiers, which fight dry irritation. Some machines even come with built-in humidifiers.
Additionally, many patients used to complain that their sleep apnea machines were uncomfortable, but most manufacturers now offer a variety of options for every face shape and set of preferences. You can find a Respironics CPAP mask with built-in padding, for instance, with coverage for the mouth, nose, or both. Many patients even customize their masks with sleep apnea accessories, including cloth mask liners, which help lock CPAP air in while decreasing irritation to the skin. Flexible chin traps are also popular, as these encourage the mouth to stay closed at night to prevent mouth-breathing.
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Article Source: ArticleSpan
Tags: central sleep apnea, sleep apnea machine, obstructive sleep apnea
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