CPAP Machines to Help Alleviate Your Sleep Apnea
Estimates place about 18 million people as sufferers of sleep apnea.
If you are reading this the chances are good that you are one of those people or you know and love someone who is with this condition.
The important thing is that you are recognizing your situation and looking for solutions to help you get a restful night's sleep once more.
You are more than likely aware of the sleep interruptions that sleep apnea can cause but what you may not know is that it can lead to other conditions which are far more serious.
If you are aware or suspect that you are suffering from this condition, then make sure that you seek medical advice promptly.
The good news is that sleep apnea can be successfully treated in most instances, in your home while you sleep, with the use of medical devices known as CPAP Machines.
The definition of sleep apnea is cessation of breathing at night.
In essence, the airway and surrounding muscles contract, thereby reducing the inflow of air to the lungs during sleep.
These periods of breathing cessation can last anywhere from 2 to 30 seconds.
Over the course of many years, these periods of interrupted breathing can really negatively affect the health condition of its victims because they are not receiving proper amounts of oxygen to the blood and their sleep patterns are continually being disrupted.
Ultimately, people affected with sleep apnea not only have low levels of energy and awareness from lack of sleep, but they can develop serious additional health ailments such as high blood pressure, heart enlargement (Cor pulmonale), and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).
All of which, can lead to increased incidences of heart attacks and strokes.
The most effective and popular form of treatment for sleep apnea is the use of CPAP Machines.
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine.
CPAP machines are often used for those who are suffering from moderate to severe sleep apnea.
The CPAP device uses a special apnea mask that is customized to fit snugly over a person's nose and mouth.
The device then blows air through tubing gently into the pressurized mask which goes in patient's throat.
The air pressure builds slightly and is pressed against the airway wall using just enough pressure to stop the constrictions.
It does not take much pressure to get the job done correctly and most patients report that they don't even notice what is happening inside their throat.
CPAP machines can also be used to help stop loud snoring.
In this way a CPAP can be used by those who do not have sleep apnea to help keep the throat open to allow the smooth flow of air and eliminate the snoring.
Be aware that the stopping of use of the CPAP machine and mask can lead to the problems associated with sleep apnea or snoring to return, also incorrect use of the device can lead to the effectiveness being reduces or even eliminated all together.
CPAP machines are very complex and often require the use of a technician to install and adjust the equipment as well as to fit the mask properly.
This can be a down point for most patients who would otherwise be aided by the use of the device.
Another point is the fact that every so many months a technician will once again need to come and adjust the device for best results and to check it for maintenance needs.
There are many different types of CPAP machines and masks on the market and they all have special advantages to the user, talk with your doctor to determine which mask and machine style are right for you.
He or she will be happy to help evaluate the level of sleep apnea or snoring disruption that you are experiencing and guide you to selecting the right equipment for your needs.
If you are reading this the chances are good that you are one of those people or you know and love someone who is with this condition.
The important thing is that you are recognizing your situation and looking for solutions to help you get a restful night's sleep once more.
You are more than likely aware of the sleep interruptions that sleep apnea can cause but what you may not know is that it can lead to other conditions which are far more serious.
If you are aware or suspect that you are suffering from this condition, then make sure that you seek medical advice promptly.
The good news is that sleep apnea can be successfully treated in most instances, in your home while you sleep, with the use of medical devices known as CPAP Machines.
The definition of sleep apnea is cessation of breathing at night.
In essence, the airway and surrounding muscles contract, thereby reducing the inflow of air to the lungs during sleep.
These periods of breathing cessation can last anywhere from 2 to 30 seconds.
Over the course of many years, these periods of interrupted breathing can really negatively affect the health condition of its victims because they are not receiving proper amounts of oxygen to the blood and their sleep patterns are continually being disrupted.
Ultimately, people affected with sleep apnea not only have low levels of energy and awareness from lack of sleep, but they can develop serious additional health ailments such as high blood pressure, heart enlargement (Cor pulmonale), and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).
All of which, can lead to increased incidences of heart attacks and strokes.
The most effective and popular form of treatment for sleep apnea is the use of CPAP Machines.
CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Machine.
CPAP machines are often used for those who are suffering from moderate to severe sleep apnea.
The CPAP device uses a special apnea mask that is customized to fit snugly over a person's nose and mouth.
The device then blows air through tubing gently into the pressurized mask which goes in patient's throat.
The air pressure builds slightly and is pressed against the airway wall using just enough pressure to stop the constrictions.
It does not take much pressure to get the job done correctly and most patients report that they don't even notice what is happening inside their throat.
CPAP machines can also be used to help stop loud snoring.
In this way a CPAP can be used by those who do not have sleep apnea to help keep the throat open to allow the smooth flow of air and eliminate the snoring.
Be aware that the stopping of use of the CPAP machine and mask can lead to the problems associated with sleep apnea or snoring to return, also incorrect use of the device can lead to the effectiveness being reduces or even eliminated all together.
CPAP machines are very complex and often require the use of a technician to install and adjust the equipment as well as to fit the mask properly.
This can be a down point for most patients who would otherwise be aided by the use of the device.
Another point is the fact that every so many months a technician will once again need to come and adjust the device for best results and to check it for maintenance needs.
There are many different types of CPAP machines and masks on the market and they all have special advantages to the user, talk with your doctor to determine which mask and machine style are right for you.
He or she will be happy to help evaluate the level of sleep apnea or snoring disruption that you are experiencing and guide you to selecting the right equipment for your needs.
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