Treating Sleep Apnea With CPAP Machines

Written by Fred McConnell

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is characterized when a person's breathing temporarily ceases in a periodic way during sleep. It can happen dozens of times during sleep when the weak muscles supporting the back of throat allow the airway to get blocked.

Normally, the sleeping patterns in a person have five stages that finally lead to a deep sleep. When dreaming and rapid eye moment occurs, it is called deep sleep. But, you will get back to wakefulness after every ninety minutes. If you wake two-three times in the night, you sleep quality is good.

In case of sleep apnea, the victim falls unconscious in the sleep before the brain rouses the body and the airway gets blocked. If you have this problem, you could be going through a passing out cycle and waking up after every few minutes through the whole night. It is definitely going to affect the quality of sleep in two ways.Firstly, oxygen deprivation is harmful for the brain and the sufferer finds it impossible to sleep restfully. There are increased chances of getting heart strokes and attacks

Second thing is that a sufferer goes through the cycle of waking up and going back to sleep after every few minutes; he does not get deep sleep.

Earlier, the diagnosis for sleep apnea snoring was complicated and required the attention of a specialist for one or more nights in the sleep laboratory. Various treatment options have now come in the market. After consulting with the physician, you can use a sleep apnea machine that will monitor the vital signs of your body during sleep. Using a simple apparatus that is worn on the arm does all this and it will allow you to sleep in your bed instead of being at a doctor's clinic. As you will be comfortable in familiar surroundings, it will be easier to monitor the sleep and such analysis would be good for the doctor.

The most effective way of treating sleep apnea CPAP machines. It is a small electric blower, which pushes air into a hose. The hose of the machine is attached to a mask and is held on by straps. The hose will supply enough air pressure that will keep the airway from collapsing while you sleep.

The sleep apnea or CPAP machines have different features like:

Sleep Apnea CPAP Mask

CPAP masks are the most important feature. You should get the right mask or you will feel like leaving the treatment plan for later days. The sleep apnea headgear should fit you well. Mostly, the sleep apnea patients are asked to sleep on their sides, but remember that the mask can slip or leak out the air because of the sideways pressure of the pillow. Users find it pretty unconscious because the other person sleeping besides them gets disturbed. It is essential that you try to fix the mask, push it from the side to prevent the side force coming from the pillow when you move your head.

Bi-level Pressure

Whether you have older models or a bi-level mask, the pressure on both types can be continuous. But, the pressure is lower while exhaling in a bi-level. This is called C-flex. If the mask doesn’t have this feature, you will face problems in exhaling.

Slower Ramping up of Pressure

There are many models of the sleep apnea machine that increase pressure ranging from every 5 min to 30 min, till the full pressure is achieved. In this way, your body gets a chance to adjust to the machine. There are a few models available in the market with a ramping control that can be self-adjusted.

Integrated Heated Humidifier

This prevents the airway from drying out. Some models come with an inhibit condensation feature that forms inside the tube and mask.

Battery

Find out if the machine has enough power to let you sleep for eight hours on an airplane, even when the humidifier or heater is on. In most of the models, the usage time gets reduced because of the heater.

Auto and Manual Altitude Adjustment

Do you travel to high altitude places or fly in airplanes? There are some models available in the market with an automatic altitude adjuster. Others have a manual procedure. The capacity of these models may be anywhere from 7,800 feet to 11,000 feet. Find out if the machine can work in an airplane at a height of 40,000 feet.

Data Storage

Machines also have a data storage feature that can be sent to the sleep center. The data includes information like if the patient shows any symptoms of apnea during sleep and if you are getting enough sound sleep. By seeing the data, your physician can make pressure adjustments in the machine. Ask the machine provider if the data of one night or nine months can be stored.