CPAP machines provide relief from sleep apnea for millions of patients around the world. Sleep apnea places people at risk for developing a host of much more serious diseases, and must be diagnosed during a sleep study. After diagnosis, patients will be given their own machine, with the type of mask most suited to their needs. Most machines and replacement parts are covered by insurance policies.
Apnea occurs when patients stop breathing during sleep, causing the body to rouse the patient. Patients either have obstructive apnea, or central apnea. Obstructive apnea occurs then the tissues of the throat and soft palate collapse during the night, obstructing the patient's ability to breathe. Central apnea occurs when the brain does not send the right signals to the muscles which control breathing, causing the patient to stop breathing during the night.
Many risk factors contribute to the development of sleep apnea. Excess weight, excess neck circumference, a naturally narrow throat, or hypertension, may all be physical causes of apnea. Being older than sixty-five, being male, and having a family history of apnea also place a patient more at risk. Certain behaviors, such as prolonged sitting, smoking, and the use of alcohol and sedatives may also contribute to apnea. In addition, having a stroke or a brain tumor may cause the brain to send faulty signals to breathing muscles.
Both central and obstructive apnea may cause other problems. Sleep apnea is associated with a host of cardiovascular diseases, because the sudden drops in blood oxygen place enormous strain on the cardiovascular system. Also, people with apnea are often sleepy and irritable during the daytime, because constant waking makes restorative sleep impossible. Fatigue is especially dangerous while driving or operating heavy machinery.
Sleep apnea is diagnosed during sleep studies. Patients usually spend the night in a sleep disorder center, with electrodes attached to different parts of their bodies. This test, called nocturnal polysomnography, monitors heart, brain, and lung activity, in addition to blood oxygen, while the patient sleeps.
CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A CPAP machine keeps the breathing passages inflated, so that breathing is not interrupted during sleep. Manufacturers have produced a variety of different masks, depending on whether patients naturally breathe through their noses, or mouths. Insurance usually pays for masks to be replaced every six months, because silicone inevitably breaks down, preventing the formation of a tight seal.
Finding the right mask may take time. Unfortunately, most patients go through a trial and error period, as they work to find the mask which allows them to get a good night's sleep. Communicating with a physician is important, and many CPAP manufacturers offer toll-free access to an expert, who may be able to advise patients, to make their experience more comfortable.
Most patients add a humidifier to their CPAP machine, to prevent dried-out nasal passages. Regular care of the mask will maintain performance, as long as patients do not use antibacterial soap, which breaks down silicone. To put an end to sleep apnea once and for all, people should investigate the advantages of using a CPAP machine.
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