CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure and it is the number choice for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea. When a person uses the machine as prescribed they enjoy specific health benefits. There are improvements to the quality of everyday life, increased productivity during the day, alertness, and a reduction in blood pressure and other heart related issues.
Loud snoring every night is a common sign the person has Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The tissue in the airway is collapsing or becoming blocked during sleep which results in shallow breathing or pauses. The pauses can be a few seconds or as long as a few minutes. During these pauses or shallow breathing, the person shifts from a deep sleep back into a light sleep. Being deprived of deep sleep, a person has slower reflexes, poor concentration, and increased risk of accidents. In addition, there is several serious health risks associated with OSA such as stroke, diabetes, depression, heart attacks, high blood pressure, and irregular heart beats.
CPAP is a machine that fits on a nightstand and weighs about five pounds. There is a tube that connects to the device at one end and a mask that fits over the nose on the other. Through the mask a person receives a steady stream of air into the throat to prevent the tissue from collapsing while the person is sleeping.
There are three different types of mask that can be used with the machine. One type is made of silicone and covers the mouth and nose. Another type covers only the nose. Some people feel claustrophobic with these two models and prefer the third, which has two silicone prongs that that fit into the opening of each nostril.
The device is used for treating people with sever OSA and has been found to be an effective treatment. When fitted properly and used on a regular basis, it restores normal breathing during sleep by keeping the air passage open. It is the number one treatment option of most doctors for treating OSA and coronary artery disease. It can also help people with mild sleep apnea.
A person with OSA, using this device, is able to achieve and maintain deep or REM sleep in order for their body to rest properly. The benefits include a reduction in depression and anxiety, and an increase in concentration and memory. Patients are also more alert during the day, experience improvements in productivity at work, and if they have a bed partner, that person also gets a better night sleep due to the lack of loud snoring.
Even with all the health benefits associated with using the device, some patients will discontinue use. Some of the reasons given are because the device is too cumbersome, they feel claustrophobic, it gives them a dry or sore mouth, or the pressure is making it too difficult to exhale.
These complaints are easily solved by making adjustments to the device and choosing a different mask. For a person suffering with OSA, the benefits of using CPAP make sense. If feeling uncomfortable with the device, make adjustments yourself or contact a technician.
Author Resource:-
We specialize in sleep apnea and CPAP Toronto treatment. We carry CPAP Supplies Toronto including CPAP Masks Toronto from leading manufacturers. Profmed Healthcare Solutions 10040 Keele St #3, Vaughan, ON L6A 1G3 (416) 876-2544 (416) 821-5658
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