Sleep Apnea and CPAP Machine
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
“Apnea” means “without breath” in Greek. Therefore, sleep apnea is a common and potentially dangerous sleep disorder in which an individual will repeatedly stop breathing several times throughout the night. Each pause in breathing, or “apnea”, lasts 10 seconds to several minutes, which poses for some serious health risks. The interrupted sleep schedule causes tiredness, sleepiness during the day, headaches, heart problems and more.
WHAT IS CPAP?
CPAP, or “continuous positive airway pressure,” is a treatment that uses mild, constant air pressure to keep the airways open during sleep. CPAP therapy is the recommended treatment for sleep apnea, in which an individual repeatedly stops breathing during sleep, either due to a blocked airway (obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA) or failed responses from the brain to breathe (central sleep apnea, or CSA).
WHAT DO CPAP SYSTEMS USUALLY COME WITH?
CPAP machine comes with three main parts:
- CPAP machine– This is a device that provides airflow to those who have trouble breathing during sleep. CPAP machines come with a power cord and filter(s).
- CPAP mask- This fits over your nose and mouth; just your nose; just your mouth; or in your nostrils.
- CPAP hose or tubing- This is usually 6 ft. long and connects your mask to the CPAP machine.
Depending on your sleep issues, you may also need a CPAP humidifier, which adds moisture to the airflow to help reduce nasal irritation. Additional accessories and items such as chinstraps and nasal pillows are also available.
HOW CAN CPAP TREATMENT HELP WITH MY SLEEP APNEA?
CPAP therapy provides constant airflow to your upper airway, keeping it open so that oxygen freely flows to your lungs. Depending on your type of sleep apnea needs, the air is delivered through your mouth, nose, or both. Research shows that CPAP therapy decreases daytime sleepiness, especially in people who have moderate to severe sleep apnea. With the increase of good, quality sleep, CPAP users report feeling more energized, happier, and more alert while driving or on the job. CPAP therapy can also lower daytime and nighttime blood pressure. Additionally, sleep partners of CPAP users report getting better sleep because they aren’t disturbed by the loud snoring or gasps for air that occur in those with untreated sleep apnea.
