CPAP Machines
CPAP stands for Continuous positive airway air pressure (CPAP) is a specific type of positive airways pressure ventilation where a continuous flow of air above ambient pressure is constantly applied to the nasal passages. This type of ventilation is designed to reduce the amount of time spent in a sleep apnea condition or reduce the amount of pressure in the throat area. Understanding Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder characterized by pauses or interruptions in breathing while asleep. This causes the person to wake up several times during the night. The individual may suffer from other symptoms such as headaches, lack of energy, frequent urination, heart palpitations, and more. This sleep disorder is one of the leading causes of overweight and obesity. Although there are treatments for the symptoms of this sleep disorder, they tend to be temporary and the effects wear off over time. Sleep apnea can occur for several different reasons. It can result from obesity or a medical condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Another cause of this sleep disorder is a person who is overweight. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tissues in the soft palate relax and stop air from flowing through the windpipe when breathing. When this happens, the person stops breathing for a few seconds. Central sleep apnea occurs when the muscles in the upper airway relax while you are asleep, resulting in the airway not being completely blocked. Some signs and symptoms of sleep disorders are hard to spot and may not be apparent. Because there are a variety of different sleep disorders, it is difficult to be sure what the symptoms of sleep paralysis might be because there are not always consistent symptoms. Although some signs and symptoms of sleep disorders are easier to spot than others, the symptoms can become a serious concern if you do not act. The good news is that there are ways for you to learn about these symptoms and get help. What Does a CPAP Machine Do? CPAP Machines is the correct name for a machine designed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A CPAP Machine (sometimes called a "sleep disorder machine") is a special type of medical appliance that is prescribed by a qualified sleep specialist. It is designed to provide you and your doctor with the best possible night sleep by supplying an airway and airflow through the airway during sleep. The goal of the CPAP machines is to help you achieve and maintain a healthy amount of sleep. Obstructive Sleep Apnea, also known as OSA, affects over 90 million Americans, or about 16 percent of the population. OSA is caused by the muscles in the airway becoming relax and falling back into place. This condition, when it causes no other symptoms, causes those affected with OSA to fall asleep easily, wake up easily, and remain alert throughout the day. The problem with OSA is
that the airway muscles relax so easily that it can cause snoring. A CPAP Machine is specifically designed to increase your breathing during the night, thus decreasing or eliminating snoring. The Basic Operation of a CPAP Machine The basic operation of a CPAP Machine is quite simple. First, the air passes through a tube attached to the machine. The tube is equipped with an adjustable valve which can be either closed or open depending on the individual needs. Once the air passes through the tube, the air can then be circulated through the airway, forcing it through the airway walls. If you have OSA, you should use the machine only during the daytime as the machine might prevent you from getting enough rest if it is used during the night. After using the CPAP Machine during the night, it is time to replace the tubes and valves if need be. The Side Effects of the CPAP Machine The CPAP machines that you can find in most home health care centers, hospitals, as well as in nursing homes have side effects that you will want to know about. These side effects include dry mouth, nose bleeds, sinus headaches, coughs, nasal congestion, irritation and sores over the bridge of the nose as well and sore throats.