During the day, muscles in the region keep the passage open and clear; but since there's no bone or cartilage in this area to hold the airway open, when a person with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) falls asleep, the muscles relax and the airway collapses.
Besides interrupting sleep and causing disorientation and "fogginess" during the waking hours, the dangers to overall health are many.
The primary risk factors for OSA are:
Excessive Weight - The accumulation of fat on the sides of the upper airway cause it to become narrow and predisposed to closure when the muscles relax.
Age - Loss of muscle mass is a common consequence of the aging process, leaving the airway narrow and soft. Men have a greater risk for OSA.
Male Hormones - Testosterone can cause structural changes in the upper airway.
Other risk factors include: A receding chin... Enlarged tonsils and adenoids... Use of drugs that affect the Central Nervous System (CNS) such as alcohol, tranquilizers, etc. ... Smoking ... Chronic nasal congestion... and several syndromes such as hypothyroidism, post-polio syndrome, neuromuscular disorders, Marfan's syndrome, and Down syndrome, to name a few. Although to date there is no hard data to confirm this theory, it's also believed that there's a genetic factor involved.
The signs and symptoms of OSA are many and varied and many are not overtly medical. (For example, non-restorative sleep leads to such things as car accidents, bad moods, memory problems, depression and even impotence.)
Some common signs that you may have OSA are:
Loud Snoring - This is perhaps the most common sign that a person's airway is obstructed, and the complaint that initially brings many undiagnosed OSA patients to their doctors for help. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but if other signs are present, as well, it's a distinct possibility.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness - Some people with OSA fall asleep while reading or watching TV. Others experience powerful urges to doze off even in a stimulating environment, such as while driving or during business meetings - even while having sex!
Unrefreshing Sleep - Many OSA patients complain of waking up feeling as if they had been awake all night (usually, they have been, in fact). Then, if they try to refresh themselves with a nap, they usually feel worse after napping than they did before.
Drowsiness While Driving - Statistics show that many car accidents are caused by drivers either nodding off at the wheel or else being too sleepy to be alert.
Morning Headaches - Frequent, unexplained headaches are a common sign of OSA.
Frequent Nighttime Urination - Getting up to use the bathroom several times a night may be caused by an apneic event.
If your doctor does diagnose OSA, then you'll be relieved to know that a CPAP sleep apnea machine will give you relief and protection as soon as you start using it.
If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, and your doctor has prescribed use of a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine, it can be difficult to decide which one will best suit your needs. Because it is not always covered by insurance, and you are going to need it for a long time, it is best to compare the available models before you purchase a CPAP machine. Here are a few factors to consider.
Portability
If you find yourself frequently traveling for business or pleasure, be sure to choose a model that is portable, compact, and easy to take with you. The 420G Traveler, ZzzPap, M Series Remstar Plus DS200, and the AEIOMed Everest 2 CPAP machines are all relatively small, but the Everest 2 is the smallest even with the optional heated humidifier attached. All of these machines are available with an optional DC power supply for you car's cigarette lighter with the exception of the ZzzPap. The AEIOMed Everest 2 is the only CPAP machine that can be run with an optional integrated battery, making it the ideal choice for traveling by airplane.
Heated Humidifier
Clinical research has shown that CPAP patients tend to be more compliant with the addition of heated humidity to their CPAP program. All four machines mentioned above have an optional heated humidifier available, but only the Everest 2's humidifier can also be powered by the DC power supply. When choosing a CPAP machine with the heated humidifier, keep in mind how much space the machine will take up with the humidifier attached.
Adjustable Ramp and Exhalation Pressure Relief
Ramp is used to temporarily lower the air pressure initially to allow the CPAP machine user to fall asleep more easily. The pressure then gradually increases to the prescribed level. Adjustable ramp settings allow the user to set the amount of time it takes for the CPAP machine to reach the prescribed level. For instance, the Everest 2 allows the user to set the ramp time between 5 ? 45 minutes in 5 minute increments.
Some CPAP machines, such as the Remstar Plus, include a feature the decreases the air flow pressure when you exhale. Exhalation pressure relief is usually not a necessary feature, and most CPAP machines that include it are much more expensive.
Most Important - Comfort
Because pressurized air requires a closed seal for it to be effective, CPAP machine users are required to wear specialized masks when sleeping. The comfort level of the masks that are required for CPAP therapy is usually what causes patients to stop use of their machine or avoid purchasing one altogether.
The DreamFit Nasal CPAP Mask is available in three sizes and features soft, stretchable straps. Straps extend around your face and over your head to hold the nasal cushion in place while the breathing tube extends up over your head to allow sleep in any position. Unfortunately, many users find the straps on their face to be uncomfortable, especially when initially trying to fall asleep.
AEIOMed's Headrest with Nasal Seal Kit utilizes a unique fitting system called ?The Perfect Fit?, which does not require any contact with your face. It folds for easy storage or travel and expels exhaust upwards instead of outwards, ensuring that anyone else in your bed is not disturbed. The specially designed nasal pillows prevent chaffing and soreness in your nose and maintain a constant seal, making the CPAP machine more effective and much quieter when used.
Before you purchase a CPAP machine, be sure to look at all of the options and features available to you. The CPAP machine you purchase should adapt to your lifestyle, not vice versa.
Both Andrew Stratton & Richard Chandler are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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