This breathing abnormality is caused by two things - and such a cause determines the kind of sleep apnea that the person is suffering from.
Obtrusive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
This type of apnea is the most common. As the name suggests, this occurs when there is an "obstruction" on the airway.
When you sleep, the muscles in your upper airway relax. You know that when muscles relax, they tend to collapse. Indeed, this is a natural occurrence. But there are dilator muscles that work to keep them from collapsing, so that the air passage remains clear. When the dilator muscles don't do their work effectively, that's when you have difficulty breathing, and sleep apnea occurs.
OSA is treated with the use of CPAP machines. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure. As such, CPAP machines provide a certain level of pressure - and keep it in that level - to prevent the muscles from blocking the airway.
The air pressure required by most patients ranges from 6 to 14 cm H20. Typical CPAP machines can deliver pressures at 4 to 20 cm H20. Of course, the pressure to be used in CPAP machines has to be determined by a specialist. This is established after a series of tests have been conducted. This is the reason why there has to be CPAP trials for new patients - to determine the "appropriateness" of the pressure introduced to them. Incorrect pressure could lead do more damage - than good - to the sleep apnea sufferer.
CPAP machines also come with masks to act as an interface between the person's airway and the source of the airflow pressure. Masks could either be nasal or full-face. CPAP full-face masks - in Toronto or elsewhere - cover the whole face, while nasal masks cover only the nose.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
This type of sleep apnea is caused by an aberration in the central nervous system (CNS). Simply put, the brain fails to properly signal your airways to breathe. The CSA is the less common type, and the more dangerous one. In contrast to OSA patients, those suffering from CSA wake up as a result of reduced levels of oxygen in the brain.
Of course, if you don't breathe, you will have less supply of oxygen, and more of carbon dioxide. The lack in oxygen will signal your lungs to suck in air, and for you to be able to do this, you have to wake up.
The field of sleep apnea is a well-researched one. The internet, for example, has loads of information about this disorder and CPAP machines. There are also a number of alternative treatments methods available, ranging from using dental devices to undergoing a surgery.
So if you suspect that you are suffering from sleep apnea, don't panic. It's not the end of the world.
Consult your doctor. And if it's really sleep apnea that you have, there are many treatment procedures to choose from.
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Sleep Apnea Cpap Machines
Sleep apnea is a painful and arduous sleeping disorder that affects many adults. Not only does the sleeping disorder affect the amount of rejuvenating sleep a person receives, but it also affects their daytime activities and attitude. Many people who suffer from sleep apnea may not be aware of their sleeping disorder and will try to pursue medications and alternative healing to alleviate the daytime problems without realizing that they are not receiving adequate sleep. Luckily, for those who can recognize the symptoms and seek consultation from a doctor, there is a cure. These machines have been helping patients with sleep apnea for nearly three decades. With the proper maintenance and attention, a sleep apnea machine can help rid a person of sleep apnea for the rest of their lives.
Due to the lack of oxygen entering the brain during the sleep cycles, sleep apnea can cause severe headaches during the day. Additionally, many people who suffer from this sleeping disorder report irritability, persistent drowsiness, and a constant feeling of not getting a good night's sleep. While sleeping, patients and their spouses report loud snoring and obstructed breathing (which is a characteristic of sleep apnea). Sleep apnea can negatively affect a person's job performance, as well as their self esteem.
Sleep apnea can continue undiagnosed for long periods of time. In fact, it is usually the spouse of the person with sleep apnea that reports a sleeping problem with their mate. When the problem remains undiagnosed, problem sleepers pursue a variety of alternatives. Some may buy over the counter sleeping aides hoping it helps them achieve a deeper sleep, and others may seek prescription sleep medications to try and alleviate the nighttime arousal. Others may approach alternative healing by pursuing yoga or meditation classes.
Once diagnosed, a person with sleep apnea only needs a prescription for a sleep apnea machine to alleviate their problems. There are a few different types of sleep apnea machines that can help aid sleepers. Apart from the CPAP, there is an APAP. The APAP automatically tunes the pressurized air on a breath by breath basis. There is also the VPAP, which is for more extreme cases of sleep apnea. The VPAP helps with both the inhale and exhale functions during sleep. Sleep apnea machines also offer several optional pieces that can help make the process more comfortable for users. A humidifier moistens the air and can help alleviate the discomfort of dry compressed air. A ramp is another optional feature that temporarily lowers air pressure to help the sleeper fall asleep. Another option is the exhalation pressure relief, which adjusts the pressure during exhalation. Finally, flexible chin straps can be added to help keep the candidate from breathing through the mouth.
These sleep apnea machines are relatively easy to take care of, and are highly portable. The owner's manual can provide detailed information for how to properly care for the specific sleep apnea machine. In most cases, the required maintenance entails a regular cleaning of the hoses and masks, and regularly changing the filters. Additionally, the machine must be checked regularly for any worn out attachments or tears in the connections or fabrics. If the sleep apnea machine contains a humidifying devise, it is pertinent to keep the devise clean of mold and algae. Since continuous unobstructed use of the machine is imperative to successful treatment, the machine is designed to be highly portable. Newer models of machines are incredibly light and compact. The sleep apnea machines usually come with a carrying case and international power units for electric sockets.
These incredibly portable and low maintenance machines are the perfect solution for people with sleep apnea. After several nights with the sleep apnea machines' assistance, sleepers will feel rested and more energetic than they have felt in while.
Both Dhaxel Barqs & Andy West 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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