The problem of apnea, the cessation of breathing time, is not limited to any gender or sex. It is true that overweight people are more likely to experience symptoms, but no one, old or young, rich or poor, male or female, is immune to problems. But apnea (a word that comes from the Greek ap neus or “without breath”) comes in two major forms.
The more common form, commonly known as “obstructive apnea,” occurs when the muscles of the larynx or throat collapse, sealing the airway. This most often occurs during sleep, so it is not uncommon for physicians to use the acronym “OSA” or “obstructive sleep apnea” to describe the phenomenon. Apnea is “medial” when the lung does not expand for many reasons. This form is mainly seen in children and the elderly.
Introduction to CPAP: How Does It Work?
Obstructive apnea can be treated using a clever little-notus mask such as CPAP or a Constant Positive Airway Pressure machine. The device, when working properly, provides a steady flow of pressurized air through the mask to the apnea patient. This pressure accomplishes what the muscles do not: it clears the air obstruction and allows normal breathing during sleep. Bi-Level CPAP works similarly, but it works at two pressure levels. The pressure is regulated by the times of reduction when the body supports the pressure of the air (at the beginning of exhalation, for example) and to the full value at the potential constriction spot (end of exhalation and during inhalation). Both, however, need adjustment, and it must be obtained in some order.
A standard device includes a compressor unit, a length of tubing, a mask most similar to an oxygen/supplemental air delivery mask and, in most cases, a humidifier. It is designed to be fairly quiet, similar to a low volume air conditioner or a fixed white noise. machine Airflow is adjusted and usually calibrated by a specialist or ear nose and throat doctor who studies sleep. The bi-level design is bilingual in its operation, with a soft hissing or escaping gas when it transfers to a lower level of pressure.
How does it feel?
The most common complaints of users of the device (in either form) are irritation from the mask, dryness of the mouth, nose or throat, and breathing discomfort in moderately stiff air. For some, the benefits outweigh the discomfort, and they quickly stop. For others, the costs outweigh the benefits.
Softer masks, made from modified nitrile or polyurethane, have recently become available on the market and can soon be completely replaced by more rigid masks. However, softer and more beautiful masks come with a price: they cost about three times the rate of their hard cousins and must be replaced often. Some apnea patients, especially those with mild apnea, have achieved enough air pressure delivered through the nasal cannula to be assisted by the device; Most patients do not fall into this category.
As mentioned above, many devices are now equipped with a humidification unit as well as a compressor to relieve dryness of the mouth, nose or throat. However, this means that extra care must be taken with the device to avoid the build-up of mold or algae in the water tank of the unit. And finally, as was said above, the system comes in two basic flavors. A bi-level CPAP device can help with the “breath in the wind” feeling that many users hate.
Contraindications For Use
As mentioned, the CPAP machine was originally created for those suffering from OSA, and the conditions of central apnea sufferers have little effect. While some “centers” report increased breathing, it is by no means universal. Additionally, there is a cost associated with the devices because they are usually not covered by conventional health insurance. diagnosed with OSA can become prohibitively high. Also consider the cost of an overnight sleep study required to calibrate the device.
Then the stairs
If you are, or think you are, an apnea patient, you may want to consider using a CPAP machine. Your primary care physician can refer you to a reputable specialist who can better determine if your symptoms fit. a typical apnea sufferer. Once such a determination has been made, the specialist can better inform you of the treatments available for your condition and help. in choosing the best one for the particular circumstances.
For some, the costs of a CPAP device, both financial and personal, are too high and use of the device is quickly discontinued. Surgical intervention can be used in some of these apnea sufferers, and less severe measures can also improve symptoms in some. However, for many uses, CPAP or Bi-level CPAP guarantees complete sleep, which is not an option in other situations. Many people have contacted me in the past and explained what a difference the machine has made.
Report:
- www.sleepapnea.org Night. Authors: Johnson and Demko. Publisher: New Technology Publishing www.newtechpub.com
