Treating Sleep Apnea with CPAP

Getting enough sleep is essential for good health. Unfortunately, millions of people suffer from sleep disorders that prevent them from getting the sleep that they need. One such disorder is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Excess weight in the face or neck, or loss of muscle tone in the throat can result in the blockage or collapse of the airway during sleep. The apnea sufferer wakes up in order to restart normal breathing. The stopping and starting ob breathing can occur many times a night, even though the person may not realize it.

Sleep apnea is a potentially life threatening condition which should not be taken lightly. There are several options for treating OSA.

One very successful treatment is use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP devices have were initially developed for treating sleep apnea, but also used for patients who require intensive care and in those with respiratory failure and chronic pulmonary diseases.

A CPAP device can be easily used in the home. It provides a continuous supply of oxygen through a nasal pillow, nose mask or full face mask. The CPAP machine stops apnea by delivering a stream of compressed air which keeps the airway open by use of air pressure.

The correct amount of pressure is determined by a sleep physician after a sleep study, known as a polysomnography, in a sleep laboratory. Air pressure delivered by a CPAP is measured in centimeters of water (cm H2O). A typical CPAP machine provides pressure up to 4 and 20 cm H2O, while most patients require between 6 and 14 cm H2O.

Many prospective CPAP patients may be reluctant to use the therapy because of the perceived discomfort or noise. However, most patients that continue treatment adjust within a few weeks. For those that do, the improvement in quality of sleep and quality of life may be noticed even after the first night's use.

Advantages:

• Other treatments can be used if the patent is not fully satisfied


• A CPAP machine can be used alongside other treatments for other ailments


• Nearly immediate relief from obstructive sleep apnea

Disadvantages of CPAP:

- Dryness in nose and mouth

• Usage of the mask can cause uneasiness


• Blockage in the nose


• The mask can affect the skin and nose


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Sleep apnea is a condition that is estimated to affect upwards of three .....

• The air pressure applied may obstruct deep sleep in some patients


• Leakage in the air supply


• Stuffy nose

A number of CPAP machines are available nowadays. Some of these are:

Auto- adjusting CPAP: this adjusts the pressure according to the intensity of snoring thus providing comfort to the patient.

Standard CPAP machine: this works at a constant pressure and does not have the capacity to adjust according to the needs of the user.

As with all medical conditions seeking medical advice is essential prior to any treatment.

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