HomeHealthCPAP:  CPAP Treats Sleep Disorders and Apnea

Apnea Disrupts Sleep: Help with CPAP

For people suffering from excessive, loud snoring, a CPAP sleep apnea machine might be a good option to try. Sleep apnea is one of the common sleep disorders that occurs throughout the United States and causes problems for numerous people. In many cases of snoring, the snoring is the primary problem, but when sleep apnea is involved, snoring is only a symptom of the greater problem. Sleep apnea is, medically, when a person stops breathing for short periods of time while sleeping. Because the body cannot allow itself to remain without oxygen, it will force itself awake to re-open the airway and restore airflow.

Function of CPAP Sleep Apnea Machines

Sleep apnea is harder to treat than ordinary snoring, so the CPAP sleep apnea machine developed as a good way to maintain an open airway. CPAP actually stands for continuous positive airway pressure, and it is a machine that pumps oxygen into the lungs through a mask worn by the sufferer. Because the airflow is pressurized, the CPAP machine prevents the airway from constricting or becoming obstructed because there is a continuous form of pressurized air flowing in and out. The lungs have oxygen at all times, there is never a shortage of air, and the body does not have to awaken repeatedly in the middle of the night to start breathing again.

There are many different brands of CPAP sleep apnea machines that cater to all different kinds of needs and preferences. Some machines have the option to choose different speeds of the airflow, some have different air pressures for inhaling and exhaling, and some automatically modify the air pressure based on the needs of the individual person. There are different-sized units, available at different prices with a variety of accessories.

Although CPAP sleep apnea machines have proven to be effective in nearly all the cases of sleep apnea, some people may find that they are unable to use the machine because it bothers them too extensively while sleeping. A mask must be worn while sleeping to deliver the pressurized stream of air, and some people may be unable to handle the claustrophobic feeling. Other people who travel a great deal may find that carrying the machines with them is too much of an inconvenience. For these people, surgery may be a better option. However, it is a good idea to try CPAP sleep apnea machines before making any big decisions about surgery because the CPAP machines are less invasive, require no recovery time, and have less health dangers.

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