Sleep Apnea Devices

Fortunately for sleep apnea sufferers there are solutions. In fact, there are more specialized devices available now than ever before. In this article, we’re going to explore some of these devices, how they work, and the benefits they provide.

Sleep apnea is defined as “a common sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep.” These interruptions of sleep are referred to as apneas. They generally span a period of ten seconds or more and can take place any number of times throughout the course of a night. Those who suffer from this condition often wake throughout the night as a result of their struggles to catch their breath. Often, they will have no recollection of these events.

The CPAP Machine

The most common device is the CPAP machine. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a form of therapy that creates a steady stream of air flow into the lungs in order to make it possible for “uninterrupted breathing and unobstructed airways during sleep.”

This is accomplished with the use of a CPAP machine and a mask worn over the face. The CPAP machine pumps a consistent flow of air into the mask, which keeps your throat open throughout the night. The result is a reduction of snoring, which is often one of the most common signs of apnea.

A CPAP device should be used whenever you sleep, even for naps. And while a CPAP device will generally reduce the number of apneas throughout the night, it does not cure the condition. It simply allows for a better night’s sleep, with more REM sleep. The lack of REM sleep can be one of sleep apnea’s most destructive results.

Some people have difficulty with CPAP devices. They find them too noisy or too uncomfortable, or in some cases they wake up with a dry, stuffy nose every morning (there are devices equipped with a heated humidifier that can minimize this last problem).

The Oral Appliance

The next of the most common devices is the oral appliance. Originally, oral appliances were designed to decrease the incidence of snoring and they did an excellent job. However, with improvements in their design they’ve also become helpful for those who suffer from mild to moderate forms of the condition.

There are a variety of oral devices available. Two of the most popular include the splint and the mandibular advancement device (MAD). The splint keeps the tongue in a particular position throughout the night. By so doing, it allows the air passage to remain open and clear.

The mandibular advancement device (MAD) looks similar to the sports mouth guards that athletes wear for protection. This apparatus forces the lower jaw in a backward direction, which allows for plenty of room for air flow. This encourages you to sleep on your back. It also improves the flow of air into and out of the lungs (although this is less the case for those who suffer from severe sleep apnea).

The oral appliance and the CPAP machine are two of the most common sleep apnea devices. They are also two of the most effective devices. If you’ve been diagnosed with an apnea condition, ask your doctor about the best treatments for you in your particular situation.

David Silva is the webmaster for Sleep Apnea Insights, a website dedicated to sharing information about sleep apnea, sleep apnea masks – FAQ, sleep apnea treatments, and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Silva

David Silva – EzineArticles Expert Author

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/566161

Choosing the Effective Treatment For Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is said to affect one out of every 200 Americans. Between 70% and 90% of affected individuals are middle-aged men and often overweight or obese. However, one should not discount the fact that this condition can also distress both men and women of all ages.

People with sleep apnea may actually stop breathing in their sleep-even for as many as one hundred times-without them knowing it. During any of these times, the person may have an abnormally low blood. He or she may also seem to gasp for air.

Before performing any treatment for sleep apnea, it is important for a person to undergo polysomnography. This is a test to diagnose obtrusive conditions, record the number of episodes and the duration of each, determine the stage of sleep when breathing interruption occurs, measure oxygen saturation, and observe patient’s condition when he or she awakens.

Aside from the results of polysomnography, the treatment that the doctor will recommend shall also be based on the person’s complaints. The health care provider may ask about the person’s insomnia and the sleepiness he or she may be having at daytime. He or she may also be asked about other symptoms such as dry mouth and headache upon waking up or whether he or she is aware of his or her obstructed breathing during sleep.

When the sleep apnea is mild, treatment usually involves making the patient sleep on his or her side. For those experiencing nasal congestion, decongestant therapy may be recommended. For those who are obese, weight reduction is a must.

In a more serious condition, a treatment for sleep apnea called nasal continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP is used. A small mask connected to an air regulator is utilized to keep the nasal passages open.

Shawn Green is the Cheif Editor of http://treatmentforsleepapnea.org, Go here now to discover the latest treatment for sleep apnea options.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shawn_Green

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4696618

Sleep Apnea Devices and Their Side Effects

Some cases of the disorder are remedied with surgical solutions whereas others are more readily treated with sleep apnea devices designed to help the airways remain open during sleep. These can include, CPAP – Continuous Positive Airway Pressure – devices, dental appliances, jaw adjustment devices and even the administration of oxygen during sleep.

CPAP sleep apnea devices provide safe and effective, immediate relief. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. CPAP machines are portable air generators that operate to deliver oxygen at low pressure to the patient via nasal tubing or a full face mask. The job of the air pressure is to push the patient’s tongue forward and open the throat so that air can flow more easily into the lungs.

Side effects

Unfortunately, CPAP sleep apnea devices are not without their own side effects. Some patients report dry eyes, headaches, soreness on the bridge of the nose, skin breakouts around the perimeter of the mask, skin dryness, dry mouth, dry nose and stomach wind. Still, for some patients, not using one of these machines presents more health issues than the associated side effects and could even make the difference between life and death.

Types of machines

CPAP machines are not all the same. There are those that are self-adjusting, some that are adjusted manually and some that are bi-pressure. Some include heated dehumidifiers. Understandably these kinds of sleep apnea devices require a prescription so that the correct machine can be purchased for the patient’s particular requirements. It is important to develop a relationship with your machine retailer because they will stock all the necessary masks, hoses and other accessories that will need to be replaced periodically. Your retailer will be specially trained in the functioning of the machines and will be able to advise on maintenance as well as be able to answer all of your questions.

APAP machines

The APAP sleep apnea device is a machine that operates automatically to adjust the pressure required on a breath by breath basis, to keep patients’ airways open as they sleep. APAP machines are more advanced, and therefore more expensive, than CPAPs but for severe apnea sufferers, the extra expense means enhanced peace of mind.

Dental devices

For those who are fortunate enough not to require comprehensive machinery, there are dental sleep apnea devices that are quite effective. They are portable so ideal for travel and in some instances, they are actually more successful and effective than surgery for some kinds of airway obstructions.

A dental sleep apnea device prevents the patient’s tongue from falling back into the throat and causing the patient to stop breathing, however temporarily. The device simply holds the patient’s lower jaw forward using two full arch acrylic devices that cover the teeth and that are attached to each other. Different models offer different degrees of advancement but medical professionals recommend at least 50% movement for success.

Side effects

Side effects of dental sleep apnea devices include soreness, build-up of saliva, possible damage to the jaw, teeth and mouth and even a permanent alteration to the position of the teeth or jaw. Again, the side effects must be weighed against the benefits achieved to determine the best solution.

Considering the degrees of severity of sleep apnea and the results achieved by some of the sleep apnea devices available to patients, sufferers should invest time in being diagnosed properly. Therapy for the condition is not a one-size-fits-all situation and solutions must be tailor-made for the individual.

Visit medopedia.com for more on the sleep apnea mask and sleep apnea tests

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antoinette_Boulay

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/599460

Sleep Apnea

A CONDITION CALLED SLEEP APNEA

Not breathing for several seconds to even longer times can be a life threatening condition. Often your deep sleep is disturbed by this condition and your rest cycle disrupted. In extreme cases, it has even been found that a person will fall asleep at their work place or, even worse, while waiting for a traffic light to change when driving their car.

People often don’t realize this condition is happening to them. Of course, if their spouse constantly complains they are not breathing when sleeping at night, it’s pretty easy to figure out. Unfortunately, there are no reliable tests for the condition except for the sleep lab test administered at a local sleep center, clinic or hospital.

If you find your sleep being disturbed several nights a week, accompanied by extreme tiredness during the day, you should have the problem checked out by qualified medical personnel.

The condition, called “obstructive sleep apnea”, results from a blockage in the airway most noticeable by loud snoring. The airway collapses and blocks the flow of air to the lungs. This results from the muscles of the airway relaxing during sleep. Usually there’s some loud snorting accompanying the condition..The danger caused by this condition is a stroke or heart attack due to the reduced amount of oxygen in the blood.

So what is the solution to this problem. One is the use of a Continuous Pressure Device (CPAP) which creates positive pressure on the airway. When the condition manifests itself, the positive pressure produced by the device prevents closure of the airway.

The best way to diagnose this condition is in a sleep lab. There you will be wired to sensors around your chest and attached to areas of your scalp and forehead. Your blood oxygen levels will also be monitored. This is not the most comfortable apparel to be wearing when you are trying to fall asleep. But the condition can be effectively diagnosed even when you can’t get a full nights sleep when hooked up to all this apparatus. The monitors and pulse oxygen readings will give your physician a good indication of the nature and extent of the problem.

Once you’ve been diagnosed, you can elect to use a sleep apnea machine to create the positive pressure needed during sleep. A mask is worn over the nose and mouth. The mask for the machine can be very difficult to use until you become comfortable with it. There are several types of masks available and you should be able try out several to find if they are comfortable and usable. There is one that does not cover all of the mouth and nose, using only the nasal passage way as the air inlet area. Another is held in place by the patient’s lower jaw and teeth with light weight straps. Whatever solution, it will no doubt take a few weeks to really determine if you can adjust to such devices. Note also that the air pump providing positive air pressure is going to make some noise. While it is not as loud as early models, the current devices still make some noise and you will have to adjust to that when sleeping.

Another alternative is from your dentist. There have been many successes using a kind of dental plate that causes the lower jaw to extend slightly. This can help prevent the collapse of the airway canal and permit even, unobstructed breathing. Such a device is formed and fitted by your dental profession working in concert with your sleep apnea physician. What about costs? Well the machine runs about $1500 – $2000 to purchase but is covered by Medicare for Seniors. Unfortunately the dental apparatus is not so covered and can range from $500 to $1200. If the latter doesn’t work, your out the cash, though it might be deductible on your Fed Income tax. ( Check with a tax professional).

This short article is not intended to diagnose or treat a sleep disorder. Obviously, you should seek qualified medical advice to determine the nature of your medical condition and what solutions, if any, are appropriate.

For additional resources on SLEEP APNEA see the following:

http://www.sleepapnea.org

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea

Al’s website at http://www.free-affiliate-marketing-tips-and-tools.com is directed towards everyone who wants to establish a viable internet business. Suggestions on how to create a business website, as well as tips and tools accumulated over the years, are offered with cross references to resources available.

This short Sleep Apnea article focuses in on a problem often overlooked or discounted by many sufferers, particularly Seniors. Additional medical resources are presented at the conclusion of the article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Tallakson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3099084