CPAP Machine Benefits To Apnea Patient

What Is A CPAP Machine Benefits?

It is paramount or important to understand what CPAP stands for. CPAP simply means Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Let us now explain the meaning of each word in the keyword.

• Continuous: Is simply defined as an ongoing action or state without break or interruption.
• Positive: Is something good, desirable or an influence for the better.
• Airway: This is the trachea (A thin-walled cartilaginous tube connecting the larynx to the bronchi, that is the windpipe), which makes up the respiratory system.
• Pressure: A force or pressing applied to a surface.
• Machine: This is a mechanical or electrical device that performs or assists in the performance of human tasks, whether physical, computational, laborious or for entertainment.

With the definition of the keyword (CPAP MACHINE) in mind, we can now say knowledgeably that CPAP machine is equipment used as a therapy for the common treatment of sleep apnea.

However, sleep apnea is simply defined as a common disorder whereby there are one or more pauses in breathing or there is shallow breath while sleeping, breathing resumes after a few seconds or minutes, sometimes with a loud snort or choking sound.

There are many/different types of such disorder but the most common is the obstructive sleep apnea which occurs when throat muscles airways block and relax during sleep. A noticeable sign is snoring.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy comes in the form of a machine that is used in the treatment of sleep apnea especially the obstructive type. The machine increases the air pressure in the patient’s throat so it doesn’t constrict tightly or collapse when the patient breathes in.

Some basic features of the CPAP machine include the following:

• A mask that usually covers the nose and mouth.
• Prongs that fit into the patient’s nose.
• Some mask covers only the nose and are called Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (NCPAP) this type of mask offers more comfort and less discomfort and as such is much in use and thus are common.

It takes some patients time to adjust to the use of the CPAP machine and patients who cannot adjust are advised to see their doctor who could make adjustment or refer another mask.

But by general standards, CPAP is the most effective non-surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Some of its other benefits include:

1. It reduces daytime dizziness in the cases of those with moderate and severe sleep apnea.
2. Cpap reduces depression and heart related issues especially when uses for 7 hours and above. This is proven by research.
3. It lowers blood pressure for those with moderate and severe sleep apnea.

Problems and Side Effects Involved With CPAP Use

Like every other thing, there are risks or problems attached with the use of CPAP.

Though there are no life threatening or very serious risks attached with the use of the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine but it is important that readers and potential customers be made aware of the use of CPAP machine. Some problems associated with it include:

1. Abdominal bloating, that is abdominal swelling.
2. Dry nose and sore throat.
3. Nasal congestion, sneezing and runny nose.
4. CPAP induced excessive dreaming during early use.
5. Skin and eyes irritation.
6. Nose bleeding in very rare cases.

How to Manage Side Effect

Ways of managing the side effect of using CPAP machine.

• Make sure the mask and nasal prongs fit in properly so as to avoid air leakage.
• Use nasal spray or medication to treat runny or congested nose but such treatment should be recommended or applies by one’s doctor.

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Benefits  

CPAP can prevent serious consequences of obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment can help protect you from those serious health risks:

Heart Disease: CPAP reduce your risk of heart disease. People with untreated sleep apnea have a higher rate of death from heart disease than those without sleep apnea. Using CPAP therapy over a lengthy time can protect you from heart problems and reduces your chances of dying from heart problem. These heart problems include:

• Congestive heart failure.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Coronary artery disease.

Reduces Accidents:  Most people with untreated sleep apnea suffer from daytime dizziness which could cause accidents especially when driving or operating machines, but with the use of a CPAP machine, these effects can effectively be managed and prevented as a CPAP machine reduces daytime dizziness which in turn reduces chances of sleep related accidents.

Types of CPAP Machine

CPAP machine comes in different forms, size and shape and it is essential that buyers know the type that gives them maximum comfort and satisfaction. This part of the article explains the different types of CPAP machines and the type of people they serve and cannot serve.

• Nasal Cushions Mark: This type of mask usually covers the nose. They are good for those who breath exclusively through their nose while sleeping but they are not recommended for active sleepers (those who roll while sleeping) and those who breath through their mouth while breathing.
• Nasal Pillows Mask: This kind of mask does not sit directly on the skin of the nose but instead uses small silicone cones to sit on the nose. They are good for active sleepers but are not good for mouth breathers.
• Full Face Mask: This type of mask covers the nose and mouth and is the most commonly used. It is made of either silicone or gel. It is good for mouth breathers, sinus or nasal issues or those who don’t know what type of mask to use. It is not recommended for side sleepers and active sleepers.
• Hybrid Mask: This mask combines oral mask with a nasal pillow. They are good for those who like to read in bed.
• Total Face Mask: This type of mask covers the entire face (nose, mouth, chin, cheeks, temples and the forehead). It uses a silicone seal to avoid air leakage.
• Oral Mask: This covers the gums and the lips. It is recommended for those who do not feel comfortable with other types of mask. It is not usually recommended because breathing through the mouth exclusively can leave you prone to picking up illness easily.

As has been reviewed and explained, the benefits of CPAP machines are numerous which outweighs the discomfort associated with it. So those with sleep apnea are advised to get a CPAP machine so as to prevent the complications associated with untreated sleep apnea.

Reference
http://www.wikihow.com/Acquire-a-CPAP-Machine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuous_positive_airway_pressure

Categorised in: Tips & Guide