Tag: how do cpap machines work

What exactly is sleep apnea

August 15, 2022 / admin

A sleep condition called sleep apnea causes frequent breathing interruptions while you’re asleep. These pauses in breathing may occur five to more than one hundred times each hour, and they normally last between ten and twenty seconds.

You are abruptly awakened by a sleep apnea episode due to a shortage of oxygen, however most of the time you don’t remember it. But because of these interferences with sleep apnea devices, you spend more time in light sleep and less time in the deep, rejuvenating sleep you need for vigour, mental clarity, and productivity the following day.

In certain circumstances, sleep apnea may be fatal. It can also result in several health issues. It is crucial to take this seriously. Consult your doctor right away if you or your bed mate have any suspicions about sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea types

The most prevalent kind of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea (and is the primary focus of this article). It takes place when, while you’re sleeping, the muscles supporting the soft tissues of your upper airway relax and obstruct the usual movement of air into and out of your nose and mouth. Breathing pauses and loud snoring are often the results of this.

A considerably less frequent form of sleep apnea that affects the central nervous system is known as central sleep apnea. It happens when the brain momentarily ceases communicating with the respiratory muscles. It often results from an underlying medical problem. Rarely do those who have central sleep apnea snore.

Obstructive and central sleep apnea can combine to become complex or mixed sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea symptoms and signs

Since the most obvious signs of sleep apnea only appear while you’re sleeping, it might be challenging to diagnose the condition on your own.

However, you may get around this challenge by having your bed mate watch you sleep or by taking a video of yourself while you sleep. Major sleep apnea warning indicators include pauses in snoring that are followed by choking or gasping.

Principal signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Daytime drowsiness and exhaustion, regardless of how much time you spend in bed
Choking, snorting, or gasping when you sleep

Additional signs

Having a morning headache
Experiencing restless sleep, nightly awakenings, or insomnia
Waking up in the middle of the night feeling out of breath.
Frequently using the restroom at night

Snoring or sleep apnea—which is it?

Not everyone with sleep apnea snores, and not everyone who snores also has sleep apnea. How then can you distinguish between common snoring and a more severe instance of sleep apnea?

The most obvious warning indication is how you feel during the day. You’re less likely to experience excessive weariness and daytime drowsiness if you have normal snoring since it doesn’t negatively impact the quality of your sleep the way sleep apnea does. Another indicator is how you sound when you snore. As previously said, you should be checked for sleep apnea if you are gasping, coughing, or producing any other strange noises.

Remember that even if you don’t have sleep apnea, a snoring issue may interfere with your bed partner’s sleep and impair the quality of your own sleep. You may, however, stop snoring with the aid of some advice and remedies.

Causes and risk factors for sleep apnea

While sleep apnea may affect anybody, some conditions raise the risk:

Sex – Men are far more likely than women to develop sleep apnea, while following menopause, the prevalence in women rises.
Growing older – Although sleep apnea may happen at any age, it becomes more prevalent as you age. The Wisconsin Sleep Cohort research found that its prevalence peaks in people’s 50s and 60s before plateauing.
Weight – People who are overweight or obese have a substantially greater chance of developing sleep apnea than those who are not.
Anatomical variations Tiny upper airways, a small or receding jaw, a long soft palate, a high tongue position, a deviated septum, and enlarged tonsils and adenoids are physical characteristics that might cause sleep apnea.
Smoking – A research by the Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, found that smokers had a threefold increased risk of developing sleep apnea compared to non-smokers.
A neck measurement of more than 16 inches (40.6 cm) for women and 17 inches (43.2 cm) for men

Sleep apnea may also be influenced by allergies or other medical problems that result in nasal congestion and obstruction.

Causes of central sleep apnea and risk factors

Central sleep apnea is more prevalent in males and persons over 65, much as obstructive sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea, however, is often linked to catastrophic illnesses such heart disease, stroke, neurological conditions, spinal or brainstem injuries, in contrast to obstructive sleep apnea. Positive airway pressure (PAP) devices may cause some patients with obstructive sleep apnea to additionally develop central sleep apnea.

The effects of sleep apnea on health

Chronic sleep deprivation brought on by sleep apnea may make you drowsy throughout the day, fatigued, forgetful, and more likely to have accidents and make mistakes while going about your everyday activities.

Additionally, sleep apnea affects the mind. It may bring on irritation and moodiness, as well as anxiety and sadness. Additionally, it raises your chance of developing other severe medical conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.

Diagnosed with sleep apnea

You must consult a doctor—preferably a sleep medicine specialist—to determine whether you have sleep apnea. They’ll assess your symptoms, record your medical background, and do a sleep study.

Optional sleep studies

The most accurate way to diagnose sleep apnea is still a polysomnogram, or sleep study. It is carried out at a hospital or sleep lab, where you will be connected to sensors and watched throughout the night (or sometimes for two partial nights). With the advent of portable monitors that can measure heart rate, breathing, and blood oxygen levels while you sleep, many individuals are now able to be checked in the comfort of their own homes.

Diagnosis

Your sleep study’s findings on the number of breathing episodes you have per hour of sleep, together with symptoms like snoring and daytime tiredness, are used to diagnose sleep apnea.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the severity of sleep apnea is determined by how often you stop breathing throughout the night:

There are three levels of breathing episodes per hour: mild (5–15), moderate (15–30), and severe (30+).

The diagnosis of sleep apnea might be frightening. The good news is that it can be treated. And for the majority, receiving therapy significantly improves their physical and emotional well-being.

This is how to complement your sleep apnea treatment

August 15, 2022 / admin

You know how much sleep apnea may impact your life if you’re one of those people looking for treatment.

There are fortunately excellent therapy alternatives. Treatment for this widespread sleep problem with cpap machines is quite successful in symptom relief and risk reduction. There are more methods you may do to help relieve the symptoms of your sleep apnea.

Although our suggestions are supplementary methods you might assist reduce sleep apnea symptoms, they are not alternative treatments for this medical condition. However, they could aid in making your sleep better, so you feel better all around.

1. Lower the temperature to enhance overall nighttime sleep

60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimum range for sleeping. Although this is generally excellent advice for everyone, researchers studied how ambient temperature affected those with sleep apnea and found unexpected results.

People with sleep apnea reported sleeping better when the room was approximately 61 degrees Fahrenheit, as you may have guessed. They said that in the mornings they felt more awake. Additionally, their sleep efficiency—the amount of time spent in bed actually dozing off—was higher. They slept worse when the room was warmer (about 75 degrees).

But what makes this research so intriguing is that untreated sleep apnea also became worse in colder weather. And if you’re taking care of your sleep apnea, you’ll be able to sleep at the right temperature without worrying about your symptoms growing worse. This suggests that the chilly room temperature promotes better sleep despite increasing sleep apnea symptoms.

2. Unwind with Lavender Scent

Traditional folk medicine used lavender to heal hair loss, con

trol appetite, and ease tension. With its usage in aromatherapy, its popularity is now again on the rise. Many individuals remark that the pleasant scent helps them fall asleep more easily and is peaceful. More study is required even though some small-scale studies indicate lavender reduces anxiety.

However, if you like the aroma of lavender and believe it helps you relax, we advise applying a few drops of lavender essential oil that is wholly pure to a towel. After that, tuck the towel inside your pillowcase or beneath your pillow.

Additionally, you may use an oil diffuser to fill your bedroom with the fragrance of lavender or add lavender to hot water and breathe in the steam.

Magnesium Can Help You Sleep Better

According to one research, those who suffer from sleep apnea had reduced magnesium levels in their body. Higher blood levels of c-reactive protein were associated with those decreased magnesium levels. The liver produces C-reactive proteins to reduce bodily inflammation.

Those who with sleep apnea endure significant oxidative damage at night. Magnesium has strong anti-inflammatory qualities that assist decrease inflammation and may be beneficial for those who suffer from sleep apnea.

Healthy foods containing magnesium include avocados, seeds, almonds, bananas, and leafy greens including kale, spinach, and collard greens. Magnesium levels are high even in dark chocolate. Magnesium supplements are also offered, but consult your doctor before taking any supplement, particularly if you have a health problem that hasn’t been diagnosed or if you’re on any other drugs.

Taking Epsom salt baths before night is another way to increase your body’s magnesium levels. Additionally, a warm bath might aid in preparing your body for sleep.

Use Raw Honey to Relieve Throat Anxiety

Since ancient times, raw honey has been used medicinally to soothe sore throats, lessen swelling, and lessen the intensity of coughing fits.

Honey has well-known anti-inflammatory qualities because of its high concentration of phenolic chemicals, which may function as antioxidants, even though it is not a medication. Patients with sleep apnea benefit from its relaxing effects on the throat as well.

Drink a cup of warm water or tea with one spoonful of raw honey before going to bed. Because processed honey often has extra sugar and fewer minerals and antioxidants than raw, unpasteurized honey, we advise against using it.

Using a humidifier before bed

The air is made more humid using humidifiers. Anyone who has sleep apnea will benefit from this since dry air may irritate the body and the respiratory system.

Additionally, humidifiers may aid in clearing the airways, easing congestion, and improving breathing clarity. Consider putting in some peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus oil to get more use out of your humidifier. You could feel more relaxed if there is a relaxing scent around.

It may go without saying, but always adhere to the cleaning recommendations provided by the manufacturer. If you don’t keep your humidifier clean and sterilized, it might become a breeding ground for mold and germs. Both of which prevent you from breathing comfortably at night or are beneficial for your lungs.

The Mediterranean Diet should take the place of the SAD (Standard American Diet).

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recognized exercise and weight reduction as two effective lifestyle therapy choices because of the frequent links between obesity and sleep apnea. In this article, you’ll learn how and why sleep apnea causes weight gain. Can Sleep Apnea Make You Gain Weight? What You Need to Know Is This.

Although calorie restriction is often the focus of weight management, there is evidence that the Mediterranean diet not only aids in weight loss but may also have other advantages.

One research found that the Mediterranean diet, together with CPAP therapy and exercise, helped apnea patients achieve better Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) scores, which gauge the severity of their condition.

The Mediterranean diet has long been associated with reduced body weight and better heart health. It is based on the traditional eating habits of the nations around the Mediterranean Sea. The diet, which advocates consuming a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, is high in antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Red meat and processed meals are seldom consumed, while poultry, fish, and dairy products are consumed often.

There are simple methods to include the foods advised in the Mediterranean Diet, beginning with substituting olive oil for regular cooking oil, red meat for fish or poultry, and potatoes or french fries for leafy greens. Instead of chips or crackers, snack on fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds.

Exercises for the Throat and Yoga Can Lower Snoring

After reading this, you may decide to take up a yoga mat or start singing in the shower.

When you have sleep apnea, the soft tissues of your mouth and throat relax, obstructing your airway while you are asleep. This might be a temporary or permanent (albeit partial) obstruction. Exercises for the throat, also known as oropharyngeal exercises, have been shown as a potential technique to lessen the severity of sleep apnea symptoms.

There are a variety of throat workouts that include shouting or singing and have been shown to be effective. In fact, one research discovered that regular singing activities reduced snoring’s intensity.

Yoga has two distinct advantages. Yoga strengthens the body via activity while also strengthening the throat through breathing techniques. Yoga helps develop strength, endurance, and offers the health advantages of exercise, including possible weight reduction, which as we know, helps lessen the severity of sleep apnea. However, it doesn’t always burn as many calories as an aerobic workout regimen.

Everything You Must Know About CPAP Machine To Maximize Usage

July 18, 2022 / admin

CPAP machine is one of the most commonly-seen devices that people barely know their essence. Amusingly, most people don’t even know its name. Meanwhile, the life-assisting machine is efficient enough to promote sound and healthy living. Could this machine be the eventual solution for your health issues? Let’s have a detailed check on this device. This comprehensive guide will expose you to the types, uses and benefits of CPAP machines.

What is a CPAP Machine?

First, CPAP means Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Hence, cpap machine is a device that helps send a constant flow of (pressurized) air into the nose and mouth while people sleep. The essence of this practice is to keep users’ airways open, helping them breathe normally all through the night. Click here for essential questions to ask a CPAP machine supplier.

CPAP machine is mostly prescribed for people with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) which causes hindrances in their breathing. OSA occurs when the airways or throat collapses or becomes temporarily blocked.

When you start to notice you have difficulty in breathing while sleeping, CPAP machine could be your best solution. The machine allows you to have a sound sleep at a stretch without waking up at intervals. Not only that users are guaranteed to wake up feeling energized and refreshed.

Are you considering buying a CPAP machine? That’s a good idea! But, before you dash to the market, it is important for you to have a comprehensive knowledge of the machine to make an informed decision and understand how to use it for the best result.

How CPAP Machine Works

CPAP machine features a compressor which generates a steady flow of pressurized air, carrying it through an air filter to a supple tube. The tube supplies cleansed air a well-fitted mask sealed around the nose or mouth

If the machine is in your nose or mouth, it pushes airstream against any obstacles in your airways, creating a free-flow passage to allow plenty of oxygen travel into your lungs. When there’s a smooth inflow of oxygen into your lungs, it helps you have a continuous breathing while sleeping.

No doubt, CPAP machine works efficiently helping you have a comfortable night rest without itch. However, how best it would work for you depends on the type of the mask used. Does that mean the machine comes with different types of masks? Absolutely! And, the type of mask you use has impact on how comfortable you breathe. More so, each type of mask works for different types of Sleep Apnea Disorder (SAP).

So, what are the different types of masks available?

CPAP machines come with a three major varieties of masks. Your healthcare provider would prescribe the best for you based on the level of your SAP. Here’s the breakdown of the different types of CPAP machine masks and their unique functions:

Nasal Pillow Mask: This mask comes with a little cushion that covers only your nostril area to deliver properly channeled pressurized air into the appropriate place. Sometimes, it can also feature prongs that fit well into your nostrils which makes it more productive. This type masks is best for users who has the habit of relaxing in their bed wearing eyeglasses. Since it doesn’t occupy much space in the face, you can easily wear your eyeglasses when the machine is fixed to your nose. This type of mask is also good for users with facial hairs which doesn’t allow larger masks to fit perfectly.

Nasal Mask: This is another cushioned mask that caps the nose area perfectly. It supplies good quality and high-pressure airstream into your airways. This mask doesn’t occupy much space and give users a comfy feel all through the night. This type of CPAP machine mask is good for people that doesn’t stay in a position when sleeping.

Full Mask: this mask comes in a triangular shape and it’s large enough to cover the nose and mouth sufficiently. Meanwhile, this kind of CPAP machine mask is not always recommended except for users that breathe through their mouth while sleeping. It is also the best option for people who have blockage in their noses.

CPAP machine is not the only device available for solving sleep apnea disorder issues. There are a few of other options in the market. These machines are not just alternatives, they differ in functions. Here’s a simple breakdown of how other breathing machines work:

APAP machine: This Automatic Positive Airflow Pressure device helps to check and monitor how you breathe all through the night. You don’t have to bother about frequent adjustments. As the name implies, this machine automatically adjusts the airflow as you change your sleeping position. In case you are on medications, this machine can also the air pressure to compensate for the change in breathing which be caused by the prescribed drugs.

BiPAP machine: The Bi-level Positive Airflow Pressure has two pressure settings: one for inhaling and the other for exhaling. This device is best for people who can’t cope CPAP machines or those with much carbon dioxide in their blood. BiPAP machines also feature a backup respiratory rate which works best for people with central sleep apnea. The backup respiratory rate helps the user to breathe excellently.

Meanwhile, CPAP machine doesn’t operate automatically. It has been programmed to deliver pressurized air at a steady level. if you need to make any changes in the air pressure supply, the only option available is to reset the machine settings and reconfigure the flow according to your preference.

What are the health benefits of CPAP Machine?

CPAP machines has numerous health benefits for users. The most recognized is their ability to supply a continuous flow of oxygen to the body while sleeping to prevent the provoking interruptions in breathing while sleeping. This machine also helps improve ability to sleep soundly and lowers the risk of having stroke, heart attack or other cardiovascular event.

Finally

CPAP machines help solve the problems of sleep apnea by supplying a flow of oxygenated air into your lungs through a tube and a mask to help you breathe more conveniently and adequately. It’s also a sure solution to getting sound sleep that rejuvenate the body. Note that CPAP machine can work according to your needs. You only have to reset to your taste.

Essential things you need to know about cpap machines for sleep apnea

June 25, 2022 / admin

The CPAP is a sleep apnea machine that helps control and pushes out any unwanted piece blocking the easy flow of air in the airways. So, in this article, we will explain in detail the essential things you need to know about the cpap machine for sleep apnea. However, your hundred percent attention is required. Hence, before we dive into facts about cpap machines, it would be nice to kick start with the meaning of sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

SA is a dangerous sleep disorder in which breathing is affected. With sleep apnea, the breathing breaks and flinches repeatedly. On the other hand, one is considered to use cpap machine if one snores noisily during sleep. We can’t describe sleep apnea (SA) without seeing its types. Seemingly, there are three categories of SA. They are; obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome. Also check out: Is LASIK long-lasting

The obstructive SA happens when the throat muscles relax. It occurs when the muscles in the back of one’s throat relax disproportionately to allow normal breathing. Also, central sleep apnea occurs when one’s brain doesn’t send the appropriate signal to the muscles that control breathing. And once the powers holding breathing fail to receive the proper signal from the brain, central sleep apnea will occur.

Hence, what is complex sleep apnea syndrome? Complex sleep apnea syndrome is also known as treatment-emergent central SA. It occurs when one has both obstructive SA and central SA. In other words, it is the combination of the first-mentioned two types of SA.

However, there are common symptoms of this sleep disorder. It could be morning headache, loud snoring, irritability, insomnia, hypersomnia, and difficulty staying asleep. You might be wondering if loud snoring is among the symptoms of sleep apnea. Some people assume that snoring is a natural case that cannot be controlled. That’s not true. When one snores loudly, something is wrong. Of course, such a person might be suffering or battling sleep apnea.

What is a CPAP machine?

CPAP means continuous positive airway pressure. It is a machine commonly prescribed for treating sleep apnea disorders. CPAP is specifically designed to treat and regulate airflow in the airways. Remember, we mentioned obstructive sleep apnea as the most common type/cause of sleep apnea. So, OSA causes interruptions in one’s breathing because one’s throat is temporarily blocked. Hence, a CPAP machine helps to send a steady flow of air into one’s nose and mouth while asleep. This incredible machine is a medical tool that normalizes the flow of pressurized air into one’s nose and mouth. It helps to keep one’s airways open; then, one can breathe normally.

How does the CPAP machine work?

A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine’s compressor (motor) produces a continuous stream of hassled air that journeys through an air filter into a flexible tube. This tube transports purified air into a mask wrapped around your nose or mouth. So, as you sleep, the airstream from the continuous positive airway pressure machine impulses against any obstructions. Also, it opens your airways, so your lungs receive abundant oxygen.

Without anything hindering this stream of oxygen, your breathing doesn’t break in proceedings. So, you don’t recurrently wake up to recommence breathing.

Basic components of CPAP

Continuous positive airway pressure machines have the same essential components. In any CPAP machine, you’ll see the same essential elements. All continuous positive airway pressure machines have a mouth housed in a base unit, a cushioned mask, and a tube that connects the motor to the mask. Not only that, but all CPAP machines also come with a headgear frame, elbow pieces that act as joints, and adjustable straps. That adjustable strap allows one to customize the fit of the device.

Types of CPAP masks

There are different types of continuous positive airway pressure machine masks. Firstly, let us talk about the work of the mask in CPAP. Of course, mask styles vary with several continuous positive airway pressure machines. So, the mask you put on depends on your breathing habits. Also, the type of SA you have will determine the mask you’ll put on. However, below are the types of CPAP masks;

Nasal pillow mask: This mask has a small cushion that caps over the nostril area. A nasal pillow mask has prongs that fit into one’s nostrils. This CPAP mask allows one to wear one’s glasses quickly. This unique CPAP mask performs well if one has lots of facial hair.
Nasal mask: This mask is a cushioned mask that covers one’s whole nose area. It is a better option for those that are not always stable, that is, maintaining a position while sleeping. So, a nasal mask is the best option for people that can’t do without moving around while sleeping. Also, a nasal mask is the best type of CPAP mask that can deliver a high-pressure airstream.
Full mask: This CPAP mask is triangular. It covers one’s mouth and nose. Doctors used to prescribe this CPAP mask for people who breathe through their mouths while sleeping. On the other hand, CPAP full mask can be recommended for people with a blockage in their nose. A full mask is a most-used mask over the years. For the past ten years, many people have found it hard to breathe normally. So, doctors prescribed full mask CPAP to them.

Now, the difference between CPAP and APAP

You’ll be curious to know the difference between automatic positive airflow pressure and continuous positive airflow pressure. CPAP is designed or programmed to produce pressurized air at one steady air pressure level while automatic positive airflow pressure checks one’s breathing throughout the night. The APAP adjusts the air pressure to compensate for the change in one’s sleep position.

Closing thought

Dear reader, we hope you’ve seen something informative here. This article contains the meaning of SA and every other essential fact you need to know about CPAP. Finally, you can have a question(s). Please feel free to ask. We will surely respond to all questions regarding this topic.