Although CPAP may be the most common of the sleep apnea machines, there are others available. Find out what sleep apnea machine is right for you and what the difference is between them.
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1. Types of Sleep Apnea Machines
Sleep apnea machines exist as a treatment or 'cure' for people suffering
from sleep apnea. The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive
sleep apnea in which the airway collapses during sleep or something like
the soft palate obstructs the airway so that patients can't breath regularly
while sleeping. The objective of a sleep apnea machine is to provide a flow
of air into the patient's airways, thus keeping the airways open and
allowing the patient to breath properly throughout the night. This air
pressure ensures that the upper airway passage is left open to prevent
apneas (pauses in breathing) as well as snoring.
The most widely
used type of these
sleep apnea
machines is the
CPAP or
continuous positive
airway pressure
masks. CPAP
masks come in
three different
varieties:
1. Full Mask - where a mask covers the patient's nose and mouth
2. Nasal Mask - where a mask covers just the patient's nose
3. Nasal Pillow - where tubes are inserted slightly into the patient's
nostrils
2. The machine is fitted with a medical pump joined to a tube, which is then
connected to a full mask, nasal mask or nasal pillow.
Initially, it's common for someone using CPAP devices to experience
discomfort while getting used to the device. In many instances, users find
that they are so uncomfortable sleeping with a sleep apnea machine that
they simply stop using it. However, advances in technology, design and
comfort have brought forth new machines for sleep apnea that are much
quieter and more comfortable. Some of the first devices on the market were
very uncomfortable and cumbersome and didn't allow the user any
movement during sleep. The newer machines allow users the option to
sleep on their sides or backs - as the devices are made in such a way as to
move with the user.
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Resmed masks are masks manufactured by the company Resmed Inc, a
"global leader in the development, manufacturing and marketing of
innovative medical products for the treatment and management of
respiratory disorders, with a focus on sleep-disordered breathing." They
manufacture a wide variety of masks and even make specially designed
3. CPAP masks for men, woman and children. You can find out more about
Resmed maskshere.
Although the most common of the sleep apnea machines are CPAP devices.
there are, however, other types of machines that don't provide continuous
positive airway pressure. There is the APAP autotitration device, which
automatically detects and decreases pressure when the upper airway is
stable and then increases pressure in response to events such as apneas
and snoring.
Also, there is a device that is not generally used for obstructive sleep apnea
patients unless they have trouble sleeping with a CPAP device called a bi-
level or VPAP (variable positive airway pressure) device. This device has an
electronic monitoring circuit which
outputs two pressures - a low exhaling
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pressure and a higher inhaling pressure.
These machines are utilized for a plethora Why We Sleep
of conditions other than sleep apnea What is Insomnia?
including neurological disorders, chest What is Sleep Apnea?
wall deformity, upper airway disorders, What is Narcolepsy?
lung disease and acute respiratory failure. Looping Dreams
For central sleep apnea sufferers and complex sleep apnea syndrome, there
are also servo-ventilator devices which automatically monitor the patients
ventilatory needs on a breath by breath basis and adjusts the pressure
accordingly.