Are You A Candidate for CPAP Treatment?
Insomnia is a problem that plagues millions of people in this country. It can be caused by stress, overwork and even breathing problems. Sometimes the reason so many men and women go without a good nights sleep is mild sleep apnea.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder in which a person’s airflow is interrupted in uneven intervals throughout the night. The interruptions of sleep can be mild to sever, waking the sleeper up completely or only in part through the night. These constant interruptions in sleep make for a poor night’s sleep, if any amount of quality sleep is achieved at all.
OSA is experienced by some people on a level that they might not be aware of. They go without a decent night’s sleep without really ever realizing that it is the constant free airflow interruptions that are waking them up and that a CPAP machine can make all the difference.
What is a CPAP Machine?
A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine is an air pressure device with an air tube connected to it. Connected to this air tube is a mask, usually made of plastic, that fits over the mouth and nose. This is worn during sleep in order to deliver constant air pressure that keeps the nasal passages open so there is no sleep interruption.
A CPAP machine can be used for both moderate to sever sleep apnea. While there is the kind of sleep apnea that only wakes up the sleeper, there are extremes of it that can reduce a spouse’s sleep quality as well. A CPAP machine is made for wearing through the night. Their specially-made masks fit comfortably on the face and the tubing can be adjusted to suit the individual’s form and sleep position. CPAP machines have saved countless marriages as a result of their use.
So, how do you know if you are a candidate for CPAP treatment? There are a few sure signs of OSA. These can include:
- Excessive snoring or gasping noises during sleep
- Feeling sleepy or noticeable tired during the day
- Insomnia
- Lack of focus and loss of memory
- Lack of interest in sex
- Feeling irritable or high strung during the day
There are other symptoms like frequent bathroom visits, sore throats and teeth grinding that might be present. If you have four or more of these symptoms, there is a good chance OSA is disrupting your sleep and affecting your health. For some people experiencing one or more of these symptoms, an appointment with sleep study clinic may be beneficial to you.
CPAP treatment is becoming more convenient than when it was first being researched and eventually put into use in the early 1980s. Nowadays, the equipment is lighter, ergonomic and designed for comfort as well as effectiveness.
Types of CPAP Masks
If you suffer from sleep apnea related symptoms and are considering CPAP treatment, don’t worry about how you will sleep with a mask over your face. New CPAP machine masks have become very innovative with the aim of assuring that their wearers experience as little bulky awkwardness as possible.
Full face masks are designed for people who breath with their mouths open when they sleep during CPAP treatment.
Pillow masks are for individuals who prefer as little contact on their faces as possible. instead, they are designed to provide a seal around each nostril.
Nasal masks are made for people who breath primarily through their noses while they sleep.
CPAP treatment is made even easier today because traveling with a CPAP machine is. The machines are getting lighter and the attachments more flexible than ever.
Valley Sleep Therapy is your one stop shop for CPAP, AutoPAP and BiLevel CPAP machines. Browse our online store or visit us in Mesa, AZ today!